CalTrans, which is responsible for our city (and state's) freeways, has released some interesting numbers that help put graffiti crimes and cleanup into context. In the past year, CalTrans spent $2.7m cleaning up graffiti along the city's freeways. Predictably, the graffiti clean up, and the amount of graffiti (7,622,234 square feet), is getting all of the attention. Buried in the press release is the fact that a far bigger problem in terms of cost is the $8m spent annually on removing garbage. Graffiti is a crime, and so is littering. One costs our taxpayers more than the other, and the way society reacts should mirror that, I'm sick of hysterical articles in the mainstream press about the massive costs of graffiti. Yes, taxpayers should be annoyed at footing the bill for vandalism (especially toys) but let's put our priorities in order.
Freeway Cleanup: Graffiti Costs 1/3 of Litter ~ Los Angeles
Stay in touch
Sign up for our free newsletter
More from L.A. TACO
This Weekend: Lamb Heart Kebabs Open Until 2 AM, Mapo Tofu Fries, and Free Villa’s Tacos
Plus, Malay-style wings, a collaboration pizza-topped with Philippe The Original's French-dipped beef and hot mustard, and more in this week's roundup.
Rare, Pit-Roasted, Zacatecas-Style Birria —Estilo Moyahua—Is Being Revived In This Inglewood Backyard
This isn’t your average, made-for-Instagram birria. The estilo Moyahua dish is available in goat and also a beef version, for the chiva haters.
11 Dog-Friendly Places in L.A. To Eat, Drink, and Play with Your Loyal Pup
From sit-down taquerías to World Beer Cup-winning IPAs and a place that serves a sushi menu for you and your dog, these spaces go above and beyond for you to kick it with your loyal pups.
Why Is a Major California Supermarket Chain Seeking a Restraining Order From a Favorite L.A. Taquero?
Ralphs has banned the owner of Gracias Señor from its stores and is trying to get a restraining order against him. The taquero who is a DREAMer with a business degree is at a loss to understand why, as he tries to focus on making a living.
The Ultimate Guide to the 25 Best Soups, Chowders, and Stews in Long Beach
Soup is good food. From ramen and pozole, to clam chowder, these are the best 25 soups in Long Beach—just in time time for the first rains of the season. But real talk, these soups hit the spot year-round.