New Breed Of "Dirty Dozen" To Teach Kids Code Compliance

Last updated Saturday, December 9, 2006 10:31 PM CST in News

By Dug Begley
The Morning News

    FAYETTEVILLE -- Beware Fayetteville homeowners with trash or old tires in overgrown yards: Children might be watching.

    An educational program to teach kids how to spot building and property code violations -- complete with colorful characters such as "Willie Weeds" and "Trashy Tina" -- will be in the hot little hands of local children soon, thanks to Fayetteville city officials.

    The program is funded by a federal Community Development Block Grant and corporate sponsors.

    The centerpiece of the idea is an activity book listing "Fayetteville's Dirty Dozen." Don't expect Lee Marvin and Charles Bronson to make an appearance, though. Instead, officials expect kids to take their cues from characters like "Willie Weeds," a peace-sign-flashing, Birkenstock-wearing collector of crabgrass and other filthy foliage.

    Yolanda Fields, community resources director for the city, said the activity book is intended to educate future homeowners before they develop bad habits. The other benefit, she added, is children can inform their parents.

    "Kids bring a lot of things home to the family," she said.

    What they're bringing home this time is a motley crew of code criminals, explained Chris Hart, designer of the activity book. "Willie Weeds" is joined by "Vinnie the Violator," "Curbside Carla" and "Pole Sign Pete," among others.

    The books, aimed at fourth- and fifth-graders, are part of a larger effort. No, Fields said, it's not to get kids to rat out their parents for yard violations.

    "It's a full-blown interactive education program," she said.

    Fayetteville's community resources division spent $7,000 designing and printing 8,000 copies of the book. Fields said officials copied the activity book idea from similar programs in San Antonio and Corpus Christi, Texas, and then wrote and designed their own book. Half of the activity books are printed in Spanish.

    Hart, a Cave Springs graphic designer, was awarded the contract to illustrate the book. He said the intent was to convey code regulations in a fun way.

    "I think as long as you are having fun with it, it keeps you involved in it," he said.

    City staff and Hart began work on the books in September 2005.

    Corporate sponsorships paid most of the money to bring "Curbside Carla" to kids and the federal grant covered the rest. Another $600 was spent on a costume depicting Ranger, code compliance's cartoon dog mascot.

    "And we spent $300 on props," Fields said.

    Fayetteville's Community Resources Division hopes to speak at schools and other locales to encourage children to be aware of code compliance and to notify others.

    "Sometimes, the kids are the reminder to the parents," Fields said.

    Alan Wilbourn, director of school/community relations for Fayetteville Schools, said educating children to give information to parents can work.

    "It sounds like a neat idea," Wilbourn said of the program. "The seat belt program nationwide got kick-started the same way."

    Wilbourn said Fayetteville schools work closely with city departments to inform children about how to be model citizens.

    "The DARE program has been in the schools for years," he said.

    More than 3,000 code violations were issued in Fayetteville last year, Fields said.

    "I think we'll probably get close to 4,000 by the end of this year," she added.

    Most are addressed with a simple notice, usually through a door hanger left by a city code officer.

    "The people usually take care of the problem," Fields said.

    In some cases, residents might not realize they are violating a city code.

    "It's surprising the number of times people say, 'I didn't know I couldn't do that,'" Fields said.

    Hart said he did not know much about code compliance before starting the book. Luckily, he added, he did not find any code violations in his yard.

    "No, I didn't see any," he chuckled. "I just need to keep my yard trimmed."

    At A Glance

    City Code Compliance

    Fayetteville's Division of Community Relations will host an introduction to the city's new code compliance program at 2 p.m. Wednesday at the Donald W. Reynolds Boys & Girls Club, 560 N. Rupple Road. Code compliance officers will talk with children and unveil the program's code jingle and activity book. Ranger the Code Dog will also make an appearance.

