Is the curfew askew?

Maturity comes from acting sensibly when one knows it is the right thing to do. It isn't learned from feeble regulations or decisions cast down by others. It is and always will be the individual who is responsible for their maturity and actions.

It would seem that the city of Simi Valley feels that this is not the case because they need to implement a citywide curfew for individuals under 17.

There may have been good intentions behind a curfew, but just because there is good intention doesn't mean that this law is fair.

Simi Valley used to be the safest city in America, but it wasn't because of "loiterers" that the city no longer deserves this title. Loitering is one of the main reasons the law went into effect, but of course nobody over the curfew age restriction has ever been guilty of loitering. Honestly, loitering and being out late are not the same thing.

Another problem with the whole ordeal is that the local government is making decisions that should be left up to the parent/ guardian of the individual. I am disgusted by the lack of trust and inconsideration on the part of the city government that is dealt with through rules and regulations.

Instead of treating all the young adults in Simi Valley with the respect that any one individual deserves, everyone is treated as though they are irresponsible menaces to society, which couldn't be any further from the truth.

People who participate in illegal activity, no matter what age they are, clearly do not mind breaking the law. By adding the law in the first place, the local government is only placing limitations on good people through meaningless rules.

Maybe it isn't necessary to be out every single night, but everyone should have the freedom to do so if they see fit. Being able to make good choices about what one does shows great maturity. How can anyone become a mature, responsible person if they are blatantly refused this choice that is theirs to make? Catrina McBeath Simi Valley