Multiple fights subject of concern

Alumnus suggests task force

Gustavo Chavez is arrested after allegedly shoving officers during the Causeway Classic at Hornet Stadium on Sept. 18.  Bentoni/State Hornet Two arrested after fight in grandstand University Police arrested Gustavo Chavez at the Causeway Classic on two counts of resisting an officer after a fight erupted between Chavez and two other non-students. Chavez, 21, shoved and verbally harassed the police officers who were attempting to subdue the situation, said witnesses. Officer William Scheffler was forced to use an arm-hold to control Chavez as Officer Lynn Ivey handcuffed the irate fan. During the incident, several witnesses said they helped the two officers by forming a circle around them. Chavez was booked into Sacramento Country Jail. He was released on bail Sept. 22. His first court appearance will be Oct. 27 in Sacramento Superior court. His charges also include resisting a peace officer, removal of weapon from a peace officer and battery, court officials said. Miguel Chavez, 23, was also arrested that night on charges of resisting an officer. The arrests were one of four reported violent incidents police responded to during the Sept. 18 game.

A California State University Sacramento alumnus has suggested to administrators the need to form a community, police and university task force for increasing safety and improving parking congestion at large crowded sporting events.

Mike Jaime, who earned his bachelor’s in social welfare in 1975 and master’s in public policy in 1980, admits that overall violent incidents are low in proportion to the number of attendees but says even one serious incident at an event is one too many.

According to university officials, the process for setting special event policies involves input from several campus organizations, including Space Management, Athletics, the CSUS Foundation and University Police. After large events Public Safety then conducts an event analysis.

While attending the Causeway Classic with his son, Jaime witnessed the fight and arrest of Gustavo Chavez and Miguel Chavez just a few rows in front of him in the stands.

Jaime brought his concerns to the attention of Linda Canfield Scott, alumni relations director of membership development, early last week.

“Our graduates are important to us and Mr. Jaime’s concerns are not falling on deaf ears,” said Scott.

The unrelated death of Steven Fowler, who was involved in a separate incident in the parking lot during the same game, added to Jaime’s community involvement plan.

“I perceive this as a threat to the community,” Jaime said about the violent incidents at the game.

The alumnus says he is thrilled the Hornets are playing well this year but wants the atmosphere to be safe for families and students and has voiced his concerns to CSUS Vice President for University Affairs Robert Jones.

“I listened, took notes and expressed my appreciation for his concern and will get back to him,” Jones said.

Specifically Jaime is concerned over the ratio of police officers to fans, the lack of security at entrances to the stadium, the chaos when leaving the campus and the overwhelming amount of debris in the parking lots.

Jaime is the assistant director of the Office of Labor Relations for the California Department of Corrections.

“I don’t want to slam the university, but I do want CSUS to take a proactive move,” Jaime said.

Off-duty Sacramento City and surrounding area peace officers supplemented the University Police force at the Causeway Classic game. Thirty-six officers patrolled the campus during the event, and only four incidents were reported involving fights, according to John Hamrick, CSUS police spokesperson.

According to event management, no outside cans or bottles are allowed into the stadium. Athletics and ticketing with the help of University Police are responsible for checking fans while entering the stadium.

Ultimately, Jaime hopes that a task force or meeting will be held before November’s Homecoming football game .