Profanity, graphic drawings on campaign signs in Huntington Beach

HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif. (KABC) — Joseph Eldridge loves to take his grandson for walks when he is babysitting.

However, part of his walk is now an eyesore after someone tagged campaign signs along Yorktown Avenue in Huntington Beach with foul language, profanity and graphic drawings.

“This is a major thoroughfare for the kids down here to and from school, and I know they can read,” Eldridge said.

He’s more upset that the signs are still up after the vandalism.

“I want to know why these candidates aren’t checking these marks,” Eldridge said. “Have someone check on them, and if that stuff is going on, take them down.”

Jennifer Carey, public affairs manager for the city of Huntington Beach, said HBPD is investigating a case of vandalism after political signs were defaced.

“It’s embarrassing for the candidates and embarrassing for our community,” Carey said.

She added that it is illegal to tamper with or remove campaign signs.

Carey said it does not appear that any particular candidate or party was targeted.

“It seems like it’s a pretty random mix based on where they were placed, so we’re not necessarily investigating potential vandalism of one candidate over another or anything of that nature at this point,” she said.

Carey said the city relies on candidates to remove signs, but in this case they would remove the destroyed signs immediately.

Huntington Beach Police want to remind everyone that vandalizing campaign signs is a crime and anyone caught can be prosecuted.

If you see someone destroying these signs, you are urged to report it as soon as possible.