They only just finished cleaning up after the May Day riots, but yesterday downtown businesses had to contend with a new episode of vandalism.
businesses had to contend with a new episode of vandalism. At least a dozen were found covered with spray paint early Wednesday morning, with damages estimated at $2,000-$3,000 per store. Among the shops hit were Urban Outfitters and Dell Williams Jewelers, both of whom suffered more costly damage during the May Day melee.
Police say that the two incidents are not related, and that they do have an idea who might be behind yesterday’s graffiti. In contrast, no one has yet come forward to claim the reward for information leading to the arrest of the people involved in the May Day fracas.
What worries residents and business owners is not the extent of the vandalism but the reputation it leaves on downtown Santa Cruz, which is already struggling with the recession. Some business owners say that local customers are being scared away. “Graffiti on the walls of a restaurant doesn’t really help improve sales,” said David Uttal-Veroff of Pacific Avenue Pizza and Grille.
The SCPD is hoping to improve lighting in the area at night and install security cameras outside shops, but that is all dependent upon the police department’s budget. Read more at KSBW and Fox35.
