So doe's it live in the storm drain system?

That would explain a lot of things. Do you think it might be that the raccoons have learned the wonders of spray paint?

No not raccoons I know some pretty well and they are not yet motivated by money. I think this is a much lower form of life.

Rats? There have been more of those of late in the 'hood because the White Elephant ladies won't set out baited traps to deal with the ones we have. It would be a sight to see one of those little critters holding down the business end of a spray can!

I think it's a message to the White Elephant Staff, someone got a rotten deal...:P

The City of Oakland fixed this issue on 02/27/2017, service request #710257.