Pair cited for entering
Sacred Falls area

Star-Bulletin staff

Two California hikers were cited late Sunday afternoon for illegally entering the Sacred Falls State Park trail, which has been closed since the May 9 rock slide that claimed eight lives and caused a number of injuries.

State Department of Land and Natural Resources enforcement officers cited William Hernandez, 32, employed by the Marin County Sheriff's Department, and Jina Carnevali, 28, unemployed, both of Santa Rosa, for entering a closed area.

The two were reported by a nearby resident to have climbed over a locked gate on the trail access road. A department officer responded with two policemen. The pair was cited and escorted out.

Sacred Falls State Park remains closed indefinitely while the threat of rock slides continues to be evaluated.

This safety precaution is intended to prevent exposing hikers to potential injury or death from falling rocks or debris. There are three closed and locked gates at the parking lot and at the trail access point, and conspicuous signs are posted at the entrance, trail head and at various locations along the trail, the department said.

Department enforcement officers continue to patrol the trail and parking lot area.

"We are asking the public's kokua to stay out of the valley and not try to enter the area," said Gary Moniz, acting administrator for Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement. "There continues to be a potential danger from falling rocks."

Penalty for each violation may be a fine of up to $500, 30 days in jail or both.