Folsom Police stand ready as Nat. Guard, curfew, road closures come to neighboring communities

California National Guard troops have arrived in Sacramento as an 8pm curfew was announced Monday night in the wake of continued George Floyd protests that have erupted in violence, looting and vandalism.As the city of Sacramento prepares for what is expected to be another troubling night, officials in the suburbs are also prepared and on alert for possible disturbances and activity. In addition to Sacramento, officials in nearby El Dorado County have also requested the assistance of the National Guard to assist local authorities with protests."The Folsom Police Department is closely monitoring events around the Sacramento region and in Folsom, and we are aware of planned protest activity," reads a statement released by the Folsom Police Department at 5 p.m. Monday. "First and foremost, we fully appreciate and respect the freedom to protest safely, lawfully, and peacefully. We will uphold and protect those rights while ensuring the safety of our community."The Folsom Police Department also shared they are well aware of the activity on social media, threatening activity in Folsom and the surrounding area. The department stresses they are stating aware if developing activities and well prepared."The Folsom Police Department stands ready to protect our citizens and will have additional officers working to keep Folsom safe. We are also in close communication and coordinating with our regional, state, and federal public safety partners," says the statement. "Our highest priority is ensuring the safety of our community. If you see something you feel needs to be reported to the Folsom Police Department, call the non-emergency number at 916-355-7231. If you see an active crime in process, call 9-1-1." Several large retailers, such as Walmart, Target and others, closed their stores in the region and in Folsom tonight in an effort to protect their workers and allow them to travel home safely before nightfall as many live outside of the immediate area.Just east in El Dorado Hills, several roads have been closed Monday evening to prevent possible disturbances and civil unrest. The closure come after many threats of activity on social media."With the safety of our community members and businesses in mind, we have increased the amount of patrol deputies that are working," said a statement from the El Dorado County Sherrif's Department late Monday. "We have also called in assistance from the National Guard and you may see their presence along with us as needed. "We remain steadfast in our dedication to our Constitutional Rights including the right to peacefully assemble. We also are prepared for any civil unrest which may occur."Currently in El Dorado County, Silva Valley Parkway has been closed to traffic. Town Center Boulevard has been barricaded with select businesses boarding up their storefronts.Gov. Gavin Newsom earlier declared a state of emergency to activate the California National Guard to assist law enforcement with protests across the state, which is now rolling into action. In Sacramento, city officials said the National Guard troops will help protect key infrastructure and allow local law enforcement to act on reported violence, destruction and looting."The City of Sacramento, in coordination with the Sacramento Police Department, made the request for the additional assistance on Sunday," the city said in a statement. "The National Guard has had a presence in Sacramento for several weeks, helping with food distribution and working on the field hospital at Sleep Train Arena. The National Guard troops arriving today will allow additional Sacramento Police Department officers to respond to any reports of violence and destruction of property," officials said in a statement.Protests erupted across the country last week and lasted and continue in response to Floyd's police custody death in Minneapolis.Floyd died May 25 while in the custody of Minneapolis police officers. Videos captured by witnesses show Floyd handcuffed and on the ground as a police officer, Derek Chauvin, kneels on his neck, pressing down. Video also showed three other officers involved -- two were seen holding Floyd down while a third was seen trying to keep the crowd at bay. Floyd is heard on the video saying he can't breathe and pleading for air. As minutes pass in the video, Floyd slowly stops talking and moving.Chauvin was fired Tuesday. He has since been arrested on charges of third-degree murder and manslaughter. Today, medical examiners ruled Floyd's death a homicide.In Sacramento, three days of protests – Friday, Saturday and Sunday – led to hundreds of people marching through parts of the city. Over the last three nights there have been several instances of looting in the city. The Sacramento Police