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Residents urge lighting, cameras and patrols as council advances Lawrence Park grant plans
Summary
Dozens of residents urged Lodi City Council to pair a planned Lawrence Park grant with immediate safety measures — better lighting, security cameras and police patrols — saying families avoid the park because of drinking and disruptive behavior. Council asked city staff to pursue a multi-department follow-up.
Dozens of neighbors urged Lodi City Council on July 1 to couple a proposed Lawrence Park grant with concrete safety improvements including better lighting, security cameras and stepped-up police patrols.
"Everyday groups of adults who are not homeless use the park tables to drink beer and play cards," said Maria Rodriguez, speaking for a group of nearby neighbors who said the activity intimidates families and keeps children away from the park. "If we want to transform the park, we must start by enforcing the rules. I ask the council to support this request so that we can all enjoy a safe park."
Other speakers described near-misses at nearby crossings, people using park restrooms while intoxicated and repeated instances of drinking and drug use they said have driven families away. Patricia Castro said her grandson encountered two people inside a restroom and she no longer feels comfortable using that facility. "I think it's very necessary that you install cameras, security cameras around there," she said.
Mayor Lopez thanked residents for their detailed reports and asked City Manager Cara Reig to coordinate a multi-department assessment. "What I'm going to ask our city manager to follow up with city staff is a number of items were listed tonight," the mayor said, asking public works, parks and recreation, and police to evaluate lighting, traffic crossings and enforcement options and to determine which items can be included in the grant application and which require separate action.
City Manager Cara Reig said staff will assess the list and work with departments to develop options. Council members also discussed enforcement tools such as targeted patrols, overtime-funded enforcement grants and possible grant components addressing lighting and restroom safety.
The public comments were part of a broader series of park-related remarks that included requests for a traffic signal at Lockford Street and Calaveras Avenue, pedestrian safety steps for school drop-off times, and a petition offer to prioritize east-side street repairs. Council said it would return with recommended next steps and noted a point of confusion to clarify whether a crossing guard is currently assigned to the school crossing.
Next steps: Council directed the city manager to convene appropriate departments and report back with an assessment and potential timelines for lighting, camera installation and traffic-calming measures. The council also signaled it will review whether safety items should be included in the pending grant application or handled separately.
