Hundreds of people in San Clemente and a growing crowd in Newport Beach took to the shore on Sunday afternoon, as lifeguards and police told beachgoers they were in violation of Gov. Gavin Newsom’s order that closed all Orange County beaches.
“We’re seeing some crowds build,” said John Pope, spokesman for Newport Beach. “It’s enough where we want police enforcement to help get everyone off. It’s individuals who didn’t get the word or those who are being defiant.”
Getting the word out is critical for city officials. Last weekend, beaches in Newport became a focus point when crowds headed there to escape a heatwave, especially in inland communities. The large crowds prompted the governor to issue his order on Thursday.
In San Clemente, hundreds of people were out at the beach and in the ocean, said San Clemente Councilman Gene James.
“As I understood it, on Friday night from the City Attorney, the city has no legal duty beyond notification,” James said. “If we are going beyond notification, I will have concerns.”
On Saturday, Newport and neighboring Huntington Beach did their best to stay ahead of any problems. Both cities had police and lifeguards informing beachgoers they were in violation of the state order. City officials are awaiting word from the state on how soon their beaches can reopen. Many have plans in place to provide safe ways for beachgoers to enjoy the outdoors.
Newport Beach City Manager Grace Leung said Sunday, May 3, that while no date was provided, the governor’s office conveyed they were working in a timeframe of days, not weeks.
Other area beaches on Sunday also had their share of visitors. “We had a few people here but they left after they were educated,” said Seal Beach lifeguard Mike Diller.
In Laguna Beach, Marine Safety Capt. Kai Bond said there were no problems with people on the city’s beaches.
City officials last week put in a request with the governor to open Laguna’s beaches only during the weekdays from 6 -10 a.m. On Sunday, city officials were waiting for news.
South Laguna beaches, which are overseen by the county, were also quiet. It was a stark contrast to last weekend when residents there complained of their neighborhoods, with narrow streets, being overrun by hundreds headed to then still-open county beaches.
Diane Armitage, who was one of the dozens of residents who complained to the Laguna Beach City Council on Tuesday, April 28, noted Sunday that her neighborhood near Table Rock Beach was quieter but that there were still some people parking there hoping to get to the beach.
“I’m still amazed how many people walk all the way down to stair entrances with all their beach trappings to discover the beaches are closed,” she said. “They are seriously stunned.”
“The rowdy kids from last weekend are definitely not here this weekend,” she added.
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May 04, 2020 at 05:24AM
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Newport Beach sends police to sweep beaches as crowd builds Sunday afternoon - OCRegister
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