Visual pollution a big voter turnoff

Jeff Lebow

It is bad enough to see every available open space covered by

campaign signs, as if we need to be reminded of someone’s name every

20 feet, but it has gotten so bad that some candidates are knowingly

ignoring state and city laws prohibiting the posting of their

campaign materials.

Of particular annoyance is the multiple posting on utility poles

and light standards lining arterial streets, especially Goldenwest

Street. Although this happens every campaign year, it has gotten out

of hand and must be stopped. Not only do these individuals, or their

hired representatives, feel it is a good strategy to create visual

pollution by nailing their names on private property, but even worse

some have resorted to spiking trees with their political signage.

Let me clear up any ambiguity on this issue and provide a civics

lesson for these “would be” leaders. It is against a state law,

California Penal Code section 556.1 -- Placing of signs that

advertise on private property, which states that it is a misdemeanor

for any person to place or cause to be placed upon any property in

which he has no estate or right of possession any sign, picture ...

which advertises or brings to notice any person, article of

merchandise, business or profession ... without consent of the owner,

lessee, or person in lawful possession of such property....”

It is against a California Public Utility Commission General Order

95 rule, which requires utility companies to maintain their property,

including utility poles and street light standards, free from

obstructions and in a safe condition to not only to protect the

public but to insure the safety of their employees who have to access

power lines and light fixtures in times of equipment failure and

emergencies. The city of Huntington Beach had to submit a request and

received permission from Southern California Edison prior to the

placement of banners and street light pole flags we see along Beach

Boulevard.

Furthermore, Huntington Beach ordinance 9610.3 allows for the

exemption of permit requirements for political signs only if

permission from the property owner is secured prior to the placement

of the such signs. No such permission was ever requested or approved

for any candidate.

It is incredible that early in the campaign, the signs for all

three candidates for city attorney were nailed to utility poles

around the city. They surely should know the law, or in this case the

laws. Ignorance of the law cannot now be used as an excuse by any

offenders since candidates Dwyer, Pugh, Bohr, McGrath, Pellman,

Walker, Westwell, Davis and others have been notified of their

violations.

To their credit, some candidates promptly removed their signs

after notification.

Some, unfortunately, ignore the law and have taken advantage of

the available space left by law-abiding candidates to post yet

additional reminders of how their names are spelled. I suppose they

are hoping that Huntington Beach voters will better remember their

names when they enter the polling booths this Nov. 5.

I will remember those who put their personal political gain ahead

of the rule of law and public safety. I will remember not to reward

lawbreakers with my vote. I will remember that we voters get what we

deserve when we empower those that believe they are above the law.

If you are not sure of whom I speak, before Nov. 5, drive down

Goldenwest Street, Adams Avenue, Beach Boulevard or any major street

and remember what you see and where. Please remember them when you

cast your vote.

* JEFF LEBOW is a Huntington Beach resident. To contribute to

“Sounding Off” e-mail us at hbindy@latimes.com or fax us at (714)

965-7174.