Man found to have violated Walla Walla’s chalk use ordinance, fined $5,000
By Dan Thesman on Friday, November 14th, 2025 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
WALLA WALLA – Henry Contreras, 38, of Walla Walla was found to have committed 10 total infractions by violating Walla Walla’s chalk cleanup ordinance. The content-neutral rule requires chalk to be removed by sundown. During a Thursday afternoon hearing, Walla Walla District Court Judge Kristian Hedine imposed a $5,000 fine for failing to clean up the sidewalk markings.
During Thursday’s hearing, Walla Walla Assistant City Attorney June Riley presented evidence and introduced witnesses who testified that Contreras violated the city’s chalk use ordinance between May 30 and Sept. 19, 2025.
The ordinance, which was unanimously passed by the Walla Walla City Council in February, requires anyone who creates chalk messages, symbols or images in downtown Walla Walla to remove them by sundown the same day or face a fine. Chalking after sundown must be removed by the next sundown. While the ordinance allows chalking, it also mandates cleanup. It does not limit the content of the chalk message.
Contreras had been issued 11 infractions, each $1,025, totaling over $11,000, which included all applicable assessments.
During Thursday’s hearing, a U.S. Army veteran, later identified as Andrew Jacob Hunt, who is not an attorney, attempted to speak on behalf of Contreras but was barred by the judge. In another moment, the judge asked Hunt to stop passing notes to Contreras.
During the hearing, Contreras declined to testify and only called Hunt as a witness to the stand. Contreras asked Hunt only two questions – “Do I have the right to chalk on the sidewalk?” and “Do you think I should pay the government to chalk on the sidewalk?”
Riley objected to both questions which Hedine sustained.
Contreras also attempted to file a written motion to dismiss the infractions, arguing the underlying ordinance is unconstitutional, but the judge ruled the motion was untimely and could only be raised on appeal in Walla Walla County Superior Court following the court’s legal determination.
During the hearing, Contreras declined to testify or present any witnesses in his defense.
Judge Hedine stated that the finding of guilt is based strictly on the act of writing on the sidewalk and failing to clean it up within the time required by the ordinance, an act which causes problems for downtown businesses and the community.
The court determined the appropriate penalty for each infraction is $500, which is the maximum allowed base penalty under Walla Walla Municipal Code. The total penalty imposed is $5,000, plus any attached administrative costs.
Contreras was informed of his right to appeal the decision within 30 days to the Walla Walla County Superior Court.
