Beach access unchanged in Newport Beach, but parking restrictions tightened
LA TimesAn aerial view of beachgoers enjoying a warm Saturday in Newport Beach amid state-mandated stay-at-home orders to stave off the coronavirus pandemic. Mayor Will O’Neill said the city needs to seize more educational and enforcement opportunities, but “we truly can trust the vast majority of people to do the right thing.” “We clearly have to remind some people to do the right thing and for the people who don’t want to do the right thing, then they ought to be acquainted with our Newport Beach Police Department,” he said. “This was very clearly a shock to the system.” He further argued that beach cities in Los Angeles County, which shut down all of its beaches on March 27, have higher per capita coronavirus infection rates than any coastal Orange County city with open beaches, meaning closing beaches didn’t insulate those communities, he said. Resident Lisa Johnson said the council’s priority should be protecting the well-being of Newport, “and not California’s mental health at large.” Carl Chicka, who lives in West Newport, said there was a “conga line” of cars in his neighborhood and fistfights nearly broke out as cars snapped up private spaces. “With these rights come responsibilities, and I’ve seen these responsibilities being manifested in everyday behavior from folks who are visiting the city.” Herdman, who represents Balboa Island, said stay-at-home orders would end sooner if people would cooperate with them now.