Complaints about Santa Clarita Valley companies not complying with COVID-19 security measures have grown to more than 200 in the past two months, according to the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, which detailed Thursday what what happens when they don’t comply.
Between June 1 and July 13, Public Health received 238 complaints regarding its health officer order, which currently requires business owners in various sectors to stop indoor operations and demand the implementation of protocols to maintain insurance for workers and clients.
Complaints between this deadline are attributed to companies in the city of Santa Clarita, Valencia, Canyon Country and Newhall, according to Public Health Media, the department’s communications division, by email.
“A review of our inspection data revealed that most of the complaints were in restaurants and were generated by inspectors when they observed that the reopening protocol had not been completed,” Public Health Media officials said, adding that 14 companies with Serious violations warranted a new-inspection. Most of the violations revolved around employees who were not wearing face covers.
The Signal has also received calls and emails from workers and customers concerned about possible violations at some local fast food restaurants, gyms, spas and supermarkets.
In May, when stricter blocking restrictions were applied, the department had received 93 complaints, of which 56 were not in violation, and one, that of Valencia Crazy Otto, resulted in the suspension of the permit for allowing dinner services in mid of May. These complaints were attributed to businesses such as hair salons, vaping shops, and car washes.
While the city has received complaints, people are advised to contact Public Health to formally file complaints, according to the city’s communications manager, Carrie Lujan.
“The city of Santa Clarita does not have its own Department of Public Health, so we are under the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health when it comes to orders to wear masks for essential workers and their sponsors. They are also the organization that manages the regulation of these orders, ”he said.
Across the county, the department has received 17,808 health officer request complaints since March and averages up to 3,000 per week. More than 17,000 restaurants, 3,500 grocery stores, 600 pools, and 3,000 other businesses have been investigated, according to public health data released Thursday.
At the end of June, 33% of restaurants did not adhere to physical distancing protocols, 40% had employees working without face covers and masks. Inspections conducted last week improved as 93% complied with the distancing measures and 96% of workers had face covers, Public Health Officer Muntu Davis said during a press conference on Thursday.
“Most of the companies investigated either complied or were working to comply, and so they were not closed,” he said.
However, nearly 100 were closed for rapes: 26 restaurants, a grocery store and pool, and 67 other businesses.
For those who don’t comply even after the first inspection, there are consequences.
What happens when you don’t comply?
Public Health has created a tiered compliance plan that includes fines that can range from $ 100 for the first offense to $ 500 and a 30-day suspension of permission for various offenses. These measures apply whether the companies are licensed or permitted by the department or not.
However, the approach begins with business education, Davis said.
“It begins by guaranteeing education and that the company understands what is required, and then the seriousness of the violations is evaluated,” he said.
During the first visit, inspectors are expected to educate companies or organizations about the requirements and can issue a $ 100 fine or issue a notice of intent to suspect permits. The inspectors would then return within three to seven days to make sure the problems have been addressed.
The second visit, if it still does not comply, the department will issue a $ 500 fine and suspect the facility’s permit for seven days.
If on the third visit, a business still does not comply, they may face a second fine of $ 500 and a 30-day permit suspension. Public Health will also notify the state of the company’s default.
For those not permitted or authorized by the department, which may include gyms, hair salons, and other personal services, inspectors will call the police to issue a misdemeanor citation, and the case may be referred to the Los Angeles County attorney for possible temporary restraining order. During the second visit, these companies may face a closing order, and their case was referred to the District Attorney for minor criminal charges, in addition to a $ 500 fine, on the third visit, Muntu said.
“This plan is still, while some may consider it punitive or harsh. It really is about finding a way to reopen our economic sectors, again with a more robust enforcement tool to ensure data on an economy is protected, ”he said.
