Del Mar: Busy Beaches And Streets In Fourth Of July Forecast

Press release from the City of Del Mar:

July 1, 2020

As America celebrates its independence, the City of Del Mar on the Fourth of July can expect busy beaches and streets, especially as COVID-19 precautions have triggered the closure of parking lots at nearby State-controlled beaches.Adding to the potential for crowds are beach closures in several Orange County cities and all of Los Angeles and Ventura counties for the entire holiday weekend.Sunny skies and large surf are in the forecast.During what traditionally is Del Mar’s busiest holiday, the fireworks display at the Del Mar Fairgrounds and parade on Coast Boulevard are cancelled. But our beach and businesses will be open all weekend, with plenty of staffing, sanitizing, signage and markings to keep visitors safe.Del Mar is committed to following public health orders. We ask that residents and visitors do the same: Wear a face covering, keep six feet of distance from non-household members, wash your hands frequently and stay home if you feel sick. Behind your face coverings, smile with your eyes and be courteous to one another.

In observance of the Independence Day holiday, the Del Mar Civic Center will be closed on Friday.

However, the three-day, holiday weekend will have lifeguards, parking enforcement officers and beach maintenance technicians scheduled to start early and work late. The Sheriff’s Department is deploying extra deputies.

Fireworks – including, sparklers, poppers and other so-called “safe and sane” fireworks that do not fly or explode -- are strictly prohibited. The Fire Department warns against “sky lanterns,” airborne paper lanterns that can fly great distances and ignite fires far from where they are launched. Possession of fireworks is a misdemeanor and can result in fines or an arrest.

Portable restrooms are on order for Powerhouse Park and five locations near the beach. All of them are scheduled to receive multiple cleanings and disinfection treatments on the daily.

To improve traffic circulation, tow-away zones are planned along segments of 15th Street, Stratford Court and Ocean Avenue. A temporary loading zone is planned at 20th Street.

This press release was produced by the City of Del Mar . The views expressed here are the author’s own.