Updated March 24, 2020 3:45 p.m.
Santa Monica Police Department authorized to issue administrative citations
By Sam Catanzaro
Santa Monica has announced that its police officers are authorized to issue citations to violators of stay at home orders in place to help slow the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).
“Our first priority is to remind and educate the public when they are not following our local orders,” said said Santa Monica City Manager Rick Cole. “However, it’s important for people to know that our local orders include the ability to fine individuals and businesses that do not abide voluntarily.”
On Monday, following Governor Gavin Newsom’s Stay at Home order and the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health’s Safer at Home order last week, the City of Santa Monica issued a local order adopting the State and County orders.
According to the City, it will follow whichever is stricter, unless otherwise stated by both the Governor and the County.
Under the stay at home rules, residents are required to stay at home and away from people outside their immediate family unless they are engaging in an ‘essential activity’. In addition, while not fully prohibiting outdoor activities, the rules prohibit gatherings of 10 or more people.
People can still go to the grocery store, pharmacy and medical appointments. Walks and ride bikes are also allowed in permitted areas.
The State and County Stay at Home/Safer at Home orders are enforceable by the Santa Monica Police Department (SMPD), the City said in a press release.
According to the City, not adhering to the orders is a misdemeanor under Government Code Section 8665 and Santa Monica Municipal Code Section 2.16.100. The County Department of Public Health’s Safer at Home Order is also enforceable by the (SMPD) pursuant to Health and Safety Code Sections 120295 and 131082.
City officers are authorized to issue administrative citations to enforce emergency orders issued to date as follows:
- Revised First Supplement to the Executive Order (Temporary Moratorium on Residential and Commercial Evictions) – $1000 per violation
- Second Supplement to the Executive Order (Pier Closure) – for individuals: $100 for first violation, $250 for second violation within one year, $500 for third or subsequent violations within one year; for violations by businesses: $500 for first violation, $750 for second violation within one year, $1000 for third or subsequent violations within one year
- Third Supplement to the Executive Order (Business Closure) – $500 for first violation, $750 for second violation within one year, $1000 for third or subsequent violations within one year
- Eighth Supplement to the Executive Order (Stay at Home / Safer at Home Orders) – for individuals: $100 for first violation, $250 for second violation within one year, $500 for third or subsequent violations within one year; for violations by businesses: $500 for first violation, $750 for second violation within one year, $1000 for third or subsequent violations within one year
Accoridng to officials, enforcement resources will be deployed by the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) in accordance with priorities established by public health authorities and the EOC.
According to the Los Angeles Department of Public Health (Public Health), there have been 662 cases of COVID-19 across the county. According to Public Health, 16 of these cases are in Santa Monica.
