San Jose police to enforce ‘strict zero-tolerance’ during Cinco de Mayo

(KRON) — The San Jose Police Department said some city streets will be closed this weekend and on Cinco de Mayo. Traffic diversions will be enforced from May 2 until May 5, police said, as a tool for officers to enforce crowd control and address criminal activity.

The police department said it will enforce a “strict zero-tolerance policy for criminal activity” and deploy additional officers.

During last year’s Cinco de Mayo weekend in San Jose, 87 people were arrested and emergency dispatchers received more than two-thousand 911 calls.

“Cinco de Mayo in San Jose is a celebration of culture, family, and community,” said SJPD Police Chief Paul Joseph. “The San Jose Police Department is committed to making sure everyone can enjoy it safely by providing a strong presence throughout the weekend and addressing any disruptive behavior that threatens public safety.”

Spectators of sideshows could face citations, arrests, and fines up to $1,000. Drivers who are caught participating in sideshows will be slapped with fines ranging from $3,000 to $4,000, SJPD said.

Most of the road closures are happening downtown, and on the city’s east side, around areas that attracted rowdy crowds in previous years, police said. Other roads will be blocked off to make space for city-sanctioned Cinco de Mayo celebration events.

“These potential traffic diversions are based on historical data of impacted areas and are subject to change based on congestion and day-of needs. If implemented, vehicles will be diverted to freeways or other surrounding streets to decongest roadways and address criminal activity. This may include temporary closures of freeway off-ramps,” the police department wrote.

SJPD released the following locations for “potential traffic diversions”:

E. Santa Clara Street from HWY 87 to HWY 101

South Market Street from E. Santa Clara Street to Plaza to Cesar Chavez

S. 4th Street from E. Santa Clara Street to HWY 280

Alum Rock Avenue from HWY 101 to HWY 680

King Road from Alum Rock Avenue to Tully Road

Story Road from King Road to E. Capitol Expressway

S. Jackson Avenue from HWY 680 to Story Road

Ocala Avenue from King Road to E. Capitol Expressway

Tully Road from HWY 101 to E. Capitol Expressway

Roosevelt Park will be fenced off

City-sanctioned events in San Jose:

• Cinco de Mayo Car Show: May 3. Location: In front of SAP Center. The event takes place from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. Road closures: Barack Obama Blvd. from W. San Fernando Street to W. St. John Street, and W. Santa Clara Street from Stockton Avenue to Highway 87.
• East San Jose Cinco de Mayo Parade and Festival: May 4. Parade: 9 a.m. – 11 a.m. Festival: 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. Location: Emma Prusch Park at 647 South King Road.
• Downtown Cinco de Mayo Festival: May 4. Festival: 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. Location: Plaza de Cesar Chavez at 1 Paseo de San Antonio.

Councilmember Domingo Candelas said, “This weekend is an opportunity to celebrate the rich cultural diversity that makes our city great. I encourage everyone to take part in family-friendly and city-sanctioned events happening throughout our community. Let’s honor this tradition with joy, respect, and responsibility — by celebrating safely and looking out for one another.”