Gov. Gavin Newsom, a Democrat, is set to announce that all California beaches and state parks will be closed effective May 1st.
Television station Fox 11 was the first to report the news citing a memorandum that was distributed to all of the state’s police chiefs.
“After the well-publicized media coverage of overcrowded beaches this past weekend, in violation of Governor Newsom’s Shelter in Place Order, the governor will be announcing (today) that ALL beaches and all state parks in California will be closed.”
The memorandum goes on to say that law enforcement officers will have the power to enforce the governor’s order as well as punish those who “try and defy the orders.”
BREAKING: A source has provided me with this bulletin that will be sent out to all California police chiefs notifying them that tomorrow, Governor Newsom will announce the closure of ALL beaches and state parks effective May 1st in response to recent beach crowds in OC . @FOXLA pic.twitter.com/RG53HhmySf
— Bill Melugin (@BillFOXLA) April 30, 2020
Fox 11 reports the governor’s decision came in response to crowded beaches last weekend in Orange County.
Orange County Supervisor Donald Wagner said in a statement that while the governor has the power to close the beaches, it’s not the best idea.
“Medical professionals tell us the importance of fresh air and sunlight in fighting infectious diseases, including mental health benefits,” he said. “Moreover, Orange County citizens have been cooperative with California state and county restrictions thus far. I fear that this overreaction from the state will undermine that cooperative attitude and our collective efforts to fight the disease, based on the best available medical information.”
In California – the homeless and drug addicts have been allowed to take over public sidewalks – littering neighborhoods with dirty needles and human waste. Jails have been emptied of convicted criminals.
And yet – Governor Newsom wants to punish law-abiding citizens who want to dip their toe in the Pacific Ocean and build sand castles on the beach.
Did I mention that Governor Newsom is a Democrat?