    Source: Staff Report

    FAST FACTS

    The Dirty Dozen

    A look at the characters in the city's new code compliance activity book:

    * Vinnie the Violator

    Crime: Keeping junked cars and appliances in his yard

    Most resembles: The guy on Pringles cans

    * Trashy Tina

    Crime: Leaving trash on her property

    Most resembles: Cher from 1982-88

    * Flat Tire Frankie

    Crime: Collecting old car tires and cars in his yard

    Most resembles: Jughead from Archie Comics, if he really let himself go

    * Polly Plumbing

    Crime: Allowing standing pools of water from busted plumbing to form on her land

    Most resembles: Roseanne Barr, circa 1989

    * Junk Yard Johnny

    Crime: Running a junkyard from his front yard

    Most resembles: Gomer Pyle

    * Bertha Brushpile

    Crime: Letting limbs and grass pile up

    Most resembles: A near-sighted Little Orphan Annie

    * Rundown Randy

    Crime: Keeping his house in a poor condition

    Most resembles: Lurch from "The Addams Family"

    * Willie Weeds

    Crime: Overgrown weeds in his yard

    Most resembles: Shaggy from "Scooby-Doo"

    * Curbside Carla

    Crime: Not putting her junked stuff on the curb for pickup

    Most resembles: Marilyn Quayle

    * Wanda Willmow

    Crime: Not mowing her yard (how'd you guess?)

    Most resembles: Shirley MacLaine in "Terms of Endearment"

    * Pole Sign Pete

    Crime: Hanging signs on telephone poles

    Most resembles: A bald Slim Pickens

    * Stagnant Stanley

    Crime: Keeping pools of stagnant water around

    Most resembles: Igor

    Source: Staff Report

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    Reader Comments (39 comment(s))


    The following comments are provided by readers and are the sole responsibility of their authors. The Morning News does not review comments before their publication, nor do we guarantee their accuracy. By publishing a comment here you agree to abide by our comment policy. If you see a comment that violates our policy, please notify the web editor.

    nic wrote on Dec 10, 2006 6:26 AM:

    " I'm so glad that Fayetteville has nothing better to teache their children "

    Manyhats wrote on Dec 10, 2006 8:36 AM:

    " Personally, I feel that all of this code enforcement is simply another way to force the economically disadvantaged to comply with elitist standards. In the long run however, it's the wealthier people who are practicing the endless cycle of consumption; let's face it, that's where most of the junk comes from. In the wealthier neighborhoods the throw-aways usually aren't found in their front yards. Rather, they make it to our landfills which are approaching capacity. Their tidy yards only mask a much deeper problem because our mindless consumption is leading us into not only an environmental crises due to the inability to deal with ever growing amount of trash, but also an energy crises. How much energy do you think it takes to produce all of this stuff? Is it worth the loss of life to our sons, daughters and neighbors in places like Iraq? One issue is connected to the other. Iraq is in part, about securing the world's dwindling energy supplies for our (The U.S.'s) future; in other words, to support our wasteful consumption habits. It takes tremendous amounts of energy to create all of this worthless junk. Of course, some of it is necessary but much of it is not. When code-enforcement personnel find property out of compliance, our growing crises confronts us and begs attention. In the landfills, it's out of sight and out of mind, but the crises grows unnoticed. "

    DUH! wrote on Dec 10, 2006 9:55 AM:

    " Instead of the schools teaching them how to better themselves by teaching them math, writing and reading. Lets teach them to be politically correct. If the schools would teach them the basics they just might be a "productive memeber of society" as NW Ark, wants. "

    DuBose wrote on Dec 10, 2006 10:02 AM:

    " Manyhats is correct: "In the wealthier neighborhoods the throw-aways usually aren't found in their front yards. Rather, they make it to our landfills which are approaching capacity. Their tidy yards only mask a much deeper problem because our mindless consumption is leading us into not only an environmental crises due to the inability to deal with ever growing amount of trash, but also an energy crises." However, there are the realities of trash, old tires, mosquitoes, diseases, and fire hazzards. But the problem is deciding where to draw the line. The neighbors need to deal with the issue... if anyone can agree on what is yard art vs. trash. Using children in this way gives them a bad message about individual freedoms. "

