Residents question permits after large Mill Street Plaza vigil; city manager says event was not approved

Multiple residents used public comment at the Grass Valley City Council meeting to criticize perceived inconsistent enforcement of event permits after a large vigil held on Mill Street Plaza for commentator Charlie Kirk.

Noga Wazanski told council they were “puzzled” that the vigil was allowed to occupy the plaza and block pedestrian movement while other small gatherings earlier in the year required permits, saying the disparity suggested Mill Street had become a de facto free-speech zone. Wazanski urged that Mill Street be used for demonstrations addressing immigration, gun safety and housing.

The city manager, Tim Keasu, responded during council reports that staff had not received advance notice of the vigil and that the city’s Mill Street Plaza area use guidelines restrict the plaza from being established as a public forum for events that are inconsistent with permitted uses. Keasu said staff saw some standing in the roadway but did not observe tables blocking traffic, and that, in general, prior May Day organizers had been cooperative when staff requested corrections.

Mayor Hodge reiterated that the city did not approve or sponsor the vigil and urged clarity that the city had no prior knowledge of the event. Keasu encouraged residents to work with city staff and follow the established process for permitted events so staff can provide guidance and ask for corrective action when necessary.

Those public comments raised questions about perceived enforcement double standards but produced no formal council direction or ordinance changes at the meeting.