Save the River- Make an informed decision about the Fence!

River Park has recently enjoyed increased law enforcement efforts to Glen Hall Park and Paradise beach due to the lobbying of the RPNA (River Park neighborhood Association), and the credibility of our volunteerism in the Neighborhood Watch and Night Patrol program has aided the police in justifying the allocation of resources for that effort. It is having the effect of reducing crime in River Park; drunk driving, brawling, drug sales, and property destruction.

RPNA also worked with city officials in the creation of the CPTED (Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design) report, which outlines safety improvements for Glen Hall Park and Paradise Beach. These improvements include bathrooms remodeled to current safety codes, lighting in the parking lot, signage, a perimeter fence for the child play area, as well as a fence along the levee which would have self locking gates actuated at park closing time. The design of this proposed levee fence is still in flux, and will be presented at a future public forum- to be announced in the River Park Review.

This levee fence was not proposed by RPNA, It was proposed by City Park Ranger Greg Narramore, and police sergeant Chris Taylor, who together analyzed River Park crime data from the past two years. This data showed that most of the crime reports were generated at night, and were associated with unlawful activities at Paradise Beach. They decided that a fence of this nature would materially assist law enforcement in reducing crime in this area. As this is a controversial issue, it will be considered in depth by RPNA once the design is finalized. The discussion at RPNA meetings is always open to all community members, and we encourage all interested people to attend. Thus far, public opinion expressed at two public forums has been decidedly in favor of all aspects of the CPTED report. RPNA has not yet brought the issue to vote. It should be noted that the funds for these projects would come from development impact fees specifically set aside for park improvements, not general fund resources. We encourage everyone to voice his/her opinions so that a meaningful outcome is achieved.

Michael Stavros has ascribed many negative attributes to a levee fence. This fence would be closed only when it is illegal to use the Glen Hall Park and Paradise Beach (between sunset and sunrise). There is currently a chain link fence halfway along the proposed location, as well as a barricade to prevent vehicular traffic into the American River Parkway after closing time. A new fence would restrict nighttime access to the river area to a greater extent than the current barricade, but would not restrict access during the daytime, when the park is open. It would not prevent the youth of today from getting fresh air, nor consign them to a life of computer entertainment. I do not believe that it would punish anyone, nor is it the intention of a few to express ownership of a public resource. It is an idea that might help control the degradation of that same resource. Every year the American River Parkway Association organizes a “cleanup day” at Paradise Beach. We usually cart out 2000 pounds or more of garbage in one day using volunteer labor, much of it being alcoholic beverage bottles, often broken, along with shopping carts, plywood , carpet and all sorts of other debris. The drinking at the beach is extensive, and has led to substantial crime issues. Drunk driving is a big problem, and it occurs day and night as a direct result of partying at the beach.

The aesthetics of the fence are indeed a valid concern, as are the expense and efficacy. I agree with Mr.Stavros that enforcement is the most viable means to reducing crime, and I encourage him and all River Park residents to volunteer some time for Neighborhood Watch/ Night Patrol to assist the police in the effort to keep River Park one of the safest communities in Sacramento. It is my belief that personal involvement by the citizens is what really maintains community safety.

Jeff Harris

RPNA President