    Sally wrote on Dec 10, 2006 10:43 AM:

    " What a wonderful idea! The whole world starts in your own yard, and keeping it free of trash and junk is the best place to start. "Individual freedoms and art" shouldn't include your neighbor harboring dead cars and potential health and safety hazards. I would rather have garbage in my landfill than in my close proximity. People against it would sing a different tune if they lived next door to a mini dump. "

    AKGB wrote on Dec 10, 2006 11:18 AM:

    " Well , this is the best way to teach kids how to be communists and take away people's rights by putting another name on it and make it smell sweet ! "

    Congratulations! wrote on Dec 10, 2006 11:43 AM:

    " This is North West Arkansas first step into a larger world. At least Fayetteville is addressing (in a positive way) rising population and industrial issues we now face. Hats’ off to the Mayor–good job! "

    HA! wrote on Dec 10, 2006 11:50 AM:

    " And the Fayetteville Freak Show continues... "

    Nonsense wrote on Dec 10, 2006 1:35 PM:

    " This is the kind of nonsense that has made my husband and me decide to home school. Thank God we have the time and ability to do so. I feel for familes who have to choice but to send their poor children through the Fayetteville school system. Parents want their children to learn reading, writing, and arithmetic. Grade schoolers only get 15 minutes of recess. I would rather my kids play outside with more recess than have to sit through this foolishness. "

    Oh no! wrote on Dec 11, 2006 8:41 AM:

    " Oh no! My child is going to go to school and tell them we don't mow our lawn regularly! The crime of it all! I personally think its a waste of time, but since our neighbors are wealthy and don't have to work, maybe they should come mow it for us or pay someone to do so? I think WE should be able to decide when its time to mow the lawn!! Maybe the other things are health hazards but not mowing your lawn? Give me a break! "

    Rational wrote on Dec 12, 2006 9:15 AM:

    " All you people that are against this program sound crazy and uneducated and obviously have no sense of civic responsibility. Why do you always think the City is out to get you? Because, really, it's NOT ALL ABOUT YOU PERSONALLY! The city is concerned with the greater good of the community folks!! Having a yard free of trash and other unsightly items improves a community. How would you like it if your next door neighbor had 3' tall grass and 4 rundown cars junking up their yard? You would be mad because it would bring down your property value, because as you have expressed, it is all about you, remember? Most cities strive to get the public involved as much as possible, but it's people like you that think you are so above it all and you don't even realize that you can make a difference in what goes on in your community - you don't even try, yet you badmouth it like you have first hand experience. Can you say hypocrite?! It's obvious that the City of Fayetteville worked hard on this project for the benefit of the communtiy, and in my opinion, it is quite creative and if it gets children interested in the environment and their community, that what the hell is the harm in it? "

    failureman wrote on Dec 12, 2006 10:57 AM:

    " Studies by the U of Notre Dame vector biology lab show that abandoned tires are a prime breeding ground for mosquitos. Tires in your yard become as a result a health hazard for your neighbors, and enforcement of such rules definitly conveys community benefits. Most other codes have similar bases and justifications. "

    Voice of Reason wrote on Dec 12, 2006 11:20 AM:

    " It all depends on how this is being taught. If you are encouraging the kids to Narc out the neighbors, shame on the school system. If you are teaching the kids why the codes are there (as in failureman's tire example). Or helping the families shape up before a code enforcement officer happens to go through the area, this can be a good thing. Many families not up to the codes obviously can't afford the cost of a ticket for a violation. It's easy to talk about civic responsibility but I am never going to tell Bob next door it's time to mow your damn lawn when I know he works 2 jobs to afford the mortgage and is too tired to keep it to my stringent standard. "

