San Diegans have been working hard to social distance in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. From wearing masks to keeping six feet apart, our collective efforts to “flatten the curve” ought to be proof enough that we’re being cautious and conscientious.
Unfortunately, local officials recently have cut off the public’s ability to participate in basic recreational activities, regardless of whether or not social distancing protocol is being followed. A viral video that recently surfaced shows a lone surfer being cheered on by bystanders while he’s chased out of the La Jolla waves by law enforcement officers on speedboats.
A lone surfer in La Jolla risked the $1000 ticket for some waves amid the coronavirus lockdown.
All #SanDiego County beaches, boardwalks, and bays remain closed.
As the surfer ran away, dozens of onlookers were breaking social distancing rules while watching him in the water. pic.twitter.com/HFmOKdnAay
— KUSI News (@KUSINews) April 17, 2020
This display demonstrates the feelings that many Californians share, and thankfully, some elected officials are hearing them loud and clear. Coronado Mayor Richard Bailey recently spoke about the closures and their inconsistencies.
“We set arbitrary policies that prohibit a family from going fishing in a boat, or write citations to a family watching the sunset from their car,” said Bailey. “Meanwhile, we’re allowing dozens of people to congregate in a pot shop, but we’re telling mom and pop shops that they cannot operate. These types of policy inconsistencies erode the public’s trust, and we need the public’s trust more than ever.”
He’s not the only one protesting the county’s closures of recreational areas. Recently, County Supervisor Kristin Gaspar wrote to San Diego County Chief Administrative Officer Helen Robbins-Meyer, requesting reconsideration of the current restrictions on surfing, swimming, paddle boarding, and recreational boating.
Entering our 2nd month under stay at home order, I’m concerned the risk of not allowing increased recreational outlets will cause undue harm on our health/wellness. I asked our County to consider restoring local control over swimming, surfing, paddle… https://t.co/pdFbuN7jsd pic.twitter.com/volKSXXPjp
— Kristin Gaspar (@KristinDGaspar) April 18, 2020
Bailey expressed that he was working with other mayors in an attempt to open certain public areas as soon as possible, with protocols in place to make them safe. He recently reached out to the public on Facebook, asking San Diegans to participate in a petition regarding these closures, which will be sent to the Board of Supervisors. You can access Mayor Bailey’s survey here.
Californians anxiously await the day that they can resume their normal lives. Until then, officials need to do all they can to provide the public with as many recreational freedoms as possible. We’ve all been working hard to social distance, and should we maintain those guidelines, our beautiful beaches and waters should not be restricted.
