Graffiti Moves from Tunnel to Airplane

Graffiti Moves from Tunnel to Airplane

Fed up with graffiti vandalism inside the 711-foot San Fernando Valley tunnel on Sherman Way next to the Van Nuys Airport, in July 2009, a dozen surveillance cameras were installed to help police catch violators, and warning signs were posted as a deterrent.

According to Stacy Bellew, spokeswoman for Los Angeles City Councilman Tony Cardenas, “Business leaders, residents and Tony Cardenas’ office raised $30,661 in public and private funds to install the surveillance system.”

Bellews was impressed as the community took this project “into their own hands,” after all, that is a pretty profound statement when businesses, residents and the government all work together toward a common goal. However, after accomplishing such a prolific feat in the name of public safety and putting a stop to graffiti vandalism, the paint has sprayed again…only this time at the airport.

Graffiti Moves from Tunnel to AirplaneEarlier this week, a Learjet at Van Nuys airport was the victim of some elaborate graffiti that probably wasn’t a short-lived art project for the vandalistic “artist,” since it is costing to the tune of tens of thousands of dollars to remove the plane’s “art work.”

I astonishingly ask, “How did this ‘spray-can, paint-spattering artist’ penetrate the multilayers of security at this airport, the very airport that…”

  • Is one of the three airports owned and operated by Los Angeles World Airports?
  • Ranks as the world’s busiest general aviation airport?
  • Is dedicated to noncommercial air travel?
  • Averages over 260,000 takeoffs and landings annually?
  • Is home to more than 100 businesses?

Wouldn’t you think that maybe, just maybe, the airport police or security, a TSA agent, even a traveler or an employee would have seen this take place or at least noticed something suspicious?

Sources:http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2009/07/graffiti-cameras.html

http://www.avweb.com/avwebflash/news/Learjet-Tagged-At-Van-Nuys220119-1.html 

http://www.lawa.org/welcome_VNY.aspx?id=92

About the Author

Ginger Hill is Group Social Media Manager.

Featured

  • Security Today Announces 2025 CyberSecured Award Winners

    Security Today is pleased to announce the 2025 CyberSecured Awards winners. Sixteen companies are being recognized this year for their network products and other cybersecurity initiatives that secure our world today. Read Now

  • Empowering and Securing a Mobile Workforce

    What happens when technology lets you work anywhere – but exposes you to security threats everywhere? This is the reality of modern work. No longer tethered to desks, work happens everywhere – in the office, from home, on the road, and in countless locations in between. Read Now

  • TSA Introduces New $45 Fee Option for Travelers Without REAL ID Starting February 1

    The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) announced today that it will refer all passengers who do not present an acceptable form of ID and still want to fly an option to pay a $45 fee to use a modernized alternative identity verification system, TSA Confirm.ID, to establish identity at security checkpoints beginning on February 1, 2026. Read Now

  • The Evolution of IP Camera Intelligence

    As the 30th anniversary of the IP camera approaches in 2026, it is worth reflecting on how far we have come. The first network camera, launched in 1996, delivered one frame every 17 seconds—not impressive by today’s standards, but groundbreaking at the time. It did something that no analog system could: transmit video over a standard IP network. Read Now

  • From Surveillance to Intelligence

    Years ago, it would have been significantly more expensive to run an analytic like that — requiring a custom-built solution with burdensome infrastructure demands — but modern edge devices have made it accessible to everyone. It also saves time, which is a critical factor if a missing child is involved. Video compression technology has played a critical role as well. Over the years, significant advancements have been made in video coding standards — including H.263, MPEG formats, and H.264—alongside compression optimization technologies developed by IP video manufacturers to improve efficiency without sacrificing quality. The open-source AV1 codec developed by the Alliance for Open Media—a consortium including Google, Netflix, Microsoft, Amazon and others — is already the preferred decoder for cloud-based applications, and is quickly becoming the standard for video compression of all types. Read Now

New Products

  • Camden CV-7600 High Security Card Readers

    Camden CV-7600 High Security Card Readers

    Camden Door Controls has relaunched its CV-7600 card readers in response to growing market demand for a more secure alternative to standard proximity credentials that can be easily cloned. CV-7600 readers support MIFARE DESFire EV1 & EV2 encryption technology credentials, making them virtually clone-proof and highly secure.

  • QCS7230 System-on-Chip (SoC)

    QCS7230 System-on-Chip (SoC)

    The latest Qualcomm® Vision Intelligence Platform offers next-generation smart camera IoT solutions to improve safety and security across enterprises, cities and spaces. The Vision Intelligence Platform was expanded in March 2022 with the introduction of the QCS7230 System-on-Chip (SoC), which delivers superior artificial intelligence (AI) inferencing at the edge.

  • HD2055 Modular Barricade

    Delta Scientific’s electric HD2055 modular shallow foundation barricade is tested to ASTM M50/P1 with negative penetration from the vehicle upon impact. With a shallow foundation of only 24 inches, the HD2055 can be installed without worrying about buried power lines and other below grade obstructions. The modular make-up of the barrier also allows you to cover wider roadways by adding additional modules to the system. The HD2055 boasts an Emergency Fast Operation of 1.5 seconds giving the guard ample time to deploy under a high threat situation.