TP or Not TP?

TP-ing, the act of throwing toilet paper in trees, has been going on in La Cañada for generations. Some see it as a harmless prank, where others may consider it an act of vandalism.

Teens may think it’s for popularity, while parents can find it a nuisance to spend hours cleaning up. The real question is can TP-ing amount to vandalism or does it remain undisruptive fun?

“I consider it harmless fun ‘cause it doesn’t damage property; it’s just toilet paper. I can understand why friends would do it to each other as a joke. I don’t think it’s right to TP random houses, though,” said Amanda Dobkowitz, 15.

Jan Gantney, a native La Cañadan and high school parent, says, “We did it as kids, but it started way back before I was even born. I learned it from my mom! It was great using all the different colored toilet paper. We would TP before a big football game or any other special event. We didn’t use eggs back then, so it was harmless. Now that I have kids and they get TP-ed, it only annoys me if it’s constant. I try to be tolerant because I know it’s all for fun anyways.”

Another local school parent, a recent victim of TP-ing who prefers anonymity for fear of retaliation said, “I think it’s vandalism. I’ve actually sat in my darkened living room, waiting for a return of those vandals!”

Although plain toilet paper doesn’t damage property (it’s just a waste of paper), “most T-P’ing is accompanied by eggs,” says Deputy Cole Speer from the Crescenta Valley Sheriff’s Station. “It almost always leads to damage never intended by the ones doing the TP-ing, such as broken lights, sprinklers, or mailboxes.” When asked if TP-ing is done to signify popularity, initiation, or a nuisance, Speer replied, “Yes to all. The problem will continue as long as adults continue to have children.” When asked how long it’s been going on he replied, “Since toilet paper was invented.”

Regarding the laws prohibiting TP-ing, Speer said that in a technical sense, TP-ing does not meet the criteria needed for vandalism according to California Penal Code, section 594.

“As long as it’s not for bullying, I don’t think it’s destructive. I’ve done it as a joke and you have to make sure the people know it’s for a joke. It’s just a fun thing to do to friends,” said Alex Wright, 15.

To others the lingering effects of toilet paper stuck in trees can be seen as a destruction of beauty. However, at least for now the question is initially answered. The act of TP-ing isn’t necessarily vandalism, and it remains a joke among teenagers as it has for past generations.