San Antonio, TX

City looking for volunteers for September 29 event

Get ready to pick up a paint brush or roller and rid our community of an eyesore the City of San Antonio is combating on multiple fronts. Individuals and groups are now being recruited to join City leaders and staff for the Fourth Annual Graffiti Wipeout Volunteer Day. Hundreds of people are expected to turn out for this year’s event on Saturday, September 29 from 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Volunteer Graffiti Wipeout crews will be dispersed throughout the city to restore the original appearance of some of our community’s assets. Using tools and paint provided by the City, they will paint over tagged drainage channels, bridge overpasses, buildings and privacy fences. At noon, volunteers will enjoy lunch at Camargo Park, 5738 Castroville Road (must have wrist band for admittance).

“Along with providing opportunities like this for residents and businesses to take back their community, the City is further strengthening its attack on this crime by increasing staffing levels to abate graffiti,” said David D. Garza, director of Housing and Neighborhood Services. “Yesterday, City Council approved seven new positions to specifically target graffiti. With this additional manpower and our recent stepped up patrols of hot spots, vandals face a greater risk of being caught and evidence of their crime will be removed quicker.”

City partners also are committing to a plan of attack on graffiti. As required by an ordinance approved this year by City Council, San Antonio Water System, AT&T, and BexarMet Water District have all created graffiti abatement plans to address the vandalism on their property and equipment. The Texas Department of Transportation has expressed cooperation and support for Graffiti Wipeout efforts. Other utilities and agencies are expected to submit abatement plans soon.

“Graffiti is a crime that is harmful to our community in so many ways. It’s going to take all of our cooperative efforts in government, the business arena and our communities to combat it,” said Garza.

To sign up for Graffiti Wipeout Volunteer Day, e-mail Lisa McKenzie at liza.mckenzie@sanantonio.gov or call 207-5430. Early signup is needed to help staff determine projects for the day. Volunteer work assignments will be provided one week prior to the event.

For more information about the Graffiti Wipeout program, visit www.sanantonio.gov/graffiti or call McKenzie.