The Sacramento City Council on June 1 unanimously passed a resolution that imposes a curfew in the City of Sacramento. The curfew will remain in place until it is rescinded.
Here is an FAQ regarding the curfew, which is in effect from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m.:
WHY DID THE CITY ISSUE A NIGHTTIME CURFEW?
The violence, chaos, and destruction that took place the evenings of May 30 and 31 was unacceptable. The City’s number one priority is to ensure that all people feel safe and are secure at all times throughout our community. A nighttime curfew is necessary for public safety in order to prevent personal injury, property damage, and maintain order.
DOES THE CURFEW APPLY THROUGHOUT THE ENTIRE CITY OF SACRAMENTO?
Yes. All parts of the city are important and valued, and the safety of the whole city should be protected to the same degree by the curfew.
WHEN DOES THE CURFEW APPLY?
Commencing on Monday, June 1, 2020, the curfew applies every night from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. the next morning until terminated.
WHEN WILL THE CURFEW END?
The safety of our community is the highest priority for the City. The curfew will end when the City determines that the violence, chaos, and destruction have stopped.
HOW WILL THE CURFEW BE ENFORCED?
The City asks all community members to voluntarily adhere to the curfew to help protect the safety of our community. The curfew is a tool to address the kind of behavior that caused fires and property damage and avert personal injury in the city.
I’M SCHEDULED TO WORK DURING THE CURFEW. CAN I STILL TRAVEL TO GO TO WORK? CAN MY EMPLOYEES STILL REPORT TO WORK DURING THE CURFEW?
Yes, people are allowed to travel to and from work during the curfew.
ARE BUSINESSES REQUIRED TO CLOSE DURING THE CURFEW?
Yes, all businesses within the boundaries of the City of Sacramento that are open to the public must close public-facing operations no later than 8 p.m.
WHAT IF I NEED TO GO TO THE HOSPITAL DURING THE CURFEW?
People are allowed to seek emergency medical care during the curfew.
MY SITUATION AT HOME IS NOT SAFE, AND I MAY NEED TO LEAVE. CAN I LEAVE DURING THE CURFEW TO AVOID AN UNSAFE LIVING SITUATION?
Yes, the curfew allows people to leave unsafe circumstances, which would include domestic violence, fire, criminal conduct, or any other unsafe circumstance.
ARE THERE OTHER EXEMPTIONS FROM THE CURFEW?
The curfew also does not apply to law enforcement, military personnel, fire fighters, medical personnel, or members of the news media.
HOW IS THE CITY’S CURFEW DIFFERENT FROM THE GOVERNOR’S STAY HOME ORDER?
The Governor’s Stay Home Order is aimed at reducing the spread of the coronavirus, and residents are ordered to practice social distancing and stay home except for certain activities, such as essential work, shopping, medical appointments, and exercising outdoors. The City’s curfew is aimed at protecting public safety and reducing property damage and personal injury during a civil disturbance, and prohibits anyone from being outside in public during the limited hours from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m.
WHAT ARE THE PENALTIES FOR VIOLATING THE CURFEW?
Violations of the curfew are subject to administrative penalties, arrest, and a person could face misdemeanor penalties of up to six months in jail, $500 fine, or both.