O.1. 20-1501 DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING THE CITY'S LOCAL EMERGENCY PERTAINING TO COVID-19
RECEIVE AND FILE THE CITY'S CURRENT SUMMARY OF EMERGENCY ORDERS AND PROVIDE DIRECTION IF NEEDED
With City parks set to fully re-open very soon, we’d like to understand what measures the City plans to take to ensure that everybody can safely use the parks – meaning compliance with state and county guidelines regarding covid. And we’re not talking about minor violations. As an example, over the weekend we observed a large soccer game, with about 20 kids and at least 20-30 adults, not distanced and not in masks.
As a City, we have an obligation to ensure that people follow these county and/or state regulations that are meant to protect public health and safety. We also have an obligation not to send mixed messages about the importance of these rules.
We get that people are fatigued. We get that people just want to use the parks like they always have. And we also understand that many people simply feel as though these covid regulations are an infringement on their rights and/or freedom.
Well, that’s the nature of rules. Every rule restricts you from doing something. We can’t drive 100mph down 190th because it’s dangerous. Would the City consider not enforcing the speed limit if enough people emailed the City Council to complain about how they want to be able to go as fast as they want? No.
So, the question now is what the City plans to do. Will the City just put up some signs and hope for the best? Because we know that some people will comply -- but many won’t. So what happens when people don’t comply? Right now, it seems the only option people have is to call the police – but is that the best solution?
Long term, we recommend that the City explore the idea of a Park Ranger. But we know that’s not necessarily realistic right now. But what about putting City employees in parks to remind people of the rules? What about hiring a contractor like Hermosa did to enforce a mask mandate?
The City has a choice about how to proceed and whether to be proactive or just hope for the best and turn a blind eye. Which direction will it take – and more importantly, why?
Harden Sooper
Public Safety Commissioner
Kate Korman-Sooper
Recreation and Parks Commissioner
With City parks set to fully re-open very soon, we’d like to understand what measures the City plans to take to ensure that everybody can safely use the parks – meaning compliance with state and county guidelines regarding covid. And we’re not talking about minor violations. As an example, over the weekend we observed a large soccer game, with about 20 kids and at least 20-30 adults, not distanced and not in masks.
As a City, we have an obligation to ensure that people follow these county and/or state regulations that are meant to protect public health and safety. We also have an obligation not to send mixed messages about the importance of these rules.
We get that people are fatigued. We get that people just want to use the parks like they always have. And we also understand that many people simply feel as though these covid regulations are an infringement on their rights and/or freedom.
Well, that’s the nature of rules. Every rule restricts you from doing something. We can’t drive 100mph down 190th because it’s dangerous. Would the City consider not enforcing the speed limit if enough people emailed the City Council to complain about how they want to be able to go as fast as they want? No.
So, the question now is what the City plans to do. Will the City just put up some signs and hope for the best? Because we know that some people will comply -- but many won’t. So what happens when people don’t comply? Right now, it seems the only option people have is to call the police – but is that the best solution?
Long term, we recommend that the City explore the idea of a Park Ranger. But we know that’s not necessarily realistic right now. But what about putting City employees in parks to remind people of the rules? What about hiring a contractor like Hermosa did to enforce a mask mandate?
The City has a choice about how to proceed and whether to be proactive or just hope for the best and turn a blind eye. Which direction will it take – and more importantly, why?
Harden Sooper
Public Safety Commissioner
Kate Korman-Sooper
Recreation and Parks Commissioner