Residents say deputies failed to check meeting room during July 20 protest; captain says deputies were present and limited entry

Two residents described a July 20 disturbance outside a private event at Casa Del Sol and urged the council to address what they described as an inadequate law enforcement response. Karen Warren told the council she and other attendees called 911 multiple times but said deputies “never responded to the persons who called from inside our room,” that protesters carried bear spray and masks, and that attendees were frightened and requested escorts.

June Anderson said deputies “never assessed the room” and that elderly attendees — many over 70 — were forced to lock doors and tape tablecloths over windows. Anderson urged the police chief to meet Casa Del Sol’s gate attendants and provide officer training so deputies better understand private-site protocols.

Captain Ives responded that deputies were on scene from about 2:00 to 4:30 p.m., attempted to make contact with event informants who did not come outside, and described a restrained approach on private property to protect First Amendment rights while maintaining public safety. “We were there to keep the peace…we try to tread lightly on that and just ensure everyone's safety,” he said. Assistant City Manager Jerry Hill later said staff had met with the landscape contractor and that staff had reprimanded the contractor after a separate parks/landscape complaint; Hill offered an apology to residents for their experience and said staff would follow up.

Council members asked staff to continue follow-up and to provide clarity about response protocols for private-property events; the mayor said the council would request more information and report back.