Residents speaking during the committee's public comment period described recurring illegal activity at Crystal Park and called on the city and police to make the playground safer for children.

Kevin Bruner, who identified himself as “an almost 30-year resident of San Rafael,” said his home on Clark Street fronts Crystal Park and that his family has repeatedly observed open drug use and drinking in the park. “We smell it in our home,” Bruner said. He said his family has called police “many, many occasions” but that officers often report seeing families playing and do not otherwise take enforcement action.

Bruner said a recent weekend party at the park — for which the organizers had reserved space and indicated no alcohol — included open drinking. He said officers made people pour out alcohol during that call but that, after officers left, people resumed drinking.

Katie Fleet, who said she works with the Bridal Park Neighborhood Association but was speaking for herself, described additional conduct around the playground: people pulling up their pants on the street, regular public urination and smoking near a public school and playground. “This is a playground where children play,” Fleet said, adding that the behavior affects children of all backgrounds.

Fleet said she understands marijuana laws have changed but argued that smoking in a public school area or park remains prohibited and questioned why the San Rafael Police Department has not issued more citations. She told the committee the last citation she personally heard of for the conduct was issued in October of the previous year.

Committee members did not take formal action on the park comments during the meeting. Chair Tokalahi closed public comment after the speakers, and staff noted that resources and agency links referenced in the meeting materials are hyperlinked in the committee packet for members and the public.