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Memorial Day Weekenders In LA's COVID-19 Era Were (Mostly) Well-Behaved
Bianca Freitas (L), Mayara Sonego (C) and Aurore (last name not given) (R) wear face masks while watching the sunset from Griffith Park on May 24, 2020. (Apu Gomes/AFP via Getty Images) (APU GOMES/AFP via Getty Images)
The unofficial start of our COVID-19 summer brought even more people out to trails and beaches than usual. And for the most part, officials say, we did good.
"Overall our parks this weekend were busy but very manageable and people were really enjoying our public amenities in a safe way," said Norma Garcia, acting director of the Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation.
Of the 184 parks the department operates, 183 remained open throughout the weekend. The one exception was Eaton Canyon Park, where crowds of people ignored rules about social distancing and jumped fences to get on the trail, Garcia said.
"We had electronic signage letting the public know that our parking lots were full," Garcia said. "Unfortunately, the public decided to enter the park not using our access points and that created much more overcrowding in some of the waterfalls areas."
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In Hermosa Beach, the reopening of the famous strand boardwalk went fine, said Police Chief Paul LeBaron, except for some alcohol to-go orders.
“People need to understand those alcoholic beverages need to be taken home," and not drunk outside, the chief said.
READ MORE ABOUT THE WEEKEND HOLIDAY:
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But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
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