Court date set for Walla Walla man challenging validity of chalk citations

WALLA WALLA – The case against Henry Contreras from Walla Walla, who violated the city’s chalk ordinance by not erasing his sidewalk messages, will return to district court on Wednesday, Jan. 7, at 3 p.m.

Walla Walla County District Court Clerk Lisa Winnet said the hearing will address Contreras’ motion that challenges the validity of his citations. In November, Judge Kristian Hedine upheld a $5,000 fine for Contreras, finding he had violated the ordinance ten times between May 30 and Sept. 19, 2025.

Contreras argues that the citations are invalid as they are not signed by the accusing officer or attorney. However, Winnett reported that Contreras initially filed his motion but did not schedule a hearing for it to be reviewed. Assistant City Attorney June Riley responded to his motion and scheduled the hearing, noting that Contreras did not provide the city with a copy of his motion, as required by law. Riley pointed out that her name on the citations was sufficient and that “wet” signatures were not necessary, referencing legal definitions that allow for various forms of signatures.

The upcoming hearing is not an appeal. It will only focus on the issues raised in Contreras’ motion, with Judge Hedine overseeing the proceedings.

In February, the Walla Walla City Council approved an ordinance requiring downtown chalk messages to be removed by sundown on the day they are created. Violators may face fines up to $500, with enforcement involving police reports and the city attorney. While the ordinance mandates daily cleanup, it does not restrict message content. Cases are referred to district court if the infraction remains unaddressed.

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Elkhorn Media Group