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Hanford, CA residents challenge city’s graffiti citation policy
At the July 1, 2025 Hanford City Council meeting, several residents voiced strong opposition to Ordinance 24-11, which allows the city’s code enforcement department to issue citations to property owners whose buildings are defaced with graffiti. The measure, intended to reduce visual blight across Hanford, has come under scrutiny for penalizing victims of vandalism instead of targeting those committing the acts.
During public comment, one speaker highlighted the unfairness of holding property owners responsible for a crime committed against them. “We’re not the ones doing the graffiti,” the resident said, expressing frustration with receiving a fine while also bearing the cost of cleanup.
Ordinance 24-11 enables fines without due notice, say critics
The ordinance allows code enforcement officers to cite private property owners for graffiti without requiring proof of prior notice or the opportunity to remedy the issue. This has led to accusations that the city is prioritizing revenue generation over equitable enforcement.
Another resident, speaking on behalf of multiple business owners, stated that one property was cited despite immediate efforts to clean the affected wall. The speaker emphasized that most owners want to maintain clean properties but cannot always respond within the city’s informal timelines.
Several residents called on the City Council to repeal or amend the ordinance, asking that citations be issued only after the city notifies the owner and gives a reasonable timeframe to address the problem. Suggestions included providing cleanup assistance or establishing a public-private graffiti abatement program.
Council hears concerns but takes no immediate action
While no councilmember publicly responded during the meeting, the volume of comments indicates growing dissatisfaction with the city’s approach to graffiti enforcement. There was no formal agenda item on the ordinance, meaning no vote or official discussion occurred. However, the level of concern raised by residents may prompt future council review.
Some attendees compared Hanford’s enforcement policy to other Central Valley cities that issue warnings before citations and offer volunteer or city-funded removal programs. The concern is not just financial but reputational, with fears that Hanford appears more interested in fining its own residents than supporting them.
Francisco Ramirez is the founder of Kings Network News and creator of Kings Network Business, a platform that blends business networking, community support, and social media to uplift local entrepreneurs.
As a former Mayor of Hanford, California, he launched the Winter Wonderland event and brings over 20 years of business consulting experience. He is also a motivational speaker, life coach, strategist, author, podcaster, and skilled web and graphic designer.
He created The Invisible Kid: Courage to Succeed, a seminar on self-esteem and anti-bullying that has inspired youth across the region. Through media and consulting, Francisco empowers others to lead, grow, and make an impact.
