INGLEWOOD : City Council Votes Curfew for Teen-Agers Under 18

In an effort to stem crimes committed by and against juveniles, Inglewood city officials have approved a plan for a citywide curfew for youths under 18.

The City Council approved the curfew, which is to take effect March 18. Mayor Edward Vincent, a retired probation officer, said a curfew would keep many gang members off the streets and force parents to take responsibility for their children.

“The city of Inglewood is committed to doing something, because the excuse-making is over,” he said. “I’m just saying you can get shot anywhere, but I’m going to do something about it.”

Last month, a teen-age girl, a toddler and three other people were killed in two nights of bloodshed that one Inglewood police veteran characterized as the worst spate of violence in the city’s history. City Councilman Jose Fernandez said the curfew would go into effect at 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 11 p.m. Friday through Sunday.

“There are exceptions to and from the rule, such as if a young person is with an adult, is coming and going to a movie theater or going to and from work,” he said. “If a youth violates (the curfew), they will be brought to a detention center at the Inglewood Police Department,” the councilman said. “Parents will be contacted. They will have to pick up the young person. A citation will be issued if the parents do not pick up the young person, and we will hold them until 4 a.m. and then transport them to Westlake Juvenile Hall.”