Los Banos, CA (July 24, 2025) — Political campaign signs have been increasingly targeted in acts of vandalism and theft across Los Banos, sparking concern among the candidates and community members.
Mitzy Perez, a City Council candidate, first contacted the Enterprise on July 1 regarding the theft and vandalism of her campaign signs. Initially uncertain about who was responsible, Perez considered whether city workers had removed the signs. However, after closely tracking the placement and disappearance of her yard signs, it became evident that they were intentionally being taken.
Perez provided multiple photographs documenting the damage, including instances where her signs were vandalized or replaced with Kalid Sanchez campaign signs using Perez’s original sign frames. Perez also noted that in several locations where her signs had disappeared, Kalid’s signs subsequently appeared.
Kalid, the other City Council candidate, recently expressed frustration on social media, stating, “I would like to make a call for the community of Los Banos for your help. Almost every single day my banners and yard signs are being damaged or stolen from private properties. Every banner and yard sign I place is with permission of the business and house owners.”
Perez firmly denied any involvement by her or anyone associated with her campaign in removing or vandalizing signs. Kalid did not return our calls requesting comment. This marks another instance in which Kalid has declined to respond to media inquiries about pressing campaign issues. Vandalism or theft of political campaign signs can result in penalties including fines, community service, or criminal charges depending on the severity and frequency of offenses.
Local authorities have been notified, and both candidates urge residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities. For more information on addressing vandalism and theft of campaign materials, visit www.fema.gov.
