Politixia
Multiple highway off-ramps leading into San Jose’s downtown will be closed again Saturday night in an effort to control traffic and protect public safety during Cinco de Mayo celebrations, according to Caltrans.
The closures, which will take place between 4 p.m. Saturday and 2 a.m. Sunday, will be repeated from 4 p.m. Sunday to 2 a.m. Monday. Roads were also closed Friday night.
The following off-ramps will be affected: Northbound and southbound Highway 101 at McKee Road, Julian Street, Santa Cara Street and Story Road; southbound Highway 280 at McLaughlin Avenue; northbound Highway 280 at 10th and 11th streets; and northbound Highway 87 at Auzerais Avenue, Santa Clara Street, Julian Street and Taylor Street.
While the majority of people who visit downtown and East San José during Cinco de Mayo are law abiding, “in past years, the celebration has also historically attracted individuals that have been responsible for various crimes, including vandalism, and sideshows,” said San Jose police said in a statement.
Senator Dave Cortese (D-San Jose) and Assemblymember Ash Kalra (D-San Jose) condemned the off-ramp closures and vowed to investigate the decision.
“Normal traffic controls are one thing – but shutting down major highway access on the pretense of fear of multicultural celebrations of Cinco de Mayo is racist targeting, and blatantly unconstitutional as it violates First Amendment rights to freedom of assembly,” according to their statement.
“We will not stand by while Caltrans and local agencies infringe on civil rights that we have, as a community, strived for during the past 60 years,” they said.
