Two women were assaulted and robbed July 18 at the City College light rail station by three unknown subjects, according to a Los Rios Police Department crime bulletin released Aug. 28, shortly after the beginning of the fall semester.

Two unknown males, described by the suspects as either Hispanic or Asian and an African American, and one unknown Hispanic female, robbed the victims of an iPhone, iPod and other personal property at 2:30 p.m. at the station, police said. The suspects are still at large.
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The City College Light Rail Station provides more benefits than drawbacks, despite initial concerns about crime.

Los Rios Police Department Sgt. Brian Washington said Sept. 8 the Sacramento Regional Transit’s light rail is not a significant source of crime on campus. He admits vagrants ride light rail, but said they avoid City College. At most, three light rail related crimes were reported in the last year. LRPD annual reports for 2006 show the most illegal activity. Fifteen drug violations occurred at Los Rios-related public properties, like the light rail station, during that year.

Although there is a 60-day crime log, statistics for Los Rios crimes go up to 2007 according to Washington.

“There is some crime, don’t get me wrong,” Washington said, “fights, theft and fare evasion.”

Different gangs across Sacramento have members who ride light rail, and City College Station sits on a neutral ground between territories, Washington said. Confrontation happens. People can also enter campus late at night regardless if they are students or not.

But the LRPD maintains that crime at the light rail station rarely happens.

In addition, LRPD Captain Valerie Cox said RT police and the Sacramento Police Department cast a watchful eye over the light rail and City College station. Both organizations collaborate with LRPD to ensure the safety of riders.

“I think light rail has been a wonderful addition to campus because it provides students economic transportation,” Cox said.

Based on the number of Universal Transit Passes distributed this semester, potential crime is not stopping an estimated 10, 719 City College students from riding light rail.

City College business marketing major Brandy Rocha doesn’t drive and relies on the light rail daily. She is used to watching arguments between the homeless and the restless.

“I’ve never had it be late and it o nly takes eight minutes,” Rocha said. “Weird things happen every day. You just get used to it.”

City College biology major Kristina West said she loves the light rail. Every day there is something interesting, like the eccentric man she saw offering free salami to fellow passengers.

“It’s fun,” West said. “Can’t get that in a car.”

City College Public Information Officer Amanda Hamilton also supports the light rail as a major convenience for staff and students. Hamilton no longer rides light rail, but did for years to Sacramento State University and her job downtown.

LRPD wants students to be aware of their surroundings. The more witnesses there are, the less chance there is of a crime occurring, Washington said.

“When you travel, walk the lighted pathways, walk in groups, be aware of your surroundings,” Washington said.