Curfew Issued For Poway Following Violent Riots In Region

POWAY, CA — Curfew orders were issued Sunday for the cities of El Cajon, La Mesa, Santee and Poway as well as some unincorporated areas of San Diego County after protests turned violent over the weekend in the region.

A peaceful gathering was held Sunday afternoon along Poway Road. In response to the looting and rioting that took place in La Mesa as well as other areas of the county and the country, however, the city of Poway issued a curfew order that will go into effect from 8 p.m. Sunday until 5:30 a.m. Monday.

Law enforcement, fire, medical personnel and members of the media are exempt from the curfew, as well as people traveling directly to and from work, seeking emergency care, fleeing dangerous circumstances, or experiencing homelessness, according to the city.

"We recognize and support every individual's First Amendment right to free speech and to voice that speech in public," the city said in a statement.

"But we have also witnessed the scenes playing out in communities across America once the sun goes down. To protect our city — and to deter unlawful activity in Poway — we are enacting an emergency curfew this evening."

Also see: La Mesa Cleans Up After Night Of Protests, Arson And Looting

Due to the destructive and violent riots in the region, curfew orders have also been issued for the cities of El Cajon, La Mesa and Santee. The San Diego County Sheriff's Department issued a curfew order for some unincorporated areas of the county. The order will go into effect at 8 p.m. and last through 5:30 a.m. Monday.

"The sheriff's department and all law enforcement agencies in San Diego County stand united in supporting the public's right to express their anger and frustration over the death of Mr. George Floyd through peaceful protests," the department said in a statement. "However, when those demonstrations turn violent and threaten life and property, law enforcement must act to restore safety in our communities."

Also see: San Diego Protesters Block I-5, Clash With Police Downtown

The areas affected by the department's curfew include:

• Areas around Spring Valley: unincorporated areas east of the boundaries of the cities of La Mesa and San Diego to state Highway 54; north and west of state Highway 54 from the boundary of the city of San Diego to the boundary of the city of El Cajon; and south of the boundary of the city of El Cajon to the west of state Highway 54
• Areas from Lakeside north to Poway: unincorporated areas west of state Highway 67 from the boundary of the city of Poway to Mapleview Street; areas south and west of Mapleview Street and Lake Jennings Park Road to Interstate 8; areas north of Interstate 8 from Lake Jennings Park Road to the boundary of the city of El Cajon

Authorities urged residents in these areas to stay home, indoors and off the streets. Those who violate the curfew order are committing a misdemeanor and are subject to a fine of up to $1,000 or up to six months in jail or both, according to the sheriff's department.