SACRAMENTO, Calif. — The Sacramento Taco Festival has been postponed after two children and two adults were shot in front of a liquor store over the weekend.
Originally scheduled for Sunday, May 21, organizers said they were looking for a new location because of an increase in crime on Del Paso Boulevard.
“This is very frustrating for organizations like ours that try to bring good things to this neighborhood, only to have that goodwill undone because of incidents like this,” says Mina Perez, President and CEO of the Vida De Oro Foundation and Board Member of the North Sacramento Chamber of Commerce. “We have been very active on the Boulevard since 2007, bringing art shows, activities, and events, and we have never felt as threatened as we do today.”
The shooting happened late Saturday night in front of Sunland Liquor at 2004 Del Paso Blvd. Three people were caught on camera shooting at other people in front of the liquor store, injuring a 1-year-old girl, a 10-year-old boy and two adults.
The victims’ injuries were non-life-threatening. No arrests have been made in the case.
With the relocation and postponement of the festival, some people in the neighborhood say the move is exactly the opposite reaction they should have.
Perez said her organization's decision to pull the festival came down to not wanting to put people in the "line of fire," potentially due to retaliation.
"We have to be really careful about what kind of events are placed in that environment, and right now, I don't see anything good happening," she said.
Najah Safeeullah, a new business owner with her hair salon, Pink Rum Beauty Bar, disagrees.
"If nobody's out here doing stuff or engaging in it or wanting to help build it, of course, it's making room for people to just come and do whatever," said Safeeullah.
She hosted an event for kids in the neighborhood giving away haircuts and food. She said Del Paso Boulevard needs more family-oriented events like it.
"We have to put money back into our community, and build it and build it up. We're most definitely doing that here," said Safeeullah.
She hopes the community will agree and join her.
Organizers for the Sacramento Taco Festival have decided to move it to June 24 near Grant High School, which is also in Del Paso Heights.
Anyone with information can call investigators at 916-808-5471.
