Clear Channel, Clean up your billboard graffiti!

(Update: July 18, 2008, 225pm: I must admit, I am surprised at the response my email has elicited. The problem is not solved by any means, but it looks like the right people have been informed.

This morning I received email replies from Ellen and Russ at Clear Channel Communications, Inc. and Ellen stated "I have issued instructions to have the copy at this location changed out." This is great news.

Secondly, Laura from Councilperson Wendy Greuel's office called a few minutes ago with some information on the issues involved in removing graffiti from billboards and any other places more than 8 feet above the ground. The various graffiti removal organizations can't handle anything higher than 8 feet, I assume, due to safety issues. Also, since this billboard is considered private property, and its height, it is up to the owner to remove graffiti. I thought this might be the case, which is why I sent my email to Clear Channel, as well.

Now that it seems that the right people have been informed, I will keep a watch to see when the billboard is cleaned up. I guess one important lesson I have had reinforced is that if you see something that needs doing, and you can't do it yourself, do your best to bring it to the attention of those that can fix it.

I'll offer additional updates when I receive more info. -- Douglas)

I typically don't use this blog for any form of activism, but after 6+ months of seeing this Clear Channel Communications Inc. billboard several times a day, I think it is time to take some action.

This billboard is located atop storefronts on the southwest corner of Van Nuys Blvd and Hatteras Street in the Van Nuys neighborhood of Los Angeles.



(Click the photos for larger images)

I have reported this to the LA City graffiti email hotline, but unlike most other graffiti cleanup requests, there is something holding this up. It is probably the fact that this billboard is considered the private property of Clear Channel Communications, Inc. or so the sticker on the base of the pole claims. It seems amazing to me that his has gone on so long, since this billboard is only a mile from the Van Nuys Government Center with its City Hall field offices and in clear view of thousands of people every day.

Last week, I contacted the office of my Councilperson Wendy Greuel and was told to contact Laura in the North Hollywood field office at 818-755-7676. There was no answer at that number, so I left a detailed message with my contact information and callback numbers. As of today, I have not heard back from the office.

So, here are my next actions. I am posting these photos and this description here and then I am going to email the field office, as well as the Ms. Greuel's main office, with a link to this site. I am also going to send an email to the press contact at Clear Channel Communications, Inc. to see if they have some explanation for this long term blight on my neighborhood.

If you have any additional ideas of who should be contacted regarding this problem, let me know using the comments link below.

Wish me luck!