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Newport Beach City Council Votes To Keep The Beaches Open

People are seen gathering on the beach north of Newport Beach Pier on April 25. (Michael Heiman/Getty Images)
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The Newport Beach City Council voted 5-2 tonight to keep city beaches open during the coronavirus pandemic.

After last weekend's heat wave drew thousands to Newport Beach, city officials said they would consider closing beaches for the next three weekends or closing some roads leading to popular coastal spots.

Newport Beach Mayor Will O'Neill argued against the closures:

"I support keeping our beaches open. And as your mayor I believe that we can step up education and enforcement to ensure that the public remains safe, without taking away people's freedom to enjoy the outdoors."

The mayor also leaned on guidance from the state parks department that urged people to stay close to home when enjoying the outdoors.
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