The purpose of Sacramento county's regional parks is "to provide a county-wide system of parks facilities which would provide recreational opportunities for the region[.]" Recreation includes "hiking, cycling, rafting, kayaking, windsurfing, horseback riding, running, fishing and much more." Not included in this list is pounding music from speakers three stories tall for the profit of a limited liability company.
Aftershock is a nationally advertised, heavy-metal concert series. Additionally, GoldenSky is a country music concert series. The two concert series take place over two weekends at Discovery Park. Discovery Park is a public park located across the street from South Natomas -- a residential community.
Aftershock and GoldenSky have supporters:
The for-profit concerts are produced by Danny Wimmer Presents, LLC -- based in Los Angeles. Their slogan is, "LOUDER THAN LIFE".
The number of concert patrons per concert are between 35,000 and 45,000. Ticket prices range from $85 to $650. Additional revenue to the producer comes from the sale of beer, wine, and distilled spirits.
On the other hand, Aftershock and GoldenSky have opponents:
Residents of South Natomas have to contend with:
The speakers are three stories tall.
The bass drum and bass guitar penetrate houses a mile away.
The beat penetrates every room, so there's no escape. Imagine living inside a bass drum. Second after second, hour after hour, day after day, each beat becomes more and more excruciating.
Guards prevent residents from recreation.
Discovery Park was closed between October 1-25, 2024 -- 25 days.
The concerts are increasing. Aftershock used to be on a three day weekend; now it's four days. It used to be one weekend; now concerts occur on two straight weekends. It used to be concerts just in October. Now concerts occur in August.
Supporters rationalize that the concerts generate an economic benefit for Sacramento. However, South Natomas residents are due a mitigation fee for their stresses. The costs of externalities (like noise pollution) need to be subtracted from the economic benefit. For example, each impacted South Natomas household should receive $300 per concert for transportation to elsewhere and lodging.
