Homeless outraged after city vows to close park they live in: ‘If they put the fence up, I got wire cutters’

Homeless people are outraged after a Northern California city has vowed to close the park they call home after repeated drug use and safety issues.

Sam Brannan Park in Yuba City is scheduled to close Sept. 1 for what city officials describe as much-needed security upgrades, but some residents and frequent visitors are furious about the move.

“I’m madder than hell. That’s putting it politely,” Terri Arnold, who has been staying at the park, told KCRA 3. “If they put the fence up, I got wire cutters,” she said.

In recent years, the park has faced problems including drug use, assaults, vandalism and domestic violence, according to city officials. The park has recorded one of the city’s highest volumes of police service calls over the past three years, with nearly 150 calls during the first five months of this year alone.

Located off Gray Avenue next to Gray Avenue Middle School, the 8-acre park is one of Yuba City’s largest and oldest parks.

“The city wants to recapture its very old and very valued Sam Brannan Park. And this is just a step in the process. It’s temporary,” Yuba City Mayor Marc Boomgaarden said during a City Council meeting. “And I think when it’s all said and done, we’ll have our park back and people will enjoy being able to go to the park. Plus, we’re going to get a dog park.”

Last week, the City Council voted to temporarily close the park to complete security upgrades, including cameras, lighting, fencing and electronic gate access. The council approved $265,000 for the project.

“I’ve seen ambulances and the fire department come here and people have to get resuscitated, and it’s something that should not be going on at a children’s park,” frequent park-goer Karisa Davis told the Sacramento-based station.

The park is named after California pioneer and Yuba City founder Sam Brannan. It features playgrounds, open grassy areas, picnic and barbecue areas, lighted tennis and pickleball courts, swimming and wading pools, and a waterwise demonstration garden.

“It’s so many elements of that park that we want to make better, but ultimately we’re doing it for the public and specifically the kids that are going to school right next door,” Yuba City City Manager Robert Bendorf said.

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