Davis city officials plan expanded police presence, enforcement for Picnic Day

Officials in the city of Davis announced they would be planning a significantly expanded law enforcement and emergency response presence for this year’s UC Davis’ Picnic Day on April 18, one year after shooting at an off-campus event rattled the community.

In a news release Thursday, the city said it would double police staffing, restrict events citywide and emphasize early enforcement during the 112th Picnic Day, which typically draws tens of thousands of visitors to campus as a celebration of the school.

“Picnic Day brings added energy and activity citywide,” a statement from the city manager’s office said. “While most events occur on campus, the city of Davis is working to ensure this day remains as safe as possible for the many thousands of visitors that participate in off-campus activities and the community members who live here.”

Among the several measured outlined, the city said it would prohibit all special event permits on Picnic Day, which is set for Saturday, April 18. The move, officials said, is intended to “reduce congestion, speed response times, avoid overlapping crowds and minimize risk.”

Organizations and user groups that traditionally host events on private property or at public locations under use agreements will be notified that police and emergency response resources may be limited at times. The city advised event hosts to plan accordingly.

Other changes will be more visible and consistent.

The city’s Police Department will double its staffing and rely on multiple mutual aid partners during the day, and authorities will deploy more barricades and traffic control measures as it positions more officers in the field to “support faster response times.”

“Enforcement of laws will be a key focus on Picnic Day this year,” the city said, adding that officers will be prepared to take early action to “reinforce behavior expectations.”

Alcohol enforcement will be a central component, the city said. Davis police have been working with the state Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control and meeting with downtown bar owners ahead of the event. Alcohol-related violations — including open container, public intoxication and furnishing alcohol to minors — will be strictly enforced, particularly within designated Safety Enhancement Zones where violations carry increased fines.

The city also said it secured regional support from the Sacramento Regional Incident Management Team and plans to use drones for situational awareness throughout the day. Davis will activate its Emergency Operations Center, and the city’s Fire Department will expand staffing to handle increased call volume.

Coordination with UC Davis has intensified since the 2025 shooting. The city said that university police would assist with staffing along the Picnic Day parade route within city limits.

“The parade route will also be shortened by one block to support staffing and operational efficiency,” official said.

The changes come a year after gunfire erupted during a fraternity-hosted rap concert at Community Park on April 12, 2025, injuring four people, including one person who was trampled as crowds fled across the park and nearby Davis Little League fields. Authorities worked for weeks to identify the shooters involved.

One suspect who was arrested a month after the incident, Joseph Allen Davis, pleaded guilty in federal court late last year to being a felon in possession of a firearm and is scheduled to be sentenced March 26. He still faces charges in Yolo Superior Court.

A second suspect, Stephon Wayne Stroman, surrendered to authorities in December and faces several firearms-related charges in Woodland court.

Picnic Day, first held in 1909, is considered UC Davis’ signature event and annual open house, typically drawing about 70,000 attendees for a parade, student fairs and performances. Past celebrations have been marred by crowding and alcohol-related problems, prompting the city in 2011 to adopt ordinances increasing fines for certain violations.

City officials said public outreach about this year’s changes will continue through the city’s website, email notifications, social media and inserts in residents’ utility bill mailers.