Written by Michael Palomba
The Poway City Council voted unanimously in favor of an ordinance that promotes more safety at places of worship.
A shooting earlier this year at the Chabad of Poway has caused many religious leaders to voice their concerns to Poway Mayor Steve Vaus.
Mayor Vaus has been dedicated to helping Poway rebuild and heal since the tragic event. In the days following the shooting, The San Diego Union-Tribune referred to Vaus as “the most famous mayor in America,” also noting that Vaus “appeared on virtually every major news network and was quoted in newspapers around the world. His message never varied.” The message being that Poway is about love, not hate—and the community coming together during times of duress.
The most significant effect of the new ordinance is a change to fencing restrictions. Currently, fences are limited to a height of six feet. The new ordinance now permits fences up to eight feet, along with an additional foot of barbed wire.
Vaus said to Fox 5 San Diego, “It doesn’t guarantee that something horrible won’t happen again but it reduces the odds that it’s going to be easy for them to get in and do harm. If there are other houses of worship that feel the need for more security, this clears the way for them to step up.”
