Increased efforts to reduce crowd gatherings result in closures on the Central Coast

CARPINTERIA, Calif. - The balance between encouraging outside recreation and restricting full-blown gatherings has not gone smoothly during the coronavirus crisis.

The pushback from the public on social media and other platforms has targeted groups of people that are generally non-families. There are many get-togethers that include those living together, and they are not the primary concern.

Health officials do warn, however, that extended families should not be gathering if they are from different households and have different work and social patterns. That can be risky with the spread of the virus occurring in those who have symptoms and those who show no signs of symptoms.

The virus is targeting all age groups. Good health may help to handle it if you come down with the illness, but doctors say it is not a prevention. Isolation from those who have the virus and social distancing is said to be the best defense.

Photos and videos of groups in recreational games and "beach party" settings have ignited an outspoken response against this behavior on various media platforms during the crisis.

A 21-year-old Santa Barbara City College student told NewsChannel 3 this week that some of his friends who still gather in close groups do not care about the rules and say, "If I die, I die."

At Hendry's beach, one longtime Santa Barbara Mesa resident saw a difference. "It looked like a lot of families that were orientated to each other, not a lot of kids on kids," said David Bagley. "When you are walking along the sidewalk, they were not six feet away, but other than that pretty much after that they were basically in their own groups."

For those trying to get out and avoid the crowds, they say it is all about timing. Some are out early in the morning, and some like the mid-afternoon.

"So I come out here because I know the beach is not crowded and it is a great way to reduce some stress," said Irma Garcia after a one-hour walk at Hendry's. She misses seeing family and friends. "Well, I talk to them on the phone and facetime, but I haven't seen them or socialized with my friends in three weeks."

In other areas, however, the rules are getting tighter and access is getting cut off.

At the Bailard bluffs, k-rail is up, a barricade to keep cars out of the parking lot, but the hiking trails are still open for those on foot or on a bike.
Nearby, Surfers at the Rincon are greeted by an electronic board that warns them about distancing rules and coronavirus concerns.

Katie Koonce, a pilates instructor, says she is stressing, "Spacial awareness. It's being aware, it is being clean, washing your hands, sanitizing, educating your kids."

Keeping a little separation is, for now, a sacrifice, however, "It's hard times, but it is nothing like it was for the parents and the grandparents way back in the day," said Bagley.