LOS ANGELES : Vote on More Sweeping Curfew Law Delayed

Los Angeles City Council members Wednesday spoke out in favor of a broadened curfew for future city emergencies, but a vote was delayed until Friday to work out questions on the measure’s impact on civil liberties.

During last year’s riots, thousands of people were arrested for violating a dusk-to-dawn curfew imposed by Mayor Tom Bradley. But a three-judge appellate panel ruled last month that the city’s curfew only applies to those whose actions “imperil lives or property or prevent, hinder or delay” authorities.

A new proposal by the city attorney’s office changes the language so that once a curfew is imposed police could arrest on misdemeanor charges anybody out after dark. Such an open-ended policy prompted expressions of concern from Councilmen Mark Ridley-Thomas and Mike Hernandez.