San Jose Mayor Demands Action After Repeated Violations of Park Ban, Cites Systemic Failures
SAN JOSE, CA – San Jose Mayor Matt mahan is expressing outrage after an individual banned from St. James Park under a recent court injunction was released from custody after allegedly violating the order by using illegal narcotics.The incident underscores what Mahan calls a “huge gap” in the county’s criminal justice and behavioral health systems, prompting calls for increased funding and systemic reform.
The city secured an injunction earlier this month barring seven individuals – Jose Lomeli, Rayvontae Malone, Joseph Cota, Antonio Evangalistsa, Steven Serrano, Samuel Cotton, and David Romero – from loitering, standing, sitting, or camping within 100 yards of St. James Park. the move came in response to repeated illegal activities that the San Jose Police Department said made the park “an unsafe space for families.” Despite the court order, one of the individuals returned to the park and was found using illegal narcotics. While the District Attorney’s Office sought to maintain custody, a judge ultimately released the individual.
This latest advancement has ignited frustration from city officials who argue the current system fails to adequately address the needs of both the community and individuals struggling with addiction and mental health issues. Mayor Mahan has urged California Governor Gavin Newsom to allocate more funding toward Proposition 36, a state law aimed at diverting individuals with substance use disorders into treatment instead of incarceration. He also called on Santa Clara County supervisors to address the deficiencies within the county’s criminal justice and behavioral health infrastructure.
The San Jose Police Department confirmed the injunction and the subsequent release, emphasizing the District Attorney’s efforts to keep the individual in custody.Mayor Mahan has publicly thanked both the district Attorney and the police department for their commitment to community justice.
