SACRAMENTO, Calif. — A series of violent crimes taking place in downtown Sacramento has officials looking closely at safety heading into this weekend.
Downtown Sacramento was active Friday night, especially around the Safe Credit Union Convention Center, as the California Democratic Party Convention got underway.
The three day “Endorsing State Convention” brought many people from out of town. As they filled the convention center, security was noticeable and Sacramento Police Department officers patrolled the area.
The convention is just one of many events planned this weekend in downtown. Security measures are in place as questions about safety in the area arise after a series of crimes including the deadly stabbing in the Downtown Commons where concert goers were met with crime tape.
Attendees at the convention say they're not concerned for their safety.
“I like Sacramento. I have been here a lot. I used to come here for work. I am retired now,” said Kevin Hendrick, who drove from Crescent City for the convention.
Sacramento Mayor Darrell Steinberg says overall in Sacramento, violent crime has dropped 18% from the first nine months of 2023 compared to the same period in 2022.
“We cannot prevent every tragedy from happening. I think its important people look at the big picture,” said Steinberg. "The only acceptable percentage for any of these crimes is zero, but the fact that there is a downward trend is something that we are very pleased about.”
The Sacramento Police Department says they will have additional resources and patrols around the convention center, but also across other events around downtown Sacramento.
