SANTA MONICA—Santa Monica City Council Member Ted Winterer took to YouTube to explain Los Angeles County’s changes to beach usage in Santa Monica. Winterer started off the video by emphasizing that LA County sets the public health rules, which 86 cities in the county must follow.
Interim City Manager and Director of Emergency Services Lane Dilg has extended the declaration of local emergency and all associated orders to June 30. In the 43rd Santa Monica Update on the Coronavirus, the public was educated on the implemented changes to beach use with organized restrictions.
As of May 13, the beaches can only be accessed for active recreation during daylight hours for physical activities like walking, running, swimming and surfing. Winterer wanted to make sure individuals understand that if they are at the beach, they must wear face coverings and maintain physical distancing of at least six feet from all non-household members. The following activities are still not allowed, including; biking, sunbathing, picnicking, playing group sports or congregating with people outside of one’s household. Chairs, canopies or coolers are not allowed.
The Santa Monica Police Department will enforce these restrictions as needed and can issue citations for repeat violators. Opening the beach for physical activity is phase two of Santa Monica’s five-stage road map to recovery. Winterer urged people to continue washing their hands and stay at home if they are sick. Along with the updates on beach usage, all parks will be open for safe outdoor recreation. Street sweeping will also resume in neighborhoods beginning on June 1.
All of the updates and information are available at the city’s coronavirus page at, santamonica.gov/coronavirus. Ted Winterer ended the video with a message to the community that read:
“Together we will get through this emergency, and together we’ll rebuild a healthy and resilient Santa Monica we can all be proud of. As always, stay safe and stay healthy.”
For questions or concerns, contact the city directly on the COVID-19 hotline at (310) 458-8400 form the hours of 8 a.m.- 8p.m., Monday through Friday or via email info@santamonica.gov.
