How can I report graffiti in Modesto? What if it's on my property? Bee Curious answers

Apr. 19—Graffiti defaces several signs, fences and buildings across Modesto.

When property has been tagged, who can Modesto residents contact to have it removed?

Reader Lynn Telford Sahl asked Bee Curious, a community-driven series where reporters answer reader questions about the Modesto region: "Is graffiti removal still a priority for the city and how does one contact them?"

City spokeswoman Sonya Severo said graffiti removal is "100%" still a priority for the city.

"Particularly if something is gang related or vulgar is reported," she wrote in an email to The Modesto Bee. "It is made a priority right away."

Here's when and how Modesto residents can report graffiti:

Who is responsible for graffiti removal in Modesto?

Graffiti on city property, such as bridges, fences and overpasses, is typically handled by city maintenance crews, Severo said.

"A dedicated team of two are responsible for removal of tagging from city property," she said.

Private property owners, including homeowners and businesses, are responsible for removing graffiti on their property.

How can I report graffiti?

Modesto residents can report graffiti on city property on the GoModesto! app, online, or by calling a hotline at (209) 342-2259.

Tagging on independently-owned utility company properties around Modesto can also be reported directly to the companies themselves, according to the city website.

To report tagging on utility boxes and canal banks, residents can reach out to the Modesto Irrigation District at (209) 577-1529 or (209) 526-7639.

For tagging on equipment owned by Pacific Gas and Electric, including power lines, residents can file a report by calling 1-800-743-5000.

Graffiti on property owned by AT&T, such as utility boxes, can be reported to the cellular company through email.

Freeway graffiti can be reported online or by email to the California Department of Transportation.

"The information is logged and will be entered into the data system so we can appropriately address each incident," the city website said.

Which areas see the most tagging in Modesto?

When it comes to removal, Severo said the city prioritizes "high visibility areas, heavily traveled roadways and thoroughfares."

"Calls are responded to, in most cases, on the same day it is reported," Severo wrote.

The city receives the most reports for graffiti removal along major roadways, traffic signs, light poles and playground equipment typically in east Modesto, she said.

Areas where the city prioritizes graffiti removal include Briggsmore Avenue, McHenry Avenue and Sisk Road.

"The west side sees most tagging, often gang related, but it is rarely reported," she said.

Can I help remove graffiti?

The Tagging Abatement Program, formerly known as "Partners in Paint," is a collaborative effort between the city and the community to maintain "a safe and inviting community."

It aims to educate the public about graffiti prevention and removal, provide resources for response, create community partnerships and raise awareness of the effects of tagging around communities.

As part of the program, the city offers free graffiti removal kits.

For graffiti on property owned by the city, such as light poles, signs and sidewalks, the city provides kits containing solvent, rags, gloves, safety goggles, and a scouring pad for removal.

Removal kits can not be requested for graffiti removal on private property.

To request a kit, residents can call (209) 577-5450.

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