EL CAJON —
Following the lead of other San Diego County cities, El Cajon appears poised to ban what is known as “targeted picketing” at private homes.
The City Council will consider adopting an ordinance restricting where protests can be held at its meeting on Feb. 23. If approved, the ban would take effect March 25.
Unlike general protests aimed at an issue or event, targeted picketing singles out an individual at their home. The bans are intended to balance freedom of speech with the right to feel safe in your home.
As in the cities of Carlsbad, Poway and Solana Beach, El Cajon’s proposed ordinance would prohibit picketing that is “targeted at a particular residential dwelling and proceeds in a location or on a definite course or route in front of or immediately adjacent to that particular residential dwelling.” Punishment for violating the proposed ordinance will be a misdemeanor.