Sonoma County Sheriff will ignore public health rules, officials somewhat miffed
The Sheriff of Sonoma County declared last week that his department, starting today, will no longer enforce the Covid-19 Public Health Order on SIP, face coverings, business openings, etc. The announcement surprised the public health department, which has the legal authority to make those rules, and members of the board of supervisors, for whom Essick works.
The curve has flattened, Essick declared. To paraphrase: The pandemic has been a bummer, but the worst is over. Furthermore, the rules are confusing, they stomp on “our freedoms”, and the health department people aren’t very nice. All in all, “I can no longer in good conscience continue to enforce (the orders) without explanation, that criminalize otherwise lawful business and personal behavior.”
It’s not been a popular stance, except of course on Facebook, where fans love a rogue take: science/scmience; let’s get back to work; ignoring a law you don’t agree with is the American way; stay home if you don’t like it; let me talk to the manager; and so on. Again, that’s a paraphrase — the Sheriff is far more eloquent, and, it must be said, a bit more petulant. Here’s his full statement.
Government types were caught off guard by Essick’s missive, but managed in their shock to work up an annoyance bordering on mild anger.
Supervisor Gorin, speaking for the five-member board, admitted to being “disappointed” by Essick’s pledge of non-allegiance. “While we acknowledge the community’s frustration with the situation and a desire to return to some normalcy, the Sheriff’s message has had the unfortunate effect of creating confusion in our community.”
The District Attorney reminded Essick that it’s his job to follow and enforce policy, not to make it. Sonoma Mayor Logan Harvey agreed that “It is not the sheriff’s role to unilaterally decide to end enforcement. This decision lies with the State and the Board of Supervisors, who must take public health as well as economic impact and individual liberty into account.”
All of this puts Sonoma Police Chief Orlando Rodriguez somewhere between a bandana and a pashmina. Since his force is part of the Sheriff’s Department, Essick is his boss. Then again, the City pays the contract, so he’s answerable there, too.
Rodriguez’ response was the very screenshot of diplomacy. “Let me assure you that the Sonoma Police Department will continue to address all health concerns related to this pandemic. We will continue to do our job, of looking out for your health and safety.”
So, starting today, don’t bother calling the cops if somebody comes into your shop not wearing a mask. Or, for you freedom-loving, “‘read the Constitution” types, if someone comes into your shop wearing a mask.
No shoes, no shirt, no service — we get it; the Founding Fathers were of course very clear on that. Face coverings, and standing too close to Thomas Jefferson? Not so much.
