This is neither the first instance of graffiti in the immediate neighborhood, nor is it the first instance of what can be labeled as gang activity on the stairway. Over the past sixth months or so a group of young people have been hanging out near the top of the stairs on the private property to the north of the Olancha end. About six weeks or so ago there was an incident where bricks from the old fireplace where they hang out were tossed down the hill endangering pedestrians, cars and residents on Oneonta. There have been numerous complaints made to the police but no positive action has occurred to date.
Nothing is more ineffectual than a bureaucrat with a referral number.
I called Ruby DeVera at the council office and left a message. I called the Northeast Division Community Relations Office and left a message on that machine. I left messages with field deputies I know for Councilperson Pacheco and Councilperson Hernandez. The MWA put up matching funds for the stairway mural. Cheri came up Sunday afternoon to document the damage and will follow up with her contacts, notably Senior Lead Officer Ray Ringel.