Column: Graffiti tower debate shows Los Angeles' contradictory relationship with street culture

LOS ANGELES -- Los Angeles has always had a contradictory relationship with graffiti and the street cultures that birthed it.

The city spends more than $11 million painting over graffiti each year, according to the Office of Community Beautification. Last year alone, the city paid to cover more than 32 million square feet of graffiti, said Paul Racs, the office's director.

Last year was also the year city leaders presented the family of Chris "Spanto" Printup, the late streetwear star and former graffiti writer, with a framed proclamation for his contributions to city culture. It was a formal recognition that graffiti artists are central to Los Angeles' , but I couldn't help but wonder about the gesture's sincerity. After all, this is the same City council that gave