Council May Tighten Curfew Ordinance

Faced with a need to combat juvenile crime, the City Council tonight is scheduled to discuss toughening its curfew law.

Council members will consider a proposal to expand the curfew, which now runs from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m., so that it also covers school hours. If approved, the revised curfew ordinance would allow sheriff’s deputies to cite minors found loitering in public areas between 9 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. weekdays when school is in session.

Minors who have been suspended or expelled from school, or those pursuing independent study, would not be exempt.

Those found violating the curfew would receive a written citation to appear at Simi Valley’s traffic court. First-time offenders would be fined about $135. Those who failed to appear at traffic court could have their driver’s licenses suspended.