    Rational wrote on Dec 12, 2006 1:14 PM:

    " It seems to me the purpose of the program is to educate, not to teach kids how to narc on their neighbors. In my opinion the program's purpose is to teach kids about the environment, the importance of community involvement, and taking responsibility for their property when they become responsible adults. I have a full time job and a house - yes, sometimes the yard doesn't get mowed as much as it should. BUT - I don't let it grow to such a level as to breed vermin and mosquitos. Plus, I care about my property and I want it to look nice - not like a junkyard. AGAIN - why do you people think someone is out to get you every second of the day!? Code enforcement in Arkansas is no different than in any other state. Do your research and maybe, just for a second, think outside the box and try and learn something new. JAMES GREENBERG - wow, like your language there - that's really classy. So....where are your points to back up your harsh words? "

    Shaking Head wrote on Dec 12, 2006 2:03 PM:

    " Hiding behind the 'environment' excuse. Code enforcment is about one thing. MONEY. City/county wants more $$$$ and are too lazy to have their code enforcment people doing the job they are paid for. Try going to an Indian Reservation (most) and enforcing codes. They just laugh at you..... "

    Rational wrote on Dec 12, 2006 2:13 PM:

    " It's not a case of hiding behind the environment excuse. You are making the issue bigger than it really is and we are talking about Fayetteville, not an Indian Reserve. Why don't you call up the city of Fayetteville and ask them how much revenue the city recieves on code enforcement. NOT MUCH. Again, do your research before you make empty points. Also - SHAKING HEAD - why don't you call up the code enforcement employees and tell them personally you think they are lazy - oh, and why don't you ask them their salary too. How would you like it if someone called you lazy at your job - if you even have one that's worth talking about. "

    Oh, for Christ's sake. wrote on Dec 12, 2006 2:24 PM:

    " So, the city has nothing better to do with the taxpayers' money than brainwash the children to snitch on their parents for zoning law violations? So, all the children in the schools can read and write up to the national standards now, right? No one is pushing drugs, there is no violence, there are no gangs, all the children graduate from high school and are ready for college, right? Right? Because the city wouldn't spend thousands of dollars on crap like this if there were any more productive uses for it, right? No streets need repair, there are enough fire stations and there are so many cops on the streets that no crime has taken place anywhere in city limits in years, right? Right? And there isn't any possibility at all that this is just cynical California liberals who've been brought in by the administration to show them how to raise revenue the California way, right? That's by drumming up code violations left and right and raking in the fine money, because that's what people who work for a living are for, you know, they're cash cows for the almighty government. Oh, and this plan has the added liberal virtue of teaching the children that their first duty is not to their family, or even to their community, but to the almighty government. Will the little snitches be rewarded with candy for every fine they can drum up, I wonder? "

    Inappropriate wrote on Dec 12, 2006 2:51 PM:

    " I remember in school we were taught wholesome values like don't start fires by "Smokey the Bear." Since when is it acceptable to make fun of people by associating code violators with these grotesque charicatures? This program is just going to make kids mean. "

    Rational wrote on Dec 12, 2006 2:58 PM:

    " HUGE POINT I FORGOT TO MENTION - if you read the article, money was used to fund this project by a GRANT. The Community Development Block Grant (CDBG). Did you know Fayetteville uses this grant to aid homeowners in home repair and other code issues? Did you know the grant has STRICT guidelines on how it can be spent? This little guidebook was not funded with city general fund money. It was funded by a grant that benefits low- to moderate income people and areas. I understand all of your points and I hope you understand mine. I'm not calling you wrong or using foul language like some of you have done to me. This has been an interesting debate and I'm glad to have participated! It really makes me realize though how uneducated the public is about city government - whether it is the public's fault or the city's fault is yet to be determined. "

    Name wrote on Dec 12, 2006 3:06 PM:

