Stricter American River Alcohol Ban Will Take Effect Next Summer

Alcohol-fueled parties raged along the American River this summer, as they do every summer. But a new county policy taking effect next year could put a damper on those festivities.

Responding to fights and arrests that happened during the latest Rafting Gone Wild event in July, Sacramento County's Board of Supervisors have unanimously approved an expanded summer holiday alcohol ban on the river.

Under the new policy, the Sacramento County Regional Parks District Director will have the authority to prohibit alcohol on the river between Hazel and Watt Avenues whenever a reasonable belief exists that its consumption would threaten public safety.

The ban could be invoked at any time between Memorial Day and Labor Day starting in 2013, and would apply to boaters and rafters as well as people onshore.

Board members convened in August with Sacramento-area residents as well as members from the Save the American River Association (SARA) and American River Parkway Foundation to discuss the issue of alcohol on the river.

Dianna Poggetto, executive director of the Parkway Foundation, told the board that litter and vandalism on the river remain a concern for foundation members, and "that's just from normal alcohol (consumption) day to day."

Poggetto noted the increased law enforcement and rescue crew presence required at events like Rafting Gone Wild presents the county with a bill it has little revenue to foot.

"Our big concern for this whole proposal is cost recovery for the county," Poggetto said. "If just one day costs $30,000, what are multiple days going to run?"

"As everyone knows, money is not plentiful within the county right now."

This cost is based on hours of staff assigned to the operation who would not otherwise be on the river, said Jeffrey R. Leatherman, Director of Sacramento County's Department of Regional Parks.

"For example, our Ranger overtime ‘billed’ to the event was $3,000 because the majority of our staff are already on duty," Leatherman said. "The sheriff and fire, however, only have limited resources generally scheduled on a busy weekend so their costs are significantly higher for the day."

Leatherman included the costs associated with equipment:

• Sacramento County Sheriff's Department: $21,000
• Sacramento Metro Fire District: $10,000 (includes helicopter)
• Sacramento County Regional Park District: $3,000

"I think it's important…if folks do find a way around this, they understand there will be some considerable cost if our sheriff's deputies, our park rangers, Metro Fire, other law enforcement agencies find it necessary to respond to some urgent situation," Supervisor Phil Serna said.

Supervisors discussed the idea of a total ban on alcohol, but agreed not to pursue it for a number of reasons, ranging from the idealistic to the simple bottom line.

"There are times and ways of getting around it, I guess, but if you're a peaceful person or a family, I think it's OK, as long as you do it within the law," said Supervisor Jimmie Yee. "

"I don't know if we have enough law enforcement in six counties to deal with a ban on a 30-plus-mile part (of the river)," added Supervisor Susan Peters. "You can pass all the laws you want; you still have to be able to enforce them."

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