Murrieta Proposal Demands Newsom Stop 'Unfair' Biz Closures

MURRIETA, CA — The Murrieta City Council is considering a resolution that would "ordain" all businesses as "essential" if they provide products and services and follow "appropriate proven safety protocols" amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

The resolution to be considered during the Jan. 19 city council meeting further "demands" that Newsom "reconsider his unfair and uncompassionate discrimination on which businesses can stay open and survive, and which businesses must stay closed and face demise," according to the document's text.

If passed by the council, though, nothing changes. The resolution won't supersede Gov. Gavin Newsom's safety restrictions and instead is a formal expression of opinion by the council.

The resolution was requested by new City Council member Lori Stone in response to the state's regional stay-at-home order. The order is in place across Southern California and requires bars, theaters, museums, hair salons, indoor recreational facilities, amusement parks and wineries to remain closed. Restaurants are confined to takeout and delivery, and there are capacity limitations on retail businesses.

The state order will remain in place until the region reaches 15 percent or greater capacity in intensive care unit beds, according to Newsom. Currently, Riverside County ICU beds are at zero percent capacity.

During the regularly scheduled Jan. 19 meeting, the council can adopt, revise or take no action on the resolution that was supported by Mayor Scott Vinton. Click here for the full meeting agenda and information about how to tune in.