Lafayette council hears staff analysis on sidewalk protests at Lafayette Elementary; keeps options limited by free-speech protections

The Lafayette City Council on Monday received a staff report on protests near Lafayette Elementary School and took no ordinance action, voting instead to receive and file the report.

The briefing, presented by City Attorney Jamie Williams and by the Police Chief, summarized recent staff research into municipal ordinances in San Diego, Lancaster, Napa and Sacramento that create small “buffer” zones around certain facilities. Williams told the council those ordinances typically measure a 100-foot radius from the facility entrance and bar approaching within roughly eight feet of an individual to intimidate, harass or hand a leaflet to a person trying to enter or exit.

“San Diego and Lancaster have ordinances that apply to health care facilities, places of worship and school grounds,” Williams said, explaining that the rules prohibit approaching within eight feet of a person to intimidate or harass and…