By Michael G. Stogner
It took 17 days to start enforcing Dr. Scott Morrow’s Order, Why? How many people came to Pacifica in that time?
All San Mateo County Law Enforcement should be doing the same. San Mateo County Sheriff Office is also starting to enforce it. All City Council meetings should start with Dr. Scott Morrows Order. Pursuant to Government Code sections 26602 and 41601 and Health and Safety Code section 101029, the Health Officer requests that the Sheriff and all Police in the County ensure compliance with and enforce this Order.The violation of any provision of this Order constitutes an imminent threat and menace to public health, constitutes a public nuisance and is punishable by fine, imprisonment, or both.
To remain within 5 miles of their residence, Face Coverings etc. $1,000 fine. Pretty simple get the word out save lives.
PRESS RELEASE April 20, 2020
POLICE DEPARTMENT ENFORCING SHELTER IN PLACE ORDER ON PACIFICA BEACHES AND PARKING
On March 31, 2020, the San Mateo County Health Officer issued an Order which requires those persons who recreate outdoors to remain within 5 miles of their residence. Pacifica has experienced an influx of visitors from outside of this 5 mile radius as people seek to enjoy the outdoors during this unprecedented shelter in place period.
On Friday through Sunday (April 17-19), officers were assigned to patrol Linda Mar Beach to educate visitors regarding the shelter in place order and social distancing practices. Officers contacted 408 visitors over this 3 day period, ordering 275 off the beach after learning they resided more than 5 miles away.
Also noted was the high percentage of vehicles parked in beach/trail areas from out of the area. Over the same 3 day period, roughly 45% of the vehicles counted were from outside of 5 miles from where they are registered. “The City of Pacifica is committed to following the Health Officer’s orders in order to mitigate the spread of Coronavirus, while also continuing to allow the public within a 5 mile radius to safely access our beautiful beaches,” said Mayor Deirdre Martin. “However, the data we’ve collected and the enforcement we’ve had to take suggests many are not taking these orders seriously. This is alarming because unsafe conditions are occurring and, as a result, the City, in coordination with the State, may be left with no choice but to close the beaches entirely to everyone unless conditions improve.”
As this health crisis continues and the shelter in place order remains in effect, the Pacifica Police Department will be implementing parking restrictions in affected areas, as well as enforcement of the shelter in place order on Linda Mar Beach as well as Mori Point. While Pacifica is normally a visitor friendly area with its beautiful beaches and trails, the City takes this health crisis and shelter in place order seriously. Those found in violation are subject to parking citations and/or criminal arrest.
We look forward to welcoming our visitors back once this crisis has ended.
Daniel Steidle Chief of Police
Path of Portola 1769• San Francisco Bay Discovery Site
DANIEL STEIDLE
Chief of Police
San Mateo County Health Officer Dr. Scott Morrow March 31, 2020 Order.
