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South Gate residents say park rangers are harassing seniors; city staff cite permit, liability issues and agree to follow up
Summary
Several longtime park users told the council they have been stopped or treated aggressively by park rangers while meeting at South Gate Park; parks staff said organized play requires permits because of liability, and councilmembers urged staff follow-up and possible review of the youth league's relationship with the city.
Several South Gate residents told the City Council on Aug. 12 that volunteers and seniors who meet at South Gate Park for exercise and pickup soccer have recently been confronted and, they say, harassed by park rangers.
"We are here to inform you tonight that for the last 10 years, I have been part of a group of people that get together at Southgate Park... For the last 3 weeks, we've been harassed by the South Gate Park Police," resident Abel Silva said during non-agenda public comment.
Multiple speakers — including Francisco Losa, Roberto Sanchez and Wilson Castillo — described being told they…
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