MOORPARK MAY ADD SCHOOL-TIME CURFEW : MOORPARK CURFEW MAY WIDEN TO SCHOOL HOURS.Byline: Alicia Doyle Daily News Staff Writer Moorpark's evening curfew curfew [O.Fr.,=cover fire], originally a signal, such as the ringing of a bell, to damp the fire, extinguish all lights in the dwelling, and retire for the night. The custom originated as a precaution against fires and was common throughout Europe in the Middle Ages. for minors may be extended to daytime hours if city officials approve a proposal by the Moorpark Police Department. According to according to prep. 1. As stated or indicated by; on the authority of: according to historians. 2. In keeping with: according to instructions. 3. an ordinance proposed by Lt. Marty Rouse, deputies would be allowed to cite minors loitering Loitering (IPA pronunciation: ['lɔɪtəˌrɪŋ] is an intransitive verb meaning to stand idly, to stop numerous times, or to delay and procrastinate. between 8:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. when school is normally in session. Those who are on independent study or suspended or expelled from school would not be exempt, the ordinance states. The daytime curfew would help officers deal with gangs, juvenile crime and vandalism, Rouse said. ``It is also a priority to ensure that our youngsters receive a quality education,'' Rouse states in his proposal. ``This can only be accomplished by regular school attendance . . . the proposed ordinance would be used as a tool and ensures additional incentive to stay in school.'' The daytime curfew would not apply to minors accompanied by a parent or to those running an errand er·rand n. 1. a. A short trip taken to perform a specified task, usually for another. b. The purpose or object of such a trip: Your errand was to mail the letter. 2. for a parent or legal guardian, officials said. Minors returning home from a movie or school activity, play or sporting event also would be exempt. Under Moorpark's current curfew, it is against the law for minors to loiter loiter v. to linger or hang around in a public place or business where one has no particular or legal purpose. In many states, cities, and towns there are statutes or ordinances against loitering by which the police can arrest someone who refuses to "move along. in any public place between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m., officials said. Minors arrested for violating this law are charged with a misdemeanor. Under the daytime curfew, minors would be cited with a $50 fine, officials said. ``It's real similar to a traffic ticket,'' said Moorpark police Sgt. Rick Hindman. While City Councilman John Wozniak
John Wozniak (born in Saint Paul, Minnesota on January 19, 1971) is an American musician. said a daytime curfew could ``definitely help,'' he believes those who are going to break the law will do it whether or not there's a curfew. ``With an ordinance, at least kids know they have to abide by To stand to; to adhere; to maintain. See also: Abide it,'' Wozniak said. ``But those who are going to vandalize are going to do it whether there's a curfew or not.'' Should city officials approve the ordinance, the daytime curfew would not be effective until school is in session in the fall, Hindman said. |
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