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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 needed permits to play soccer and said a park ranger acted aggressively, pointing to an interaction they said involved a deputy named Flores.
Roberto Sanchez asked for a city staff follow-up and urged officials to preserve free access to public fields: "We want to continue this space where people could gather as a community freely... it's a free space that us taxpayers... pay for for the enjoyment." Sanchez left contact information for staff to follow up.
Parks and Recreation staff described a different view: when organized leagues use park facilities without permits, the city can incur liability and must ensure coaches, volunteers and facilities meet legal and safety requirements. Parks staff said they have met with leaders from the group and asked them to apply for permits; staff said the city has repeatedly tried to engage the organizers.
"When organized leagues show up at a park without a permit ... we become a large liability for us," Parks staff said, describing requirements such as background checks for coaches and formal permit processes that protect children and the city.
Councilmember Avalos later raised broader governance concerns about the Southeast Junior Athletic Association (JAA), asking the city manager for a written review of the city's legal and operational relationship with that nonprofit, including insurance coverage, any city in-kind support, and documentation of formal agreements. City Manager Rob Houston asked that Avalos forward her requests and said staff would need a second and time to compile the requested materials for a future council meeting.
Ending: Parks staff agreed to follow up with residents who left contact information, and councilmembers directed staff to clarify permit requirements and the city's oversight of organizations that run youth leagues on city property.
