Despite coronavirus pandemic, it's business as usual in Temecula

It’s business as usual in Temecula as restaurants and bars at Old Town Front Street are openly defying the state’s shutdown mandate.

Duke Little John, a server at The Bank of Mexican Food says, “All the merchants got together and they said we have to fight this because if we don’t, we will be closed down, we will no longer have a business.”

Tony De La Rosa, a tattoo artist in the area says, “We’re all gonna stay open.  We’re not gonna stop and we’re gonna support each other.”  

Patrons visiting Old Town say there is no evidence that dining outdoors is dangerous.

“It’s like the ruling that just came down in LA indicating there is no evidence that dining out is affecting anything," said Mike Aros.

“Stay open, maybe you’ll get penalized or not, but at least you stood up for what you believe is right," his wife Pam added. 

The Riverside County Health Department says it hasn’t decided to fine businesses that are defying orders. County officials there say they prefer to educate business owners on the safety guidelines.

RELATED: Riverside County Sheriff Bianco blasts Newsom, says department won't enforce lockdown orders

As for law enforcement, Riverside County Sheriff, Chad Bianco says, “The job that’s put on us to manage closed businesses to keep you safe is  overwhelming. I believe that as people, as residents, not only California residents but U.S. residents, we are fully capable of managing this in a responsible manner.”  

Back at Old Town, Duke says everyone has been incredibly supportive, especially law enforcement. 

“The Sheriff’s have been very supportive, no one has given us any problems, thank God for that because we need to work for our children," Duke stated.

And working through a pandemic is exactly what Temecula business owners plan to do. 

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