City Cleans Up Graffiti on Downtown Businesses

San Leandro Public Works officials acted quickly to paint over a swath of graffiti after vandals struck many businesses on East 14th Street over the Labor Day weekend.

San Leandro police say someone spray painted 31 businesses along the busy boulevard.

The vandalism occurred from the 1200 block to the 13600 block of East 14th Street.

The graffiti images were about 3 feet tall and 3 feet in length. They were visible from the street until city workers acted quickly to mask the damage.

Lorena Rosas of East Bay Flowers, on the busy corner of 14th and Callan, was among the merchants who were helped by the city action.

Rosas said she and her husband, shop co-owner Ismael Sanchez, were at home when vandals struck the shop. They only learned of the graffiti after a Facebook note pointed them to a media report.

Rosas phoned her sister and store co-owner Rosa Preciado, who was working at the shop on Sunday, and told her to look for anything unusual. Only then did Preciado notice a freshly-painted white patch near the door that was the only evidence of the attack.

“Who would do that?” asked Rosas, who was shocked that so many businesses were hit.

“The damage was quite extensive and we are asking for assistance in locating a possible suspect or suspects in this case," said Lt. Jeff Tudor.

Anyone with information is asked to call the anonymous tip line at 510-577-3278.