Westend Bar owner in Costa Mesa accused of operating illegally despite curfew from COVID-19 pandemic

COSTA MESA, Calif. (KABC) – The owner of a Costa Mesa bar has been charged with operating illegally during curfew hours for non-essential businesses during the coronavirus pandemic, prosecutors said Thursday.

According to the Orange County District Attorney’s Office, Ronald Michael Barrera, owner of the Westend Bar, faces one count of trespassing and neglecting to obey a legal order and regulation.

The charges were filed after “repeated attempts” by law enforcement and law enforcement officials in the city to brief him on the law and seek voluntary compliance, officials added. The 47-year-old resident and owner of the Costa Mesa bar has reportedly repeatedly refused to comply with an order requiring all non-essential businesses to close between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m.

Police, city law enforcement and California Department of Alcohol Control (ABC) officers have responded to the bar more than once since an emergency lockdown order was issued. issued November 19.

Prosecutors say businesses have continued to operate on “several occasions” outside of prescribed closing hours and, at times, have hosted 50 to 70 clients without imposing physical distancing or face masks on employees or customers.

“It is unacceptable for a business to repeatedly flaunt regulations and continue to operate without even attempting to institute mitigation measures designed to save lives.” corrective action and he failed to do so, ”Attorney Todd Spitzer said in a statement.

In addition, the manager of the bar, Luisza Giulietta Mauro, 26, has been charged with one count of resisting a police officer. Mauro allegedly attempted to physically prevent the officer from entering the business on December 12, according to the district attorney’s office.

“This blatant disregard for local and state health authorities is a slap in the face for hard-working business owners who continue to try to do the right thing in these extremely difficult times,” added Spitzer.

Barerra and Maura are set to be brought to justice on June 22 and, if found guilty, could each face up to a year in prison.

However, the district attorney’s office said it hoped there would be no further violations and that the case could be resolved through additional training courses provided by the California Department of Alcohol Control. and other educational efforts instead of jail time.

As public health officials voice concern over the “super-spreading” events that have contributed to the current COVID-19 outbreak, a Santa Ana business also plans to defy coronavirus regulations and organize a New Years party.

A flyer circulating on social media promotes food and music until 2 a.m. at Club Azarte.

According to a statement from staff in the county’s environmental health division, no complaints have been filed against the companies.

“When complaints are received, the OC Health Care Agency (HCA) provides education and advice regarding compliance with state and local health ordinances and associated advice,” said Marc Meulman of the agency.

However, residents of the area say the company has seen stable business. A woman who wished to remain unidentified said that “the party buses come to drop people off to go.”

Worried about her diabetic mother and her community, local resident Brenda Ortega says something has to happen.

“… To find them or shut them down. I get it, everyone wants to work but it’s … just being really risky. We have to protect ourselves. If we don’t protect ourselves, this thing is not going to- go away, ”she said.