Murrieta businesses are “essential,” the City Council decided Tuesday night, Jan. 19, in a symbolic stance against the state’s coronavirus restrictions.
Councilmembers debated the strongly-worded proposal that declares all businesses “essential” if they follow the “appropriate proven safety protocols.”
The resolution, approved unanimously, won’t supersede Gov. Gavin Newsom’s stay-at-home order, which prohibits gatherings of any size outside of a household, and closes some businesses — including bars, theaters, gyms, amusement parks, salons and wineries in the Southern California region. The order enacted in early December also restricts restaurants to takeout and delivery. The resolution does not urge defiance of the state directive.
There have been 6,807 coronavirus cases and 75 deaths in Murrieta as of Tuesday, according to Riverside County’s coronavirus data tracker.
Newly-elected Councilwoman Lori Stone, who has been vocal about the need to reopen businesses, proposed the resolution.
“I believe that all businesses that provide a product or a service are essential, if not to the consumer, certainly to the business owners that have witnessed their livelihoods at risk or destroyed,” Stone said in an email.
Councilman Jonathan Ingram said that the state order is “unduly punitive” to citizens and called the resolution a “good-faith effort” to push for the reopening of local businesses, while still complying with state safety measures.
“Sacramento is not here. The governor is not here. We, the five councilmembers, are here,” Ingram said. “We need to speak up for our constituents, and that’s what we’re doing with this resolution.”
Throughout the pandemic, the city has provided $250,000 in grants to 25 businesses.
According to a city report, the resolution’s passage — during Murrieta/Wildomar Restaurant Week — has no fiscal impact on Murrieta.
Mayor Pro Tem Christi White expressed concerns that the resolution has no tangible benefits to Murrieta businesses and is a “position statement.” Standing up to the state could jeopardize future grant opportunities that help fund city projects, including the Keller Road/I-215 interchange, she said.
White asked to strike several instances of what she called “accusatory and inflammatory” language in the original draft — including using the word “authoritarian” when referring to Newsom and his orders. That word was removed from the resolution.
Ryan Holdridge, a 20-year Murrieta resident, told the council he was “appalled” it would consider the resolution.
“Not only does this put our community at a far greater risk, it also says that we value commerce over human life,” Holdridge said. “With the vaccine being distributed, now is not the time to sacrifice more of our community.”
The Mill restaurant owner Adam Bouvet said the city has been “fantastic” in not putting too many restrictions.
“For a business owner to know that their city stands behind them and whatever decision … that’s one less person against us, one less hurdle.”
Tobie Gonzalez opened Mae’s Market Boutique, a family-run shop that sells produce and home goods, in August. Gonzalez said the restrictions have made business more difficult.
“I think what the council did is very important,” Gonzalez said. “Small businesses are what’s bringing people to Murrieta, and we have the biggest support, from our city to the county. That’s how we’re going to survive.”
Councilmembers said they hoped their decision would set a precedence in Riverside County and statewide.
-on January 20, 2021 at 05:06AM by Allyson Escobar
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