By admin 
Sacramento police will close Old Sacramento streets to vehicle traffic on weekends after 10 p.m. beginning Friday in an attempt to curb violence after a stabbing wounded five people in an early-morning brawl last week, the latest in a string of assaults in the historic district and popular nightlife destination.
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The move is part of the “Traffic Management Plan” crafted by Sacramento Police Department and Downtown Sacramento Partnership. Officials say the plan is designed to “improve safety and enhance the overall experience for residents, visitors and businesses” in the historic district.
“We remain committed to working collaboratively with our community, businesses, and local stakeholders to address neighborhood concerns and enhance public safety,” Sacramento Police Department said in the statement. “Ensuring that those who seek to take advantage of this area to commit crimes are held accountable remains a top priority.”
The change came less than a week after five men were stabbed during an early-morning brawl near Front and K streets along the Old Sacramento boardwalk.
Police said the fight broke out shortly after 3 a.m. Saturday. Officers found three men with stab wounds, while two other wounded men later showed up at a hospital. All five were hospitalized in stable condition. The investigation has since led to two arrests.
Nineteen-year-old Ezekiel Paul Griffis of Sacramento was arraigned this week in Sacramento Superior Court on five counts of assault with a deadly weapon in connection with the stabbing near Front and K streets. A second suspect, Robert Dennis Richwine, 19, of Rancho Cordova, was arrested Tuesday in the attack shortly after 3 a.m. Saturday. He was expected in court Thursday afternoon.
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The plan announced Thursday would allow motorists to access Second Street from Capitol Mall and I Street, but access beyond Second Street to the Old Sacramento waterfront would be restricted. The Old Sacramento and Tower Bridge parking garages would remain open. Pedestrians would still be able to access Old Sacramento businesses, and vehicles parked within the zone would be able to leave, the Sacramento Police Department said.
Old Sacramento safety concerns
The traffic restrictions added to a series of safety measures adopted in Old Sacramento after years of concerns about violence, large crowds and late-night activity in the historic district.
Those concerns intensified in 2021 after several high-profile incidents, including a brawl involving about 50 juveniles, a reported gunshot and a homicide. A survey of Old Sacramento residents, business owners and property owners around that time also raised concerns about street parties, intoxication, erratic driving and cruising that contributed to congestion.
Police have since expanded surveillance and staffing in the area. The department uses a network of public safety cameras, including cameras operated by businesses, and works with private security companies. Police also deploy additional officers on busy weekends and during events.
The department’s bicycle unit also moved its office from near the state Capitol to the Downtown Commons area, a change police said allowed officers to respond more quickly to Old Sacramento.
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