County Will Not Enforce California Gov. Gavin Newsome’s Stay-Home Order
Posted Dec. 17, 2020
UPDATE (Dec. 18) – An appeals court has reversed this decision until it can take the time to evaluate it. Upon hearing the news a restaurant owner broke down crying on KUSI-TV News.
A San Diego Superior Court judge has opened the doors – and the patios – to struggling San Diego restaurants by ruling that the restrictive California stay-home order should not be enforced.
Therefore effective immediately, restaurants and even bars are allowed to again resume service for both indoor and outdoor dining and drinking, albeit limited to 25% capacity inside. And it’s all because of two strip clubs.
Pacers and Cheetahs had filled a lawsuit against the stay-home order and Superior Court Judge Joel Wohfall ruled that county officials can no longer enforce the ban. It applies to “San Diego businesses with restaurant service.”
Almost immediately, restaurant owners rejoiced. One sent this message he received from Supervisor Jim Desmond to a loyal customer:
“JUST NOW: A judge has ruled restaurants can open! Effective immediately, the County will not be enforcing restaurant closure. I hope it’s not too late for the many restaurants hanging on. The County will not be enforcing restaurant closures. Thank you to the business owners and their workers for their courage. How this all plays out, this remains to be seen?
“The judge also did not find a proven connection between the spread of COVID and a ‘wide array of businesses and other activities, including gyms, fitness centers, yoga studios, bars and restaurants.’ ”
Even tho Desmond’s punctuation was off the mark, his message was right on target.
In response, San Diego County officials said they would abide by the ruling and not enforce the stay-home order at those businesses.
What the fallout of this from the state – and in particular Newsom, who is not one to like his authority to be challenged – remains to be seen. But for now, at least, restaurants bars are in business.
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