Has anyone observed how many gang signature "tags" have been spray painted throughout Greensboro?

It looks like simple graffiti. However, I have been told by police this essentially brands an area's ownership by respective gangs. It signifies this as "their turf" and serves as an ominous logo.

I note these painted in Latham Park beneath the Wendover Avenue bridge and on the sidewalk. Drive down the alley way behind Lawndale Avenue shops and you'll find them on trash bins. They're popping up throughout every quadrant of the city.

I also see them on air handling units in my very public office parking lot. These symbols are even spray painted on public bridges throughout town -- and the remedy is fairly simple.

Could we not galvanize and take action to remove these troubling gang emblems? Why not mobilize beautification groups to turn out and help remove the spreading signs of gang involvement in Greensboro and reclaim our city?

Cynthia Adams
Greensboro

Editor's note: City Council member Sandy Carmany reports on her Web blog (http://sandycarmany.blogspot.com/)an upcoming effort by city police to clean graffiti.