California beach closures: 3 additional Orange County beaches reopen with modifications after approval from Gov. Newsom
Orange County became a focal point last week after crowds flocked to beaches to escape the first heat wave of the year.
SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- Gov. Gavin Newsom on Tuesday announced the approval to reopen three additional beaches in Orange County as the state prepares to enter the second phase of easing statewide novel coronavirus restrictions.
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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.
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.
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.
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.
The governor's order to close Orange County beaches has triggered several lawsuits.
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.
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