    " "Rational" is splitting hairs. It's still the taxpayers' money. Which tentacle of the Almighty Government picked my pocket and which tentacle distributed to be used to teach my children to be snitches is a matter of no interest to me. "

    Rational wrote on Dec 12, 2006 3:36 PM:

    " But - the point of the whole program is not to teach your kids to be snitches - ggeeezzzz - look at the bigger picture! If you are a good parent, you are the one really teaching your kids anyway, right? You should teach them to be upstanding citizens, to take care of their property and other personal things, and to be proud of the community they live in. "

    What a ridiculous expenditure! wrote on Dec 12, 2006 7:44 PM:

    " If you want to teach your children to be responsible citizens, why not teach them to pick up trash where ever they see it instead of saying, "I didn't put it there." "It's not mine!" If more people would willingly do their little bit, perhaps it would inspire others to do the same. Our children would learn that the planet is their responsibility, not just the responsibility of others. Setting an example is the best way to teach -- and to learn. "

    Freeman wrote on Dec 13, 2006 12:21 AM:

    " The world needs its toadies and bootlickers. You're doing a heckuva job filling the role Rational. How's that boot polish taste? "

    Dave_D wrote on Dec 13, 2006 9:20 AM:

    " This is what Fayetteville considers an educational priority? Folks this is about teaching the kids to fink on their parents and neighbors. With names like "Trashy Tina" ans "Vinnie the Violator" the intent is to demonize those that don't live up to the city's standards. The schools are trying to turn us into a nation of snitches. Those of you complaining about neighbors with junk cars and such let me ask you this: Why aren't you reporting these people yourselves? Why do you need children to do your dirty work? Grow a pair and call code enforcement yourself. These are valid complaints that should be handled by adults, not by children. The schools want the kids to report every little minor infraction so the city can generate revenue, it's about money and power plain and simple. They have covered the biggies already. They already have your children reporting you if the kid finds a rolling paper in the house or dad walks through the living room in his underwear now they have expanded to the yard and the neighborhood. "

    What a ridiculous expenditure! wrote on Dec 13, 2006 10:59 AM:

    " I'm still thinking about these "comic" books. Young students need to learn teamwork and organizational skills. How about doing a comic book on how to organize a clean-up crew, how to obatin an adult sponsor, how to safely clean a site, and where to take the trash. THEN the children will be doing something constructive and learning in the process. "

    Amazed wrote on Dec 13, 2006 11:47 AM:

    " I remember many years ago in school we were taught Fire safety and one of our homework tasks was to inspect our homes for fire hazards such as over loaded outlets, frayed lamp cords. newspapers stored next to the furnace etc... was this snitching on my parents or making me aware to safety concerns? Having a un-mowed junkyard parking lot for a yard is a paradise for snakes, cockroaches, mosquito breeding (Niles virus), and ah yes maybe that leaking oil and gas from the 1971 Pinto is a Fire Hazard? "

    shyfrog wrote on Dec 13, 2006 8:27 PM:

    " I have a fantastic idea! Why don't we teach our children to be responsible for...ummm...THEMSELVES! I know, I know...a radical thought. It's so difficult to fathom that perhaps we are spending way too much time trying to be responsible for others by protecting them from themselves. It's so much easier to point out the shortcomings of others and avoid having your own failings become a focus. Productive citizens are people who take care of themselves first, and then help those who may not be able to take care of themselves (elderly, sick, disabled, etc...). Snitches, nannies, and manipulators are the ones who have been taught at an early age that it is somehow their responsibility to make sure everyone around them follows the rules and regulations. It's as if they've been born with a silver whistle in their collective mouths. "

    Al wrote on Dec 14, 2006 9:28 AM:

    " Wasn't there something like this in 1984 by Orwell, where the children are taught in school to report it to the Thought Police when their parents have unorthodox thoughts, so-called "thoughtcrimes"? Is that next? "

    Deived wrote on Dec 14, 2006 12:34 PM:

