An ordinance passed Tuesday by the Delano City Council will allow code enforcement to issue citations for people violating stay-at home-orders. It’s the first of its kind in Kern County.
The ordinance passed with a 4-to-1 vote and is similar to the state’s stay-at-home order except there are fines, starting at $100 for the first offense, $200 for the second, and $500 for the third. Outdoor gatherings of 10 or more people from different households are prohibited. And restaurants and salons aren’t allowed to provide indoor services.
‘We talk about the revenue businesses have, the amount of money they won't be able to make,” Mayor Brian Osorio said. “What we’re not talking about is how you compare that to the cost of a life.”
Some residents say the ordinance is too extreme, but Osorio says the continuing increase in COVID-19 cases makes it necessary.
“We are just trying to do our best to protect the city at large, especially our older residents who are at risk,” he said.
The new ordinance also restricts retail stores to 25% capacity and grocery stores to 35% capacity.
If the state stay-at-home order is lifted, Osorio said the ordinance will be lifted as well.
