FAIRFIELD-SUISUN, CALIFORNIA
Judge clarifies ruling on COVID-19 restrictions applies to restaurants in county; state plans appeal [The San Diego Union-Tribune]
A San Diego Superior Court judge made it clear Thursday afternoon: An injunction he issued late Wednesday evening that stopped state and local officials from enforcing the COVID-19 shutdown on two strip clubs also applies to all restaurants in the county.
The clarification by Judge Joel Wohlfeil came in a response from a morning request by San Diego County and state lawyers, who sought to clear up ambiguity in Wohlfeil’s ruling in a case filed by Pacers and Cheetahs adult entertainment clubs.
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On Thursday, Dec. 17, county lawyers asked Wohlfeil to clarify the ruling and in a brief hearing the judge made it clear: The injunction covers any restaurant.
“The court’s intention is all businesses which provide restaurant services in the county of San Diego are encompassed in the court’s order,” he said.
Shortly after that, Gov. Gavin Newsom’s office said the state had filed notice it would appeal the ruling. It is unclear if the state will seek a delay known as a stay of Wohlfeil’s ruling while the appeal is taken up.
State and county leaders said the restrictions are needed to slow the rampant spread of the disease and preserve an increasingly strained hospital system nearing the breaking point. In a statement Newsom’s press office said that was the reason for pursuing an appeal.