How Santa Cruz law enforcement will crack down on new shelter-in-place and beach order

SANTA CRUZ, Calif. (KION) Santa Cruz county's new, and slightly less restrictive, shelter-in-place order will begin Friday at 11:59 p.m.

However, within the order, there are new beach restrictions. Beginning this weekend, beaches will off-limits for all activities between the hours of 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

““It gives local people an opportunity to visit the beach, but we’re going to avoid those large crowds we saw this past weekend,” Sheriff Jim Hart said.

Previous limits on beach activities like sitting, sunbathing and other non-exercise related activities remain in place. No umbrellas, barbecues, coolers, beach chairs, shade structures, tents or other equipment are allowed either.

Water activities activities such as surfing, paddleboarding, boogie boarding, swimming, snorkeling and kayaking will still be allowed with this order.

Several hundred people have been cited $1,000 for breaking the shelter-in-place order across Santa Cruz county. With the new beach rules, Hart said enforcement will be done on a case by case basis.

“A large group of people from out of the area might be treated differently than a family group walking on the beach, and they just didn’t know.” Hart said.

Rental properties have been another problem during the shelter-in-place. Sheriff Hart said they've received many calls about out-of-town guests having parties.

“You could lose your license to have a vacation rental in the county, which is far more expensive than that $1,000 fine,” Hart said.

The shelter-in-place order, including the new beach restrictions, does not have an end date. The health officer said that will be re-evaluated in about three weeks.