Public commenters urge lease renegotiation for Shepherd Garden & Arts Center and raise park enforcement concerns

Two members of the public used the commission’s public comment period on March 5 to press the city on two community concerns: the lease terms for the Shepherd Garden and Arts Center and perceived unequal enforcement of park rules.

"My name is Joanne Sprogas. I sit on the board of directors of the Sacramento Garden and Arts Center," Sprogas told commissioners. She said negotiations with city staff over a proposed lease have "dragged to a halt" and that the latest draft lease included provisions that could cancel previously booked rentals and displace scheduled events while leaving volunteers to absorb the fallout. She asked commissioners to encourage city negotiators to reopen talks and address terms that the nonprofit finds problematic.

A second speaker, LR Roberts, raised concerns about inconsistent enforcement of park rules. Roberts said he has observed police enforcing a smoking prohibition against some people experiencing homelessness while others who smoke at parks or vendors selling items at McClatchy Park are not similarly policed. "There seems to be this inequality about who gets to smoke in the park," Roberts said, urging consistent enforcement.

The commission accepted the comments; staff did not announce a formal response or immediate action during the meeting. Commissioners thanked the commenters and acknowledged they would follow up through the appropriate staff channels.

What’s next: Commissioners asked staff to relay concerns to the relevant departments; the commission may request updates from staff about the lease negotiation and enforcement practices.