Punishment for graffiti

Re “Taggers spray, parents pay,” Sept. 29

What is the proper punishment if some kid defaces property and scars our city’s iconic murals? A fine is too passive, plus some parents can’t afford to pay the fine. Funding public spaces where tagging would be legal is just crazy, as it would simply reinforce this cultural blight of defacing public and personal property. Why not have mother and father and the tagger spend weekends painting over graffiti in our city? Caltrans personnel can supervise. That should kill some of the high-thrill behavior. Justice -- and maybe some common sense -- is meted out when you take away the anticipated joys and pleasures of a weekend and replace it with some hard work.

Lucy Barajikian

North Hollywood