The City of Hanford Council meeting on July 15, 2025, focused on the ongoing issue of graffiti in the community, with discussions centering on enforcement policies and potential solutions for property owners affected by vandalism.

During the meeting, resident Bob Ramos advocated for a non-enforcement policy regarding graffiti, suggesting that property owners should not be penalized for crimes committed by others. He highlighted the challenge of holding individuals accountable, noting that adults often purchase spray paint, which is then used by juveniles for tagging. Ramos proposed exploring past practices where community members, including youth from juvenile centers, were engaged in graffiti removal, suggesting this could alleviate the burden on property owners.

Council members echoed Ramos's concerns, emphasizing that property owners are victims of vandalism and should not face immediate penalties. Some council members expressed skepticism about the current 48-hour window for property owners to remove graffiti, arguing that it is unrealistic given the circumstances. They called for a more reasonable timeframe and better communication with property owners, allowing them to address the issue without the threat of enforcement.

The police department acknowledged the difficulties in catching individuals in the act of graffiti vandalism, noting that most incidents are reported by concerned citizens. They emphasized their commitment to holding offenders accountable but recognized the limitations of their enforcement capabilities.

Council discussions also included the need for a dialogue with the community to explore viable solutions for graffiti abatement. Suggestions included potentially revising the municipal code to allow for more flexible timelines for property owners to address graffiti and considering city-led abatement efforts with property owner consent.

As the meeting concluded, city officials indicated that they would gather more information on possible alternatives for graffiti removal and enforcement policies. The council aims to continue discussions on how best to support property owners while addressing the ongoing issue of graffiti in Hanford.