SIGN THE PETITION: PROTECT THE AMERICAN RIVER PARKWAY FROM A PROPOSED OUTDOOR SPORT/EVENT STADIUM - DEMAND TRANSPARENCY AND ACCOUNTABILITY FROM THE SAN JUAN SCHOOL DISTRICT

We, the undersigned, are deeply concerned with the significant and unmitigable environmental impacts to the American River Parkway and surrounding neighborhoods from the precedent setting outdoor sport and event stadium project proposed by the San Juan School District at Rio Americano High School.

Rio Americano High School is located immediately adjacent to the American River Parkway which includes the only federally and state-designated Wild and Scenic River that flows through a major metropolitan area in the United States. The Parkway is a national, state and local treasure and a vital artery for our community’s health, recreation and natural beauty - a truly special place that people have worked together for years to establish, protect and preserve for future generations.

The District’s sports/event stadium may include permanent stadium lighting, amplified sound, expanded bleachers for up to 2,000 spectators, and press box. A project of this scale and intensity, in such a sensitive location, must not proceed without full public disclosure, meaningful community engagement, and strict compliance with all applicable laws and policies, including, but not limited to, the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), the American River Parkway Plan, the Urban American River Parkway Preservation Act, the Federal and California Wild and Scenic Rivers Acts, and the Parkway Corridor Combining Zone.

The District’s proposed sports/event stadium at Rio Americano threatens to overwhelm the Parkway’s (and adjoining neighborhoods) tranquil environment, natural setting, and resources with plans for permanent lighting, sound system, visible structures, and added traffic. If approved, the District’s project will increase noise pollution, and pose significant ongoing negative human impacts and create permanent visual intrusions to the Parkway, jeopardizing the delicate balance of local ecosystems and community.  The Parkway is habitat for diverse wildlife and serves as a green corridor for ecological preservation. The introduction of a high-intensity sports facility presents a looming threat to the serenity and ecological integrity of this critical area.

Moreover, the impacts on the neighborhoods would be substantial. Increased noise, traffic, lighting and visual intrusions would be significant and undermine the community’s quality of life, and social dynamics nurtured over many decades.  Neighborhood streets are already busy and introduction of large-scale events will exacerbate existing traffic congestion, posing a danger to pedestrians and cyclists, and would forever change the character of the neighborhood.

We demand full transparency, comprehensive environmental review, and public accountability before the District proceeds with a sport/event stadium at Rio Americano. It is critical to assess all potential environmental impacts through in-depth study and public evaluation process. There will be significant cumulative environmental impacts to the Parkway and the surrounding neighborhoods. We ask for accountability from those in charge to ensure that the community’s voices are heard and that decisions impacting our shared resources are made with involvement, in-depth study, care and integrity.

We insist the San Juan School District engage in open and inclusive dialogue with the community, demonstrate public accountability, and prioritize environmental stewardship of the American River Parkway and community, before proceeding with the proposal and development of the stadium at Rio Americano High School. Together, we can protect our Parkway and neighborhoods for future generations.