Israel Leon: Graffiti can’t beat us if we work together

Re “Graffiti destroying beautiful city” (Letters, Jan. 16): This is more a battle cry than anything else. Graffiti is the first manifestation of disorder and alienation that develops within a community when its citizens fall asleep and begin to lose control of their community.

We outnumber the vandals 1,000-to-1, yet our streets are full of graffiti. I used to see graffiti as a reflection of myself, like looking at a mirror. I used to just complain at the vandals, but never do anything else – hoping someone else would clean it up. I woke up and now I appeal to the good and courageous citizens who love Modesto to meet this challenge against graffiti. Clean up any graffiti within 200 yards of your homes; take ownership of our city.

There isn’t enough spray paint to overcome a city united and determined to defend its image and reputation. Modesto should meet the challenge with pride and courage. Defend our city as we would our good name.

This story was originally published January 29, 2015 at 3:45 PM with the headline "Israel Leon: Graffiti can’t beat us if we work together."