Department.Monday evening, Sacramento City Council declared a local state of emergency and imposed a citywide curfew. Officials said the curfew will last from 8 p.m. and 5 a.m.People are asked to stay off public roads and/or property within the city of Sacraamento during the curfew. People who work during the curfew are allowed to travel to and from work."The violence, chaos, and destruction that took place on Saturday night and Sunday morning was unacceptable," reads the statement from the City of Sacramento. "Our number one priority is to ensure that all people feel safe and are secure at all times throughout our community. A nighttime curfew is necessary for public safety in order to prevent personal injury, property damage, and maintain order."During the curfew, businesses within the city are required to close "public-facing operations no later than 8 p.m." The city created a web page that discusses the curfew which can be found on the city's website at www.cityofsacramento.org.Officials said the curfew is in place for Monday night into Tuesday morning, and will remain in place until the destruction discontinues over the days to come. The city of West Sacramento has also implemented the same curfew.At this time, Folsom and surrounding cities have yet to announce curfews and are continuing to monitor threats of activity and responding accordingly. As of tonight 500 members of the National Guard have arrived on scene in Sacramento and reports of an additional members have been put on alert for additional response as needed. Gold Country Media will continue to follow developments throughout the evening in all of the communities it serves. The City of Sacramento has issued the following Frequently Asked Questions to assist residents in understanding the implemented curfew WHY DID THE CITY ISSUE A NIGHTTIME CURFEW?The violence, chaos, and destruction that took place on Saturday night and Sunday morning was unacceptable. Our number one priority is to ensure that all people feel safe and are secure at all times throughout our community. A nighttime curfew is necessary for public safety in order to prevent personal injury, property damage, and maintain order.DOES THE CURFEW APPLY THROUGHOUT THE ENTIRE CITY OF SACRAMENTO?Yes. All parts of the City are important and valued, and the safety of the whole City should be protected to the same degree by the curfew.WHEN DOES THE CURFEW APPLY?Commencing on Monday, June 1, 2020, the curfew applies every night from 8:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. the next morning until terminated.WHEN WILL THE CURFEW END?The safety of our community is the highest priority for the City. The curfew will end when the City determines that the violence, chaos, and destruction have stopped.HOW WILL THE CURFEW BE ENFORCED?The City asks all community members to voluntarily adhere to the curfew to help protect the safety of our community. The curfew is a tool to address the kind of behavior that caused fires and property damage and avert personal injury in the City. I'M SCHEDULED TO WORK DURING THE CURFEW. CAN I STILL TRAVEL TO GO TO WORK? CAN MY EMPLOYEES STILL REPORT TO WORK DURING THE CURFEW?Yes, people are allowed to travel to and from work during the curfew.ARE BUSINESSES REQUIRED TO CLOSE DURING THE CURFEW?Yes, all businesses within the boundaries of the City of Sacramento that are open to the public must close public-facing operations no later than 8 p.m.WHAT IF I NEED TO GO TO THE HOSPITAL DURING THE CURFEW?People are allowed to seek emergency medical care during the curfew.MY SITUATION AT HOME IS NOT SAFE, AND I MAY NEED TO LEAVE. CAN I LEAVE DURING THE CURFEW TO AVOID AN UNSAFE LIVING SITUATION?Yes, the curfew allows people to leave unsafe circumstances, which would include domestic violence, fire, criminal conduct, or any other unsafe circumstance.ARE THERE OTHER EXEMPTIONS FROM THE CURFEW?The curfew also does not apply to law enforcement, military personnel, fire fighters, medical personnel, or members of the news media.HOW IS THE CITY'S CURFEW DIFFERENT FROM THE GOVERNOR'S STAY HOME ORDER?The Governor's Stay Home Order is aimed at reducing the spread of the coronavirus, and residents are ordered to practice social distancing and stay home except for certain activities, such as essential work, shopping, medical appointments, and exercising outdoors. The City's curfew is aimed at protecting public safety and reducing property damage and personal injury during a civil disturbance, and prohibits anyone from being outside in public during the limited hours from 8:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m.WHAT ARE THE PENALTIES FOR VIOLATING THE CURFEW?Violations of the curfew are subject to administrative penalties, arrest, and a person could face misdemeanor penalties of up to six months in jail, $1,000 fine, or both.