City News

Sebastopol Responds to Hateful Graffiti with Swift Removal and Police Investigation

November 5, 2026, City News

On Tuesday Nov 3rd, 2026, graffiti was discovered in downtown Sebastopol at Ives Park, the Sebastopol Center for the Arts/Sebastopol Veterans Memorial Building and various downtown businesses.  The messaging was anti-Muslim and anti-immigrant.  City crews removed the graffiti promptly. Property and business owners also aided in graffiti removal.

The Sebastopol Police Department is investigating the incident as a hate crime and is seeking any surveillance video that may be available in the area. No suspects have been identified at this time. Anyone with information, questions about the incident, or leads is encouraged to contact Lieutenant Andrew Bauer at the Sebastopol Police Department at (707) 829-4400.

The City of Sebastopol condemns these messages in the strongest terms and recognizes the harm they can cause, particularly to members of the communities targeted. Sebastopol is a community that values and welcomes all residents and visitors, regardless of national origin, religion or background. Acts meant to intimidate or divide our neighbors have no place here. We are reaching out to local faith communities and community leaders to offer support and to share resources, including the California State Nonprofit Security Grant Program.