Beginning March 13, parents and guardians in the City of Artesia could be held liable if their child engages in acts of vandalism or graffiti.
The new policy passed the Artesia City Council on Feb. 12. Leaders were motivated to act because of a rise in vandalism and graffiti, as well as a lack of action from the Los Angeles County District Attorney.
Under Ordinance 24-951, parents or guardians of violators would be charged $250 for a first offense, $500 for a second offense within the same year, and $1,000 for each subsequent violation within that year.
"The lack of action by the District Attorney’s Office has made prosecuting minors committing graffiti very difficult but our community still expects action,” Mayor Tony Lima said in a statement. “With the adoption of this Ordinance, we are sending a clear message that graffiti will not be tolerated in Artesia.”