Dixon Patch Viewfinder: Graffiti Has A Life of Its Own in Dixon

For some teens and even those a few years older, creating graffiti in Dixon offers name recognition, limited self-expression and the thrill of doing something forbidden. It's a subterranean world of tagging crews, guys wearing baggy pants, budding artists craving attention, and writing and painting on high-visibility surfaces without getting caught.

I showed Capt. Tony Welch and Community Services Officer Miranda Russell of the the photos displayed here, and they provided feedback that helped me write captions for the photos.

Two of the photos show murals in Dixon, a better way to be seen.

I was told that if juveniles get caught (they usually get caught in the act) creating graffiti, they can be compelled to clean up graffiti around town. Also, their parents may have to pay for the cleanup. Repeat offenders can be referred to juvenile probation.

I was told that Dixon doesn't have any gang-related graffiti, but if too much graffiti of any sort pops up around a particular neighborhood or business section, some people assume there are gangs in the area. Also, extensive graffiti makes a neighborhood look seedy and rundown.

The police photograph graffiti and watch it for trends and clues as to who might be doing it. Call 678-7080 to report graffiti in progress or new graffiti.