If not painted over or removed immediately, graffiti will undoubtedly lead to more graffiti — and then, perhaps, a broken window and more litter on the street. Graffiti "tagging" sets a tone of neglect and disorder, an atmosphere you do not want for your neighborhood. However, if consistently and promptly painted over, this kind of vandalism, and its ancillary problems, will diminish.

If you notice graffiti in your community, call the Department of Public Works (DPW), Bureau of Street Environmental Services, at 311 (or, if calling from outside San Francisco, (415) 701-2311). The bureau has instituted a graffiti abatement program and dispatches crews to clean up vandalized areas. However, private homeowners are legally responsible for removing graffiti from their own buildings or other structures.

If you're serious about restoring your neighborhood, you might also want to join the DPW's Graffiti Watch, a "citywide volunteer effort to prevent and remove graffiti from public property, such as utility and light poles, mailboxes, and other street furniture... The DPW supplies the training and tools and the community takes charge from there." If you're interested in becoming a member, call 311 for an application.