Beach Access Limited In Laguna Beach, Citations, Fines Probable

LAGUNA BEACH, CA — The city of Laguna Beach prepared for a weekend of sun worshipers, and those weary of the stay-at-home orders.

One month ago, the city shut down beaches after major social distancing failure. Thus far, the town's renewed efforts to keep residents to social distancing rules are working. There have been no new cases of coronavirus reported in the city for over 12 days, with 36 residents impacted by the virus.
Though Mayor Bob Whalen asked the county supervisors to consider closing county beaches to maintain a safe environment for all amid the coronavirus pandemic, they took no action to close Aliso Beach or county trails.

The city pleaded with those who would visit to remain in their communities. As in other southland cities, restaurants are limited to takeout. The shops are closed. The golf courses have reopened with strict new rules.

"We know it's a beautiful weekend to be outside," a city spokesperson wrote on social media. "Please be outside in your neighborhood in your community. Governor Newsom's Stay-at-Home Order is still in effect, and our trailheads, beaches, and adjacent beach parks are still closed. Please help us."

On Friday, Laguna Beach Police deployed reserve officers, detectives, and roving teams to help enforce social distancing designed to keep everyone safe in the time of coronavirus.

"Everything has been good so far, but we are bracing for what happens this weekend," Laguna Beach Police Sgt. Jim Cota said.

The city is expecting the weather for which it is famous.

With that, a surge of people coming to town for the county beaches may not find a warm welcome in Laguna.

"We're going to educate, seek compliance," Cota said. "If they violate city or state laws, officers can cite or arrest."

Laguna Beach is a long, narrow city, with slivers of sand and secret coves that are difficult to reach on the best of summer days. The popular trolley service is not running these days. With county beach parking areas closed, neighborhoods are preparing for impact from out of town visitors.

Elsewhere, area golf courses are open to foursomes who carry their clubs and, in most cases, walk the links. The Ranch at Laguna Beach shared their reopening with gusto.

You must have a tee time and agree to all the new guidelines for golf in order to play, they said.

"Because of the rules set forth by the California Coastal Commission for coastline access, the City is limited in its ability to restrict parking in surrounding neighborhoods," the city reported.

Email, tweet, Facebook, and write your Orange County Board of Supervisors to tell them how you're being impacted this weekend.

Contact Michelle Steel, Chair of the Orange County Board of Supervisors:
Email: Michelle.Steel@ocgov.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/TaxFighterSteel
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/taxpayersadvocate/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taxfightersteel/
Contact Andrew Do, Vice Chairman of the Orange County Board of Supervisors:
Email: Andrew.Do@ocgov.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/joinandrewdo
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JoinAndrewDo/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joinandrewdo/

How were you impacted by the weekend crowd? Let us know by emailing your Patch Editor:ashley.ludwig@patch.com