Change.org
One of Joshua “Lakey” Hinson’s creations decorates the grounds of the San Antonio Public Library.
Fed up with what he argues is police harassment, a San Antonio street artist known for his temporary creations in colored chalk has launched a petition demanding changes to the city’s graffiti ordinance.
In recent years, artist Joshua “Lakey” Hinson has made headlines after being issued criminal citations for leaving his impermanent creations on sidewalks around the Alamo City.
In 2023, Leon Valley awarded a Hinson a $16,500 settlement after the northern suburb’s police department arrested him for vandalism while he decorated a public sidewalk with chalk art.
Earlier this year, VIA Transit Police arrested Hinson for trespassing after he created work near Centro Plaza, although the charges were ultimately dropped. More recently, San Antonio police cited Hinson for graffiti, and that case is making its way through the courts.
Chalk is included in the graffiti ordinance City Council passed in 2007. The rules also prohibit leaving public marks in more permanent materials, including paint, wax epoxy and “similar substances.”
On Monday, Hinson launched a Change.org petition demanding the ordinance be changed to “explicitly clarify that children’s sidewalk chalk and temporary street art” not be treated as illegal graffiti.
“They’ve sent the police out to intimidate me,” Hinson told the Current. “I’ve gotten four different citations in Bexar County and arrested twice, but never a single charge. It never even makes it to the courtroom.”
The petition has garnered nearly 170 signatures as of press time. Hinson hopes media attention will help build even more support.
“If nothing comes from the petition, then anybody can get tickets in the future, especially during a protest or something,” Hinson said.
District 2 City Councilman Jalen McKee-Rodriguez proposed a change to the city’s graffiti ordinance earlier that would have eliminated penalties for chalk art. However, that motion never received a full vote by members of the dais.
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