SAN DIEGO – Councilman Brian Maienschein proposed Tuesday a zero-tolerance policy that would require the misdemeanor prosecution of all graffiti taggers in San Diego and automatic mandatory penalties.

“This proposal will guarantee that every tagger will receive mandatory penalties and will focus on introducing juveniles and young adults to consequences from their actions,” Maienschein said.

The councilman said graffiti is part of gang culture and should be treated as a crime, not just an “obnoxious act.”

Maienschein's proposed ordinance would impose mandatory penalties, including the imposition of community service hours and fines.

According to Maienschein's office, the city spends more than $1 million each year on graffiti abatement and enforcement.

The proposed ordinance will be introduced Wednesday during a meeting of the City Council's Public Safety and Neighborhood Services Committee.