Incident at the SEF Carnival

Dear Soledad Unified School District Community,

We are providing information on an incident regarding an incident that occurred on the evening of Saturday, April 26, during the Soledad Education Foundation (SEF) Carnival.

Thanks to the vigilance of carnival staff and volunteers and the our partnership with the Soledad Police Department, officers were alerted to a group of youth exhibiting concerning behavior. The individuals—many of whom were not Soledad students and appeared to be from outside the community—refused directions to disperse and were escorted out by law enforcement. Two additional juveniles were arrested—one found in possession of a knife, and another violating probation curfew conditions. A firearm was also discovered unattended on carnival grounds and was recovered by officers; it is currently the subject of an ongoing police investigation.

We are  grateful to the Soledad Police Department for their prompt response and professionalism throughout the evening, as well as to our SEF volunteers and security personnel for their awareness and action. These incidents are  concerning and taken seriously by all involved.

Moving forward, working with the SEF, we are committed to taking additional safety measures to ensure the well-being of everyone who attends the annual Carnival. This would include  increased security at entrances, use of metal detectors, stricter enforcement of entrance expectations, and close coordination with local law enforcement.

The SEF Carnival is a valued tradition that brings our community together in support of students. We are committed to maintaining that spirit while enhancing safety for all.  Thank you for your understanding and continued support.

Sincerely,
Randy Bangs
Superintendent
Soledad Unified School District