RELATED: Gov. Gavin Newsom gives update on businesses reopening Friday, PPP loans for small businesses
The cities of Huntington Beach, Dana Point and Seal Beach can now reopen their respective beaches with modifications to protect public health and avoid crowding. Just a day before, Newsom announced the reopening of beaches in San Clemente and Laguna Beach.
[Ads /]
During his daily news conference, the governor said he's grateful to city government leaders for their plans and looks forward to working with Orange County supervisors to reopen county beaches.
The City of Huntington Beach outlined the following specific regulations for beachgoers:
- Local beaches will be open from 5 a.m. - 10 p.m.
- Only "active recreation activities" are allowed, including walking, running, hiking and bicycle riding
- Physical distancing must be practiced
- The ocean will be open to swimming, surfing and other water activities
- Huntington Beach Pier, beach playgrounds and picnic areas will remain off-limits
- The following Huntington Harbor beaches will remain closed: Davenport Beach, Humboldt Beach, Trinidad Beach, Seabridge Park Beach
Under the modifications, "passive games," loitering, sunbathing and any gathering of people, except when with those in your immediate household, are prohibited. Details regarding regulations at the other two beaches were not immediately available.
As part of their reopening, San Clemente will break up any large gatherings, allow only for active use of the beach and restrict parking to residents only.
Two Orange County beaches reopen after approval from Gov. Newsom
Laguna Beach is open for active use between 6 a.m. and 10 a.m. Monday through Friday. Any violations outside of that timeframe will be strictly enforced.
"It's gonna give people a chance to get out there and exercise. If you wanna hit the water, you can hit the water, surf, skim, paddle board. If you wanna walk on the beach, jog on the beach, you can do that," Laguna Beach Mayor Bob Whalen said.
[Ads /]
Orange County became a focal point last week after crowds flocked to beaches to escape the first heat wave of the year, prompting Newsom's beach shutdown in the county on Friday.
Thousands of people gathered on the streets of Huntington Beach on Friday to protest the statewide stay-at-home orders.
The latest development comes after Gov. Newsom announced the next stage of reopening California's economy is expected to begin as early as Friday.
Gov. Newsom announces reopening of two Orange County beaches
The governor's order to close Orange County beaches has triggered several lawsuits.
[Ads /]
Two suits filed last week sought an immediate temporary restraining order to overturn the governor's order, but a judge denied that request and set a hearing for later this month. One was filed by the cities of Huntington Beach and Dana Point and another was filed by elected officials in Dana Point, Mission Viejo and San Clemente who were acting as individuals.
The city of Newport Beach has also offered its support for the legal action.
RELATED: Large crowds gather in Huntington Beach to protest Newsom stay-at-home orders amid COVID 19 pandemic
Another lawsuit, filed by the same firm that filed one of last week's actions, was announced Monday. The federal suit filed by former Newport Beach mayor and current councilman Kevin Muldoon argues the governor's shutdown order is unconstitutional.
"The Governor's actions appear to be based more on politics applied to one county in California, rather than sound scientific guidance, evidence, or regard for competing Constitutional concerns," Muldoon said in a statement released by his law firm.
If you have a question or comment about the coronavirus pandemic, submit yours via the form below or here.
Get the latest news, information and videos about the novel coronavirus pandemic here
RELATED STORIES & VIDEOS:
- COVID-19 Help: Comprehensive list of resources, information
- INTERACTIVE TIMELINE: How close was CA to becoming a NY-level crisis?
- Live updates about coronavirus outbreak in US, around the world
- What will it take to get a COVID-19 vaccine and how will it be made?
- How California's COVID-19 cases stack up against other hot spot states
- Everything you need to know about the Bay Area's shelter-in-place order
- Coronavirus Timeline: Tracking major moments of COVID-19 pandemic in San Francisco Bay Area/
- List: Where can I get tested for COVID-19 in the Bay Area?
- COVID-19 Diaries: Personal stories of Bay Area residents during novel coronavirus pandemic
- Coronavirus Doctor's Note: Dr. Alok Patel gives his insight into COVID-19 pandemic
- What does COVID-19 do to your body and why does it spread so easily?
- Stimulus calculator: How much money should you expect from coronavirus relief bill
- WATCH: 'Race & Coronavirus: A Bay Area Conversation' virtual town hall about COVID-19 impact on Asian American community
- WATCH: 'Race & Coronavirus: A Bay Area Conversation' virtual town hall about COVID-19 impact on African American community
- What Bay Area tenants need to know about rent payments, eviction amid COVID-19 outbreak
- Here's how shelter in place, stay at home orders can slow spread of COVID-19
- Symptoms, prevention, and how to prepare for a COVID-19 outbreak in the US
- List of stores, companies closing due to coronavirus pandemic
- Canceled late fees, free services available amid COVID-19 crisis
- Here's how you can help during COVID-19 pandemic
- How to maintain learning during school closures
- No masks but here are 100+ products that may help protect you against novel coronavirus germs
- Here's a look at some of history's worst pandemics that have killed millions
.