Crowds gather to enjoy outdoors in Monterey County
BIG SUR, Calif. (KION) A day trip for some is described as a nightmare for others. Dana Carnazzo lives near Bixby Bridge and, now, fears a simple trip to the mailbox after seeing the crowds on Memorial Day.
"When you see so many people not being careful I think, 'Gosh, are those front line health care workers going to keep taking care of us?' We're not doing our best to make sure they don't have to," said Carnazzo.
Many admitted they traveled from other parts of the state to take in the views. "I think we just felt trapped in. We've been trapped in for so long," said Chris Casimiro, visiting from Oxnard.
Monterey County officials have preached social distancing and issued a mandatory mask order. Only a handful were seen wearing them in Big Sur on Monday.
"I've seen a lot of people going out. I see it on social media," said Shantanu Sherma, visiting from Walnut Creek.
State parks and beaches in Monterey County are slowly beginning to reopen after a weeks-long shutdown. The rules say sites should only be used to exercise. "We are open so people can enjoy safe recreation, but it is for Monterey County residents. We're not encouraging people to travel long distances," said Brent Marshall, California Parks Department Supervisor for the Monterey District.
The parks department launched extra patrols over the holiday weekend to enforce parking restrictions and encourage social distancing. Officers are prepared to issue citations if people do not follow social distance guidelines.
"My wife and I are very cognizant of the virus and the ramifications of not following distancing, while still wanting to take advantage of the beauty that this country offers," said Nick Miano, visiting from San Diego.
