Not social distancing: Crowds pack California beaches despite order to shelter in place

Crowds in California filled the beaches, hiking trails and parks over the weekend, in direct opposition to the state's order to stay home and avoid close contact with others.

News 12 Staff

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Mar 23, 2020, 10:55 AM

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Updated 1,495 days ago

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Crowds in California filled the beaches, hiking trails and parks over the weekend, in direct opposition to the state's order to stay home and avoid close contact with others.

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The influx of people prompted some officials to close some trails and beach areas. Others were warned to go home.

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The crowds prompted the mayor of Los Angeles, Eric Garcetti, to take action, saying in a tweet, “This weekend we saw too many people packing beaches, trails and parks. So we are closing sports and recreation at @LACityParks and closing parking at city beaches. That doesn’t mean gather elsewhere. This is serious. Stay home and save lives.”

Gov. Gavin Newsom issued a shelter in place order beginning March 20, directing the state's nearly 40 million residents to stay home to help stop the spread of coronavirus.

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