Security staff complete aquatic invasive‑species training; July 4 crowd issues strain patrols

Security supervisor Brandon Arino told the board that Rancho Murieta CSD security personnel attended a California Department of Fish and Wildlife course June 30–July 1 covering watercraft inspection and decontamination to combat aquatic invasive species (AIS).

Arino said the training — which included best practices such as the "clean, drain, dry" approach, hot‑water decontamination and how to identify high‑risk vessels — strengthens local capacity to inspect boats and prevent the introduction of mussels and invasive plants that can damage lake infrastructure and recreation. He said the training is relevant given the community's lakes and boating activity and that the district intends to support public education and lake‑management initiatives.

The meeting also reviewed incidents tied to the July 4 holiday that placed heavy demands on security staff. Arino said the community experienced unusually large crowds and juvenile misconduct at North Beach, including bottles and alcohol strewn across the area and an episode of illegal fireworks on the golf course. He said juveniles scattered when deputies were notified and that in one instance a resident brandished a firearm at juveniles. "It was horrible," Arino said of behavior at the event.

Staff reported adding extra officers for the event (eight total for the period) and described extended shifts: one staff member said they worked from 5 a.m. until 3:30 a.m. the next day. Board members and staff said limited sheriff coverage compounded response challenges; staff put in requests for off‑duty deputies but were unable to secure them.

The board discussed practical steps to reduce future risks, including improving guest‑pass accountability (current passes allow up to five guests but are not routinely tied to license plates), coordinating with RMA on parking/fencing to limit nonresident access, and reviewing whether event size or scheduling requires different law‑enforcement support.

No formal policy changes were adopted at the meeting; staff were asked to continue operational coordination and report back on PERS, gate repairs and outreach plans.