La Quinta Municipal Code Ch. 11.56 Curfew and Truancy

Footnotes:

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Prior ordinance history—Ord. 10.

No person under eighteen (18) years of age shall remain, loiter or wander on or about the public streets, sidewalks, alleys or public parks within this city between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. unless the minor child:

A. Accompanied by Adult. Is accompanied by a parent, guardian or other adult person having the legal control or custody of the child;

B. Authorized Errand. Is in performance of an errand or duty directed by the parent, guardian or other adult person having the legal control or custody of the child; or

C. Employment. Is engaged in an employment which makes it necessary for the child to be on or about the public streets, sidewalks, alleys and public parks between said hours.

(Ord. 568 § 11, 2018; Ord. 282 § 1, 1996)

No parent, guardian or other person having the legal care, custody or control of a child under the age of eighteen (18) years shall allow the child to go or be upon or about any street, sidewalk or public park within the city during the period between the hours abovementioned, unaccompanied by a parent, guardian, or other adult person having the legal custody and control of the minor unless there exists a genuine necessity therefor.

(Ord. 568 § 11, 2018; Ord. 282 § 1, 1996)

It is unlawful for any minor under the age of eighteen (18) years, who is subject to compulsory education or to compulsory continuation education pursuant to the Education Code to loiter, idle, wander, or be in or upon the public streets, sidewalks, alleys, public parks, shopping centers, malls or other places open to the public generally or any unsupervised place during the hours of 7:30 a.m. and 2:10 p.m. on days when school is in session. This section does not apply:

A. When the minor is accompanied by his or her parent, guardian or other adult person having legal control or custody of the child; or

B. When the minor is on an emergency errand directed by his or her parent or guardian or other adult person having legal control or custody of the child; or

C. When the minor is going directly from or to their place of gainful employment or to or from a medical appointment; or

D. To students who have permission to leave school campus for school related activity, illness, or authorized to leave school early and have in their possession a valid, school issued, off-campus permit; or

E. When student body is excused for the minimum class schedule or scheduled day off, i.e., holiday, staff in-service day, summer vacation; or

F. When the minor is an "emancipated minor" as that term is defined in Family Code Section 7002.

(Ord. 568 § 11, 2018; Ord. 282 § 1, 1996)

A. The city may elect to enforce compliance with this chapter by taking action in the name of the city in a court of competent jurisdiction, through prosecution for violation of this chapter, or through injunctive or other civil relief.

B. Each violation of the provisions of this section shall constitute a separate offense.

(Ord. 568 § 11, 2018; Ord. 282 § 1, 1996)

A. Those found in violation of this chapter will receive a citation requiring mandatory court appearance. Each time a juvenile is cited, the parent(s) or legal guardian will receive a formal notification letter outlining their responsibility to care for and supervise their child, and the violation which may include contributing to the delinquency of a minor under Section 272 of the California Penal Code.

B. The bail schedule for violations of this chapter are as follows:

1. First offense: fifty dollars ($50.00) or ten (10) hours of community service.

2. Second offense: seventy-five dollars ($75.00) or fifteen (15) hours of community service.

3. Third and subsequent offenses: one hundred dollars ($100.00) or twenty (20) hours of community service. (Community service is offered to those who demonstrate financial hardship and both the child and parent participate in the service.)

(Ord. 568 § 11, 2018; Ord. 282 § 1, 1996)