Council Adds Exemptions to Curfew for Minors
The City Council has amended its curfew for minors, adding a series of exemptions in response to a federal court ruling last month striking down a tough San Diego law as unconstitutional.
Council members without comment approved an urgency ordinance Wednesday that will immediately grant exemptions to the 1974 city law that allows police to cite those under 18 who are on the streets after 10 p.m. The amendments were recommended by the city attorney.
The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that the San Diego law was too vague, blocked teenagers’ rights to free speech such as attending a political rally and usurped the parents’ rights as guardians. The judges suggested such ordinances needed exemptions.
Minors on the streets after 10 p.m. will no longer be cited if they have proof that they are on an errand for a guardian; responding to an emergency; next to their home; attending an activity organized by the city or an organization or considered an adult under state law.
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