Colusa County leaders vote to ‘protect civil rights,’ won’t enforce stay-at-home orders
The Colusa County Board of Supervisors, in what it characterized as a move to protect civil rights, voted unanimously Wednesday to not enforce California’s statewide coronavirus response measures.
In a news release, the county said it will not be enforcing any orders “that infringe upon a citizen’s constitutional rights.” This includes California Gov. Gavin Newsom’s stay-at-home orders, according to the board.
The motion was made by Supervisor Gary Evans, and was adopted by the board shortly afterward.
“The Colusa County Board of Supervisors support all citizens, businesses, schools, churches, and organizations in exercising their constitutional rights,” Evans said in a prepared statement. “And we would ask that the Sheriff, District Attorney, the cities of Colusa and Williams, and their respective Police Chiefs support this motion.”
Per the board, all businesses in the county will be able to operate without any restrictions, and all citizens may go about daily life normally, despite state orders for limited economic and social activity.
Colusa, like much of Northern California, has been authorized to open up several key kinds of businesses, including dine-in restaurants and barbershops, but has maintained a much lower level of infection than many other counties.
As of Friday morning, Colusa County health officials have reported only five cases of coronavirus and no deaths.
The Board of Supervisors asked that residents “exercise kindness, and good judgment” in light of the non-enforcement.
