Napa County Municipal Code Ch. 12.12 Jumping from Putah Creek and Pope Creek Bridges

A. The county board of supervisors makes the following findings:

1. That many persons, particularly young persons, when engaging in recreational pursuits at Lake Berryessa, have jumped, and have attempted to jump, from the Pope Creek Bridge and the Putah Creek Bridge into the waters or tributaries to the waters of Lake Berryessa;

2. That a number of people have been hurt from this activity, and, particularly in years where there has been less than average rainfall, such an activity poses a danger to anyone engaging in same.

B. Therefore, the board of supervisors also finds that it is in the interests of the public health, safety and welfare to specifically prohibit this activity, and enact a substantial fine in order to discourage persons from participating in this dangerous activity.

(Ord. 1237 § 3 (part), 2004: Ord. 921 § 3 (part), 1989: prior code § 8996)

A. It is unlawful for anyone to jump, leap or otherwise propel one's own body or the body of another from the Pope Creek Bridge or the Putah Creek Bridge.

B. It is unlawful for anyone to attach a rope or other apparatus to the Pope Creek Bridge or to the Putah Creek Bridge, for the purpose of swinging from either bridge.

C. It is unlawful to swing from either the Pope Creek Bridge or to Putah Creek Bridge at any time.

D. It is unlawful for anyone not otherwise authorized by law to climb onto, or to jump, leap, or otherwise propel one's own body or that of another, from the superstructure of the Pope Creek Bridge or the Putah Creek Bridge. For this purpose, "superstructure" means the part of a bridge which rests on the piers and abutments, but which is beneath the level of the roadway.

E. It is unlawful for any person not otherwise authorized by law to attempt to commit any act made unlawful by this section.

F. It is unlawful for any person to stop or loiter on the Pope Creek Bridge or Putah Creek Bridge.

(Ord. 1237 § 3 (part), 2004: Ord. 1111 § 1, 1996; Ord. 921 § 3 (part), 1989: prior code § 8996.1)

A. Anyone violating Section 12.12.020 of this chapter is guilty of a misdemeanor, and a fine shall be imposed in the minimum amount of two hundred fifty dollars for the first violation, three hundred fifty dollars for the second violation, and five hundred dollars for third or subsequent violations.

B. Before such minimum fines may be imposed, signs must be posted at both ends of each such bridge stating the activity prohibited and the amount of fine which may be imposed.

(Ord. 1237 § 3 (part), 2004: Ord. 921 § 3 (part), 1989: prior code § 8996.2)