June 22, 2025 #1 Local News, Forum, Information and Event Source for Venice Beach, California.

County Tells Residents Not to Drive to Ventura and OC Beaches

County Public Health Director: “Please don’t go driving to other beaches”

By Sam Catanzaro

As a heatwave sweeps across Southern California, local officials are advising LA County residents to avoid the beach and not to drive to neighboring Ventura and Orange County where beaches have begun opening.

“Please don’t go driving to other beaches,” said Los Angeles County Department of Public Health Director Dr. Barbara Ferrer speaking at a Wednesday press conference. “When you go, you run the risk of running into people who are asymptomatic but they’re able to infect you, and then you’ll bring that infection back to L.A. County,”

This week the Orange County Board of Supervisors voted to keep the county’s beaches open, which include Aliso Beach, Salt Creek Beach and Dana Point Harbor. All city beaches remain closed in Orange County, including Seal Beach and Laguna Beach.

“We…should be encouraging people to practice social distancing, be out, get fresh air [and] recreate,” said Orange County Supervisor Don Wagner. “I don’t feel like we should do the wrong thing and burden our residents because colleagues of ours on other borders and surrounding communities did the wrong thing burdening their own residents.”

Orange County also allowed golf courses to reopen this week.

The city of Ventura has also eased its hard closure on parks and beaches this week. Under the rules, residents can now visit the city’s beaches, pier, parks and promenade if they maintain their distance, remain active and not gather in groups. People are allowed to walk on the pier and sand but are prohibited from sitting down or standing against railings.

“The City has some of the lowest COVID-19 rates in Ventura County because of the hard work and sacrifices made by our residents,” said Ventura Mayor Matt LaVere. “We want to provide an opportunity for our community to enjoy our amazing resources in a socially-responsible manner while we continue to stop the spread of COVID-19.”

In contrast, the City of Santa Monica is reminding residents that beaches in the city and county remain closed.

“For Angelenos, hot weather is normally beach weather. Right now, is not a normal time. We all have to remember that coronavirus means we must change normal behavior. For your safety, the beach is absolutely closed,” said Mayor Kevin McKeown. “So are the beach bike path, Santa Monica Pier, the walkways near the beach, and even the cliffs overlooking the beach at Palisades Park. Our Santa Monica Police Department will be there to protect public safety. We don’t want to write tickets for people who disobey County health orders, but we are prepared to if anyone forces us. Please get outside in your neighborhood. Enjoy the clear skies and fresh breeze. But don’t forget face coverings, don’t forget physical distancing, and don’t come to the beach. Santa Monica looks forward to welcoming you back again when it’s safe.”

Los Angeles Police Department Michael Moore shared a similar message in a tweet Thursday writing “As temperatures climb, it’s as important to remember that the Mayor’s Safer At Home Order is still in effect. The sacrifices we make today will keep our fellow Angelenos safe & allow us to more quickly get back to our L.A. way of life—We are in this together.”

Related Posts

Strongman to Pull 34,680-Pound Bus at Santa Monica Pier

June 21, 2025

June 21, 2025

Licis, also the 2022 “Arnold Strongman Classic” champion, will undertake the feat to showcase his strength  Strongman Martins Licis, the...

Malibu Traffic Delays Expected: REPORT

June 21, 2025

June 21, 2025

The warning applies to the first weekend of summer Transportation officials are warning travelers on the Pacific Coast Highway through...

Exploring Los Angeles’ Architectural Evolution: A New Documentary Series and Trail

June 21, 2025

June 21, 2025

Rebel Architects: From Venice to the World Stage* delves into the evolution of Los Angeles architecture In a celebration of...

Governor Declares Emergency for Malibu to Aid Franklin Fire Recovery

June 21, 2025

June 21, 2025

The fire’s impact was compounded by the January 2025 Los Angeles County Fires and Windstorm Event California Gov. Gavin Newsom...

SMC Gallery to Showcase Faculty Art in Virtual Exhibition

June 21, 2025

June 21, 2025

The online event will feature works by seven Emeritus faculty artists. The Santa Monica College Emeritus Art Gallery will host...

Last Thursday Concert to Feature Dancing Lessons, Ginger Merkin and More This Week

June 20, 2025

June 20, 2025

 The series runs on the last Thursday of each month through September 26 The Last Thursday Venice Summer Concert Series...

THIS WEEKEND: Five Outdoor Concerts for Make Music Day Comes to Santa Monica

June 20, 2025

June 20, 2025

The global event, inspired by France’s Fête de la Musique, unites communities through music and is observed in over 800...

(Video) Where great minds grow at The Willows Community School

June 19, 2025

June 19, 2025

The Willows, a DK-8 co-educational school, enrolls 474 students from 57+ zip codes annually. As a balanced, progressive educational leader, experiential learning,...

Juneteenth Community Day Returns to Oakwood Park This Weekend

June 19, 2025

June 19, 2025

The free event will feature live music, fun games for kids, and a variety of food The Venice community is...

Comedy Night in Venice to Benefit Fire Station 63

June 19, 2025

June 19, 2025

Hosted by comedian Ahmed, the event will feature performers Steven Briggs, Sean Fawaz, Susie Sitcom, Bobby Ulrich, Nate Craig, and...

Real Estate Agent Charged with Price Gouging After Palisades Fire

June 19, 2025

June 19, 2025

The charges stem from violations of California’s price gouging law, which caps price increases at 10% during a declared state...

(Video) A Plus Tree: A Steward of Urban Forest Management Across Los Angeles

June 18, 2025

June 18, 2025

For More Information, Go to Aplustree.com For More Information, Go to https://t.co/dNtlmfci0l pic.twitter.com/S88Gf21ou0 — Yo! Venice! (@YoVenice) June 19, 2025

(Video) See Inside Voodoo Doughnuts’ New Venice Beach Shop

June 18, 2025

June 18, 2025

The Creative Portland Franchise Has Opened Up at Windward Circle The Creative Portland Franchise Has Opened Up at Windward Circle....

Venice Shorts: VNC Approves Action on Washington Blvd RV Clearance

June 18, 2025

June 18, 2025

Board Approves Motion: 7 Yes, 5 No & 5 Abstentions By Nick Antonicello It seems a third time is a...

July 4th Celebration to Take Place in Palisades for 78th Annual Event

June 18, 2025

June 18, 2025

The event aims to unite residents in a show of resilience and community spirit The Pacific Palisades community, undeterred by...