Police patrol beaches as weather warms

CARMEL-BY-THE-SEA, Calif. (KION) If you have been to the beach lately there is a chance you have seen officers patrolling the area. Police are making it clear that while exercising is acceptable, sitting or gathering on the beach could earn you a hefty fine.

"What is prompting our reaction is people coming to the beach in groups, sitting and bringing chairs, coolers and tents. We can't have that," said Carmel-by-the-Sea Chief of Police Paul Tomasi.

Violating Monterey County's Shelter in Place order is considered a misdemeanor. The citation costs $1,000. Officers are able to write tickets if people are not complying.

"I think having the vehicle go up and down the beach is the best approach. We also have a community group that is doing the same thing. They are walking the beach and letting people know," said Tomasi.

Unlike others nearby, Carmel Beach has stayed open. Parking is restricted and warnings about social distancing are posted, but Tomasi said shutting people out is not what they want.

"We were just in the house, kind of going stir crazy. It's a blessing to be out here," said Raeann Queener, who came to the beach to skimboard.

Queener said she came to the beach for the right reasons. Officers fear there will be consequences if more people chose to come to the beach for reasons unrelated to excercise.

"We don't want the health department to come in and say that we need to shut it down," said Tomasi.

The City of Carmel-by-the-Sea plans to restrict parking near Carmel Beach through May.