SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Discovery Park and Tiscornia Beach were closed by Sacramento County officials after they learned about a “large and unpermitted” event that was expected to take place.
Stevante Clark said that event was the I Am Sac Foundation’s second annual memorial for his brother Stephon Clark. Stephon Clark was shot and killed by police in his grandmother's backyard after police said they mistook a cell phone for a weapon.
Clark said the event planned on having boats for children to play on and no music or partying. He added that the foundation also had social distance cones and extra masks to keep the event compliant with coronavirus guidelines.
The event was set for Aug. 10 at Discovery park, until an email from the county said the event wasn’t allowed and that the county was planning to shut off sewage for maintenance, Clark said.
"I drive by there every day and I see nothing but hundreds of people partying, smoking and drinking,” Clark said. “There are people dying there, fighting and drowning. I understand them telling me the event is not allowed, but for them to tell me they're cutting off the sewage, they're being petty and insulting. Stephon Clark does not get the respect he deserves."
Ken Casparis, a spokesperson for Sacramento County Regional Parks, told ABC10 that sewer service wasn't shut off in response to the event. He said the shut off was planned before officials were aware of the event.
In a Facebook post, Sacramento County Regional Parks said the event would have been against the county's public health order and that they closed the park to protect public safety and health.
While large crowds of people gathering at local parks have not been turned away in general, regional park rangers have been educating individuals, friends, and families of the dangers of gathering and the necessity of social distancing during the coronavirus pandemic. These crowds differ however, from large-scale organized planned gatherings which are not allowed, Casparis said.
Even though the county does not want to close its parks to visitors, it will consider taking action again in the future on a case-by-case basis if officials learn of any planned gatherings that violate the health order.
Officials have previously done closures on Easter weekend and the weekend after Memorial Day to prevent large gatherings.
Casparis added that a permit is needed any time there's a planned gathering of 41 people or more at a Sacramento County park, and right now, Sacramento County Regional Parks are not issuing any permits due to the coronavirus pandemic and county health orders.
Officials haven't issued a permit for events in the parks since the pandemic restrictions began in March.
Discovery Park is scheduled to reopen on Aug. 11. The multi-use trail will remain open.
Clark said the memorial event for his brother moved to Cesar Chavez Plaza, where they plan to walk from the plaza to the Stephon Clark mural, say a few words, and do a dove release.
He said the event still plans on being compliant with coronavirus guidelines and will pass out masks to people who don't have them.
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