Curfew will be in place until Wednesday morning
By Sam Catanzaro
Santa Monica has imposed a curfew for the fourth consecutive day.
According to the City of Santa Monica, the curfew will be in effect from 2 p.m. Tuesday through 5:30 a.m. Wednesday. Curfews were also in place on Saturday evening, Sunday and Monday. Emergency responders are exempt, as are those traveling to and from work or seeking or giving emergency care.
As peaceful demonstrations over the police killing of George Floyd continue, the Santa Monica Police Department have arrested over 450 people who have taken advantage of these protests by looting and vandalizing hundreds of local businesses.
41 were made Monday and 438 were made on Sunday, according to the City, who has recorded 347 damage reports, including 84 reports of graffiti and 292 reports of damage to retail businesses, of which 155 indicated significant damage. The City says it is calling affected businesses today to get further details on estimated cost of damages and stolen property,.
According to Mayor Kevin McKeown, 130 National Guards were stationed in Santa Monica Monday.
“So, the broken glass is swept, and we thank the 130 National Guard officers now standing with us, but we can’t pretend we’re back to normal. It shouldn’t take a citywide curfew for us to feel safe in our homes. We will make it to another bright day today, and continue to work together to put the shine back on Santa Monica. The criminals who overran downtown on Sunday can take their stolen sneakers, but they can never take from us the most valued asset we share — each other,” McKeown said.
