Written by Michael Palomba
Many of San Diego’s reservoirs are still closed due to COVID-19, despite the fact that they have been given the green light to open from the County Health Officer. The Miramar and Murray reservoirs opened on Friday, and the Lower Otay Reservoir on Saturday. However, several other reservoirs remain closed.
San Diego County Supervisor District 2 candidate Joel Anderson is calling on the Board of Supervisors to “step up and save our lakes.” He also started a petition, which you can be signed here.
In a letter, Anderson explained that several lakes are in danger of being closed indefinitely, and all because of a $700,000 funding shortfall.
“I know that if protecting our right and access to public hunting and fishing was a priority for our elected officials, they would find creative solutions to this small budget problem,” the letter reads.
Regarding the closures, Anderson is firm on his stance. “We simply can’t let this happen. These lakes are vital to the health, well-being, and heritage of our communities,” he said.
Anderson is right; these closures are inexcusable and we should not accept it. There are plenty of wasteful expenditures that the city can cut funding to before indefinitely closing recreational areas.
For the lakes and reservoirs that are now open, there will be some new protocols put in place:
- Restrooms will be cleaned every two hours
- Parking lot capacity will be reduced by 50% to maintain physical distancing
- Compliance with public health orders, including facial coverings and physical distancing, will be monitored with an “education-first” focus
San Diego Mayor Kevin Faulconer is also on the side of reopening recreational areas.
Lakes and reservoirs are starting to re-open for limited use with @SanDiegoCounty physical distancing and face covering rules in effect.
For hours & info: https://t.co/iR0UDogAqE pic.twitter.com/fTrbhFI6fP
— Kevin Faulconer (@Kevin_Faulconer) May 15, 2020
“As we continue to reopen safely and responsibly, we’re looking to expand recreational opportunities for San Diegans eager to stretch their legs or take their boat out on the lake,” said San Diego Mayor Kevin Faulconer.
“We’ve reopened neighborhood parks and beaches, and San Diegans continue to stay classy,” Faulconer added. “Now we’re going to take the next step by opening reservoirs for fishing, boating and exercise with new protocols in place to keep everyone safe.”
