Two arrested in Carmel after new beach restrictions, with COVID-19 enforcement increasing
MONTEREY COUNTY, Calif. (KION)
Carmel-by-the Sea closed their beaches and is restricting water access on Friday through the July 4th weekend.
Police say they arrested two people who ignored the closure on Friday.
Jay Endsley, a 59-year-old Santa Clara resident, is accused of ignoring multiple warnings from officers over several minutes. Carmel-by-the-Sea Police say Endsley physically fought with officers in the water during his arrest. Police also arrested 54-year-old Carmel resident Theresa Buccola who they say joined Endsley on the beach.
Endsley was arrested for resisting arrest and knowingly not leaving a closed area after receiving notice.
This is the start of a July 4th holiday weekend that is different than any before it. With many restrictions, like beach closures and mask enforcement only announced in the last few days, people say it is even more unexpected.
"Back where we're from there's really no enforcement. The only people we see with masks on are the people that work at the stores," said visitor, Hunter Sulac.
In Monterey, not wearing a mask could earn you a $100 fine. Warnings are posted throughout the Monterey Fisherman's Wharf.
"A lot of people aren't wearing their masks," admitted Terrance Reno.
Reno hands out free masks at the wharf every weekend. "Last weekend we gave out 1,300. Today I've given out maybe 55 to 60," said Reno.
The mask requirement isn't the only thing tourists will encounter this weekend. 17 Mile Drive is closed through Sunday and the California Highway Patrol is enforcing it.
"We want to make sure that vehicles aren't parking near the on-and-off ramps and that traffic is flowing freely," said California Highway Patrol Officer, Jessica Madueno.
CHP's Maximum Enforcement Period comes with new territory this year. Parking lots are closed at many beaches and officers plan to ticket vehicles who try to get around the new restrictions.
"Specifically near the peninsula. That's where the crowds are going to be drawn this weekend because of the beach," said Madueno.
