Santa Maria City Rangers boost efforts to maintain social distancing

SANTA MARIA, Calif. - You may see Santa Maria rangers anywhere from driving through local parks to chatting with kids all in the hopes of bending the curve.

"We have had to adapt to educating the public in regards to COVID-19 and taking the proper safety precautions as far as hygiene social distancing and disinfecting," said city ranger Ruben Ramirez with the City of Santa Maria Recreation and Parks Department.

Ramirez is busy patrolling areas all over the city providing education to the community about the importance of social distancing.

"We’re also letting them know that they may be affecting family members or friends that may be in a vulnerable position where they can get sick easily more than others," said Ramirez.

City rangers are handing out bilingual flyers which offer extra safety tips.

But not everyone is following the stay-at-home order or social distancing especially around the basketball courts.

City rangers say they will continue overseeing all parks especially places like Minami Park where they’re seeing a high volume of activity

"We’re seeing a lot of heavy activity at Buena Vista Park and Minami Park here in the city of Santa Maria and there’s a lot of basketball activity and it’s a lot of people coming in close proximity that are practicing the social distancing," said Ramirez.

City rangers plan to continue speaking with any large groups of people to help them understand why following social distancing is critical.

"We hope people take us seriously and really follow those recommendations as much as possible so we can prevent the spread of this," said Casey Stone with the City of Santa Maria Recreation and Parks Department.