O.1. 20-1560 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 now fully re-open, 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 rules regarding covid. And we’re not talking about minor violations. As an example, recently we observed a large soccer game, with about 20 kids and at least 20-30 adults, not distanced and not in masks.
These regulations are meant to protect public health and safety. As a City, we have an obligation to ensure that people follow them. We also have an obligation not to send mixed messages about the importance of these rules.
We understand that people are fatigued and that people just want to use the parks like they always have. We also understand that many people feel as though these 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 and said they want to be able to go as fast as they want? No.
Will the City just hope for the best now that the state-issued signs are up? Because we know that many people will comply -- but many won’t. So what happens when people don’t comply? Right now, it seems the only option is to call the police – but is that the best solution?
The reality is that without further City action, there will be situations where parents who want to set the right example for their kids -- and more importantly, those kids -- will be shut out. This shouldn’t be an acceptable outcome.
What about enacting a city ordinance to clarify the rules in our City and hiring a contractor to enforce it, like Hermosa and Manhattan both did? Both cities are also seeking federal and state reimbursement for the covid-related expenses. Why can’t we do this in Redondo?
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 now fully re-open, 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 rules regarding covid. And we’re not talking about minor violations. As an example, recently we observed a large soccer game, with about 20 kids and at least 20-30 adults, not distanced and not in masks.
These regulations are meant to protect public health and safety. As a City, we have an obligation to ensure that people follow them. We also have an obligation not to send mixed messages about the importance of these rules.
We understand that people are fatigued and that people just want to use the parks like they always have. We also understand that many people feel as though these 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 and said they want to be able to go as fast as they want? No.
Will the City just hope for the best now that the state-issued signs are up? Because we know that many people will comply -- but many won’t. So what happens when people don’t comply? Right now, it seems the only option is to call the police – but is that the best solution?
The reality is that without further City action, there will be situations where parents who want to set the right example for their kids -- and more importantly, those kids -- will be shut out. This shouldn’t be an acceptable outcome.
What about enacting a city ordinance to clarify the rules in our City and hiring a contractor to enforce it, like Hermosa and Manhattan both did? Both cities are also seeking federal and state reimbursement for the covid-related expenses. Why can’t we do this in Redondo?
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