Will police cite those protesting the stay-at-home order?

As demonstrations pop up protesting California’s stay-at-home order, so does a question about those assembling:

Why aren’t they cited for gathering?

Protests have occurred in Southern California in the past week, in addition to those around the country, calling for an end to the quarantine and a return to business. Health experts in California have warned against lifting the order too early and credit social-distancing for avoiding more deaths.

Some law enforcement agencies in cities where there have been demonstrations say officers are respecting people’s right to protest while ensuring they abide by health orders.

“We are approaching demonstrations and protests during this time with an education component first, and use enforcement only when necessary,” said Officer Angela Bennett, a spokeswoman for the Huntington Beach Police Department.

Last week, 100 or so congregated in downtown Huntington Beach to voice disapproval of the stay-at-home order and to trumpet a desire to end restrictions on businesses and public gatherings.

There were signs, such as “Live free or die.” Some wore masks. Many did not.

While the protest was peaceful, demonstrators violated local ordinances by walking in the middle of the street. The police, Bennett said, “worked with the organizers and protesters, and they agreed to disperse.”

Huntington Beach police did arrest one man, accused of threatening a television cameraman, but they have made no arrests related to social-distancing violations, Bennett said.

Wednesday morning, 20 protesters took to downtown Huntington. Officers asked them to move to the Pier Plaza to ensure social distancing, and they did.

“We are constantly balancing individual rights and freedoms with the protection of the greater good during these difficult times,” Bennett said.

On Sunday in San Clemente, hundreds demanded the state reopen. And on Monday a small group gathered in Newport Beach.

No arrests or citations were made at either demonstration, police said.

Other law enforcement agencies say they, too, are more interested in compliance of the stay-at-home order than enforcement. They echoed that officers are taking an educational approach – informing people about the importance of keeping their distance and staying inside.

As the weather gets warmer, police in beach cities could be forced to decide if citation books should come out.

In Manhattan Beach, since nearly 130 people were issued citations for social-distancing violations on the first weekend of April, people have been adhering more to officer warnings, Sgt. Tim Zins said Wednesday.

“We’re giving people ample warnings until they absolutely do not comply with getting off the beach or the Strand,” Zins said. “Then, we’ll issue (a citation).”

So far, Manhattan Beach hasn’t had such a protest. But the city’s officers are watching how their peers elsewhere handle situations.

“As long as it stays peaceful – we’re ready for it either way,” the sergeant said of a possible protest. “We just want everybody to comply with the city ordinances right now.”

Earlier this week, Gov. Gavin Newsom said he understood demonstrators’ frustrations but said lifting the stay-at-home order prematurely might bring on a second wave of virus infections, like seen in other parts of the world.