1. What does Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Mitchell L. Beckloff’s TRO (temporary restraining order) allow the city of Burbank to do?

2. Why did Tin Horn Flats owners ignore the city’s order to keep restaurants closed?

3. a) When did outdoor dining re-open in Los Angeles County (including the city of Burbank)?
b) When did the city petition the court for a TRO?

4. The judge later gave the city the power to disconnect the power and then padlock the doors of the business when the city gave him proof that Tinhorn Flats continued to stay in business despite lacking the necessary permits to do so. Why did the restaurant lack the required permits?

5. a) From paragraph 10: “The city maintains the restaurant is an ongoing public nuisance.” Define public nuisance.
b) Do you agree with the city’s assertion about the owners of Tin Horn Flats? Explain your answer.

6. What claims does the city’s suit make against the owners of the restaurant and their attempts to stay in business (to not go out of business by having to remain closed)?

7. a) Watch the videos under “Resources” below. Consider the timeline for the city’s ongoing attempts to shutter this small business what would most likely be permanently (see “Background” below). Is it necessary for the city to do so - to make an example of the owners who the city says did not “act as good citizens by complying” - especially considering the fact that outdoor dining re-opened at the end of January? What do you think of the owners’ attempts to survive? Explain your answer.
b) Ask a parent, and a grandparent, the same question.

OPTIONAL: In what appear to be vindictive actions by elected government officials and bureaucrats across the country, small business owners who implemented safety measures and tried to stay open were treated like disobedient/defiant children, or even criminals, not taxpaying business members of the community. Some have been arrested or their customers were arrested. Many have received thousands of dollars of fines per day and had state licenses needed to operate legally revoked.

Two similar stories:

• Atilis Gym in NJ, owners Frank Trumbetti and Ian Smith
• Mac’s Public House, Staten Island, NYC, co-owner Danny Presti

Search the internet for a report on one of the two stories above. What do you think? Do you support the government officials treatment of the owners? If they were your elected officials, would you vote for them again? Or, would you support those who tried to keep their cities or states open?