Citing Santa Cruz 7 shows state’s stay-at-home orders aren’t a joke
QGary, can you explain how seven people from Fremont each received $1,000 citations by going to a 7-Eleven in Santa Cruz and drive over Highway 17 to de-stress? — Tony Lue, Fremont
ACOVID-19 and ignoring the statewide stay-at-home mandate are the reasons why. Police are more willing to issue tickets that can range from $50 to $1,000 as this virus continues to rage. People in violation of the public health order could potentially be charged with a misdemeanor that also carries a penalty of up to 90 days in jail.
The Santa Cruz Seven jammed into a couple of cars earlier this month to get “essential” drinks, according to police. I don’t think it was soda they were after.
Sacramento-area police also issued tickets to kids taking part in a sideshow. San Francisco cops went after an underground nightclub that tried to stay open and expected a crowd of 150 people.
“Everyone should know by now that this is not the time to meet up and party,” police wrote in a tweet, adding that these violations will “help these guys remember their time in Santa Cruz.”
Added Santa Cruz Police Chief Andrew Mills:
“We’re serious about it. Stay home. Don’t come down to Santa Cruz right now. After this is over, come down and enjoy the waves, the sunshine, the beach. But right now is not the time.”
A $1,000 fine is an attention grabber. But this pandemic is so dangerous that hefty tickets to blatant scofflaws are warranted. Do you agree?
QI was in the left lane at the red light at Park Avenue, headed toward downtown San Jose. A car pulled to my right, also stopped at the red light, and we both waited perhaps 30-45 seconds. Previously, up until this last week or so, the sensors seemed to properly acknowledge when a vehicle was stopped at the light and the signals would change more quickly.
Why did the sensors not change the lights to green? — Devin Phatak, San Jose
AThe 30-second delay is due to the city’s efforts to disable the pedestrian push buttons downtown to prevent the spread of COVID-19. As of Monday, timing changes were implemented to serve pedestrian movements, regardless of pedestrian presence. These changes will be in place for the duration of the shelter-in-place order.
QWith all of the discussion about gas prices, I had my sister in Michigan check on prices there. Thursday, she sent me a photo of a Costco gas pump. Just 95 cents per gallon! Maybe, you should take bets on when we will drop below $1 per gallon. — George Crabb, Santa Clara
AGas for a buck a gallon? Never will happen here. Join Gary Richards for an hourlong chat noon Wednesday at www. mercurynews.com/livechats. Look for Gary Richards at Facebook. com/mr.roadshow, contact him at mrroadshow@ bayareanewsgroup. com or at grichards@ bayareanewsgroup.com or 408-920-5037.