SAMLARC approves alcohol in all parks

On January 24, 2017 the SAMLARC Board of Directors in a 4 to 1 vote approved the use of a special use park permit to allow the sale and consumption of alcohol in all of its parks. Board President Robert Dickson, Vice President Jeff Halbreich, Secretary Beverly Curtin, and Board Member Dennis Reid voted to allow alcohol to be sold and/or consumed with a permit in all SAMLARC parks. CFO Ted Robertson voted to oppose the sale and/or consumption of alcohol in all SAMLARC parks.

SAMLARC's aspiration used to be to keep the facilities safe and family friendly. It seems that mission has changed with some of the members of the current SAMLARC Board whose main focus seems to be allowing outside entities such as the RSM Chamber of Commerce to fundraise by selling alcohol in SAMLARC Parks. Maybe this is due to some of the Board members tight relationship with the Chamber. Unfortunately SAMLARC members who own the parks do not even benefit from any of the thousands of dollars in sales, but do assume all the liability beyond the required $2 million insurance coverage. A recent court case in Oxnard CA awarded $125 million dollars in damages in a drunken driving case. If a tragic accident occurred due to drinking at a SAMLARC park do you think SAMLARC would be immune from a lawsuit?

Unfortunately the new policy even goes far beyond that, now not just Central Park, but ALL of the SAMLARC parks will be eligible for alcohol sale and/or consumption. This includes parks located next to public schools. This is a very sad situation and an unconscionable decision by this board. Currently all of the parks are posted with signs stating "DRINKING OF LIQUORS, BEERS OR OTHER FERMENTED BEVERAGES ON THE ASSOCIATION'S COMMUNITY PROPERTY IS PROHIBITED AND SUBJECT TO CRIMINAL PROSECUTION AND FINE (RSMMC SECTION 6.02.0200)". I guess now it will be interesting to see if the City will enforce its municipal code.

Unfortunately the proposed changes had very little member input, maybe because the Board did not seek it. I was the only speaker at the meeting opposing the policy change. Sometime apathy results in unexpected consequences. Time will tell to see how devastating the effects of this terribly misguided policy will have on a family friendly community where the parks used to be about children and families, not alcohol and special interests.

Thanks to Ted Robertson for performing his fiduciary responsibility to the members at the Board meeting.