    " Al - The scene from the movie 1984 where the kid asks his dad if he is a thought criminal, popped into my head when reading this as well. I'd rather have a neighbor with a messy yard, than live in a neighborhood of snitches. By snitches, I mean those that snitch on victimless crimes. "

    Rational wrote on Dec 18, 2006 3:36 PM:

    " Despite all your concerns, it is my opinion that the whole point of the book is only to make kids AWARE of THEIR surroundings, environment, community, etc. at a young age, so as adults they have a sense of pride in their community. In all reality, Fayetteville is NOT scheming some sort of conspiracy to turn YOUR kids into "sniches" as you all so eloquently put it. It's so assuring that you all would rather live in a neighborhood with trash, vermin, broken down cars, etc. than actually take care of your property or help someone take care of theirs. Can you just get past the whole "snich" thing and move on? Man, this is a classic case of "groupthink". "

    Freeman wrote on Dec 21, 2006 8:57 AM:

    " Rational-I'll get past the whole trash thing and move on when the people who enforce code compliance stop doing it at the barrel of a gun. Every law, code, statute, regulation, etc. is backed by force in the form of armed police. You get them to put the guns down and I won't worry about the snitches. As for accusing others here of "groupthink", well, we're not the ones bowing down to the all powerful state that you seem to worship. The groupthink is in your camp. The rest of us seem to be for individual property righsts. "

    Libertarian wrote on Jan 2, 2007 2:16 PM:

    " To those who speak of "sense of responsibility" and "civic consciousness," I will point out that is something that should be taught at HOME by PARENTS, not at school by teachers. Schools are there to teach our children the skills they need to survive in the world, not civic standards that, though well-meaning, may or may not be acceptable to everyone in the community. Political correctness should not be legislated. And to Sally, specifically, if your neighbor is violating the code, why don't you, the adult, report them? Getting children involved in this is a bad precedent.... "

    David wrote on Jan 2, 2007 2:46 PM:

    " >> Bertha Brushpile >> Crime: Letting limbs and grass pile up Um, isn't this called "composting"? That's a crime now? "

    James Babb wrote on Jan 2, 2007 3:23 PM:

    " Yet another reason to avoid government schools. "

    Governtknuckleheads wrote on Jan 2, 2007 5:45 PM:

    " Let's get the damn government involved in every aspect of our lives. I mean, honestly, we can just be a bunch of compliant communist pigs. What's next? Will the Gestapo or KGB be running around looking for any one who might disagree with a government official. We are slowly and surely becoming a socialist state. People should take responsibility upon themselves, rather than the government taking the responsibility for them. Negative incentives never work, they only enrage people. For those of you who agree with the Fayetteville officials, just go move toFfrance or Canda where the government does control everyone's daily aspect. "

    dsteamer wrote on Jan 6, 2007 12:53 PM:

    " They had the same program in the USSR ( the old Russia) and it was for the good of society. I always starts with a little good program and becomes a huge nightmare. What happens when some gets in charge of the program that wants the parents locked up who stops them? It's a sad day in America "

    dsteamer wrote on Jan 6, 2007 12:55 PM:

    " They had the same program in the USSR ( the old Russia) and it was for the good of society. It always starts with a little good program and becomes a huge nightmare. What happens when someone gets in charge of the program that wants the parents locked up, who stops them? It's a sad day in America "

    NOTR wrote on Jan 24, 2007 8:20 PM:

    " Although Fidel is on his last days, he would be pleased to know that his methods are still alive and well in Arkansas. Welcome to the Peoples Republik of Arkansas! "

    Parent wrote on Jan 27, 2007 9:42 AM:

    " I agree that kids should learn about cleaning up the yard, In fact I think that I will go and kick there butts out there right now. The useless buggers do nothing all day but play that stupid video game any way. I am the only one in the house who knows how to throw the glass and cans into the recycle box and if the shools can teach them any thing (aint doing so good yet) it would be a mircle. "


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