The week of January 12-17 is the third of four weeks in San Jose’s volunteer campaign against graffiti, called “Lend a Hand”. Volunteers are encouraged to get together that week and go out into the community to eliminate graffiti.

The city will supply materials such as paint-removing solvent, safety goggles, gloves, sponges and rags for volunteers to use. These materials come in an anti-graffiti “kit” that is available any time from the city Anti-Graffiti Program.

When I stopped by today to pick up my anti-graffiti kit, city staffer Paul J. Gonzalez, also an artist who’s painted numerous murals around downtown, offered tips on removing various kinds of graffiti. For example, to remove slap-tags, or stickers, he recommends just using water and vigorous scrubbing, rather than solvent. When numerous graffiti clean-ups have already disturbed the paint on a surface, he recommended just repainting, and he offered us a gallon of “city beige” paint that matches the color used for many city buildings.

The anti-graffiti program is located at 501 Vine Street, near the corner of Almaden Boulevard and Woz Way. Drop in during the Lend a Hand week, January 12-17, to pick up your anti-graffiti kit, or schedule an appointment to pick up your kit any time by calling the anti-graffiti program at 277-3208.

I suggest getting your kit early, to be prepared for the volunteer event ahead of time, then go out during Lend a Hand week to help wipe out graffiti in your neighborhood.