Memorial Day Weekenders In LA's COVID-19 Era Were (Mostly) Well-Behaved

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."

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:

• LA's Memorial Day Social Distancing Scorecard — B+
• The Tourists Are Missing, But Venice Beach Is Still A Draw
• PHOTOS: Here's What LA's Reopened Beaches Looked Liked Last Week