Save Newport Real News in Newport Beach
To some, the beach is meaningless. To others, it is their life. Surfing, swimming, tanning, playing sports, or simply watching the waves, the beach means many things to do many people.
A manager at Dory Deli took this photograph of a couple in their sunset years watching the waves at Blackies the only way they could: by sitting on a sidewalk and viewing it through an orange mesh that city workers out up because of an order from our governor, 432 miles away.
This order specifically only closed Orange County beaches. Apparently, no other beaches in the state are capable of spreading Coronavirus. (This line is in jest– clearly the order was punitive and not based in public health)
Police and lifeguards have been going through the motions of announcing the beach is closed, but stopping short of actually writing anyone tickets or arresting people for being there. They are relying on voluntary cooperation. Aka: it is beach-as-normal right now, aside from the occasional loudspeakers.
It is entirely possible that the governor could demand actual enforcement. At that point, those who took an oath to uphold will have a choice to make: either they abide by the Constitution and refuse to enforce the orders, or they can switch sides and begin to perpetrate against citizens. The easy way out for these officers? If you are doing something that makes you sick to your stomach, CALL OUT SICK.
In the meantime– our Newport Councilman Kevin Muldoon (who is an attorney by trade), just filed a complaint in federal court, asking AG Barr to get involved and help block Gavin Newsom’s unconstitutional order:
This is the kind of leadership Newport needs.
We look forward to seeing how this plays out.
