April 24, 2020  By Michelle Mears

SAN DIEGO COUNTY: San Diego County health officials and policymakers, in cooperation with coastal cities, announced on Friday, restrictions will be lifted in phases regarding access to ocean beaches and waters beginning Monday, April 27. 

People in beach communities throughout California have been protesting since April 2, when a Los Angeles Man was arrested in Malibu, at First Point. The man was arrested for ignoring orders from lifeguards to exit the water after Los Angeles County closed beaches in response to COVID-19. 

Since then “freedom rallies” have popped up across California to protest the beach, trail, and public park closures. As weeks went by the protests included chants to reopen the nation for business. On Sunday, April 19, hundreds gathered in Encinitas to protest after Mayor Catherine Blakespear closed the rail trails. People came from all over San Diego County to support Encinitas residents. The protestors marched two miles from Coast Highway 101 to the Blakespears home. On April 18, hundreds gathered in downtown San Diego to demand the city open back up for business. 

On Friday, April 24, Mayor of Coronado Richard Bailey wrote a letter to his residents, “In case you didn't already hear the good news, you did it! High five to you and the now 4,500 people that submitted a petition and made their voices heard.  Beginning on Monday, April 27 at sunrise, the beaches and bays will be open.”

According to Bailey, regional beaches will be open to allow surfing, swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding, and other recreational water sports.  Walking and running will also be allowed on regional beaches, however, people may not loiter, lay on the sand, or gather in groups of any size at the beach. The beach will close at sunset.

Despite Blakespear calling the protestors “selfish” during an interview with KUSI Television the city's beaches will also be open on Monday.  KUSI video: https://bit.ly/3aEVsr4

San Diego County Supervisor Kristin Gaspar wrote to her constituents and confirmed the news on her Facebook Page, “San Diego, I appreciate your sacrifices and patience in the last month and a half as we get through the COVID crisis. One week after I asked the county to reopen our beaches for surfers, paddle boarders, swimmers, and anyone else who wants to enjoy the ocean again, our voices were heard. This Monday at sunrise, our beaches will once again be open. There are some restrictions. I talked about them on KUSI News this evening. Watch the interview here: bit.ly/3bFcYNa

Bailey also wrote that the bay will be open to activities such as kayaking, paddle boarding, and swimming - but not boating at this time.

It is advised that the public check with their city officials as some additional restrictions such as closures of dog beaches may still be in effect.

The countywide plan will be a multi-phase reopening across the region, beginning with the beaches. The next phase will include permitting activities that allow for social distancing, which is still required.