Allow Local Businesses to Operate Outdoors - YES

When COVID hit, the initial lockdown devastated local businesses, and we quickly went to work looking for ways to ease the burden—not only on business owners and workers, but on residents who suddenly had nowhere to eat or shop. One result was this urgency ordinance, passed on an emergency basis (to shorten the approval process by two weeks) allowing local businesses like restaurants and stores to operate safely outdoors in compliance with the County's public health guidelines. This was a critical lifeline to local businesses, and I was very happy to vote yes.