Santa Cruz County beaches are open

Santa Cruz County opened all the beaches on June 26, following nearly two months in which they were mostly closed to curb the spread of the coronavirus.

The county is believed to be the last of California’s 15 coastal counties to reopen its beaches. The main reason for the shift, said Santa Cruz County Public Health Officer Dr. Gail Newel, was because the public was overwhelmingly ignoring the restrictions.

“We had hoped to continue the beach closure until after the Fourth of July weekend,” Newel said. “But it has become impossible for law enforcement to continue to enforce that closure. People are not willing to be governed any more in that regard, and so we want to recognize that by removing that restriction.”

Under rules put in place May 2, it was illegal to be on the beach from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., although people could cross the beach to get to the water to surf, swim or boat. The move was intended to reduce large gatherings. Violators faced fines of up to $1,000.

At first, locals and visitors followed the rules, but increasingly as time went on, more and more people could be seen along the oceanfront during the restricted hours, sitting on towels with family members, jogging or playing volleyball.

Other counties which had closed beaches, including Sonoma County, have reopened them, although a few coastal parks, such as Julia Pfeiffer Burns and Point Lobos state parks, in Monterey County, remain closed.

Newel reminded the public of the statewide order for people to wear face coverings when at indoor public places, and outdoors if they cannot keep a 6-foot distance between themselves and others who are not members of their families. The statewide rules apply to everyone ages 3 and older.