Stockton Mayor Closes Roads Without Permit For Block Party
STOCKTON (CBS13) — Stockton Mayor Anthony Silva closed a road for a party for a group he leads without the proper permits.
A section of Olympic Circle was shut down between Rendon and Yellowstone avenues for a Boys and Girls Club block party.
CBS13 obtained the application Silva submitted. It was signed and dated June 25.
A city spokeswoman said Stockton requires street-closure applications submitted 45 days before the event—in the case of this event, the middle of May.
Instead, the permit was turned in on Wednesday and it was denied because there weren't enough resources on short notice, and not enough time to notify the neighborhood.
When CBS13 went to the event to investigate, we were quickly told we weren't welcome. But 45 minutes after our search began, Silva emerged to answer our questions.
"As you can see, it's a peaceful day for once here in east Stockton. The kids are having a good time," he said.
The mayor insisted everything was in order. The former Boys and Girls Club president and current CEO said he had a permit to close the street for the eighth-annual event.
"The proper paperwork was turned in. A $500 check was given to the city."
But according to police, Silva's permit applications was actually denied. Rather than shutting down the event, they sent several units out to provide traffic control.
CBS13's Nick Janes had the following exchange with the mayor:
Janes: Do you feel that sets a bad example if you're closing the street without a permit? Shuldn't you have to follow the rules like any regular citizen?
Silva: Yes, yes, I should.
Janes: Did you?
Silva: I think if people...
Janes: Did you follow the rules, Mayor?
Silva: Yes sir. Yes I did. I did follow the rules.
"This is a good situation, this is a good story in Stockton, and we want to keep everything positive," Silva said.
Silva calls the episode yet another attack by his enemies at city hall.
The city says an invoice will be prepared and the Boys and Girls Club will be billed for police services.
