When Will Parking Lots Re-open

I know a big dilemma for us kayakers (one that surfers don't have to deal with quite so much) is beach access via parking lots.
Does anyone know what the plan is - either statewide or county by county - for opening up parking lots at beaches like Linda Mar, Miller, Stinson, Limantour, etc?
I know this has been touched on in many threads, but maybe a dedicated thread would be better.

I'm dying to go fishing. I can only stand in the garage and play with my Mirage drive for so long!
Thanks,
Andrew

Got my Poppy Pass in February
Used it half a dozen times
At the time, I thought it was the best birthday present

Hey, Andrew. I ended up getting a call back from the Marin County offices the other day, and also spoke to San Mateo County. I didn’t post about these calls on NCKA because I really didn’t learn anything new. Both of the folks I spoke to were very friendly and helpful (and sympathetic to my plight as an ocean kayaker who just wants to walk across the beach to reach the water) but they just didn’t know when they would be taking the next steps toward opening.

It seems like they are taking this day by day and we might not even know it’s coming until we see an announcement.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

what Alex suggests...sounds like you need to contact your local county or other counties your interested in, then you get it straight from the horses mouth instead of hearsay,conjecture etc etc

I contacted the Sonoma County  , (which as a former employee i refer to as SoCo)  at SoSo health the response was similar to what Alex got.

They know.They know. And Oh they know.

Dilemma hardly , getting sick that`s a dilemma. I guess its all relative to the individual. I`ve survived worse.It`s fishing , if all I have to complain about is not fishing, life must be pretty effin` good.

That`s not a reflection of anyone else or their opinion.

I`m almost 60 ,diabetic ( NOT Ideal) and have PTSD. I dont need to get sick too

Thats my take , it aint worth .02 and a free glass of water

Peace my brother.

Just a quick clarification for those who might not know...

It doesn’t matter whether the parking lots are physically barricaded, signs are posted, or the gates are wide open. The Marin County beaches are closed to anyone who has to drive to get there. Period. San Mateo County beaches are closed after 11:00 for anyone who has to drive there. Period.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Just a quick clarification for those who might not know...

It doesn’t matter whether the parking lots are physically barricaded, signs are posted, or the gates are wide open. The Marin County beaches are closed to anyone who has to drive to get there. Period. San Mateo County beaches are closed after 11:00 for anyone who has to drive there. Period.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Does that mean I can't return to the beach after 11am, but would have to wait til 5pm? That wouldn't make much sense.

FWIW

SONOMA COUNTY

Item 7. in the order and paragraph 9 from the parks article

FROM 5-12-20

https://socoemergency.org/order-of-the-health-officer-c19-11-amended-parks-closure-order/

DATE OF ORDER: MAY 12, 2020

Please read this Order carefully.  Violation of or failure to comply with this Order is a misdemeanor punishable by fine, imprisonment, or both.  (California Health and Safety Code § 120275, et seq.)

UNDER THE AUTHORITY OF CALIFORNIA HEALTH AND SAFETY CODE SECTIONS 101040, 101085, AND 120175, THE HEALTH OFFICER OF THE COUNTY OF SONOMA (“HEALTH OFFICER”) ORDERS:

1.This Order facilitates additional parks’ access due to the demonstrated commitment of the community in maintaining social distancing on park property and the success of the Shelter-In-Place Order in interrupting community transmission of the COVID19 virus.  The Order further recognizes the critical role parks and open space lands play in maintaining the physical, emotional and mental health of our community. The Order shall become effective at 12:01 a.m. on May 13, 2020, and will continue in effect until is terminated, amended, or superseded and replaced by a future Order of the Public Health Officer.

2.This Order rescinds, supersedes and replaces the April 28, 2020, Order of the Health Officer “Closing Parks to Prevent the Spread of COVID-19” (Order No. C19-10.)

3.The intent and effect of this Order is to allow limited use of Parks for lower risk outdoor recreation and exercise to sustain residents’ physical and mental health including walking, jogging, hiking, biking and other outdoor activities where individuals and households can exercise with protective safeguards (e.g., facial coverings and distancing) and safety guidance to reduce the spread of COVID-19.

4.On March 23, 2020, a high volume of usage by the public of parks, beaches, and open space made it necessary to close all parks in the County to protect public health, under the Health Officer’s Order Closing Parks to Prevent the Spread of COVID-19 (No. C19-04). Crowding makes it extremely difficult for persons to maintain the required social distancing to protect public health during this pandemic. Under the subsequent Parks Order No. C19-10, restricting vehicular access to some Parks, while not an ideal approach, achieved greater compliance and social distancing.

5.The diligent and responsible cooperation of the community in complying with the Shelter -In- Place Orders and the previous Park Closure Orders, along with increased testing, and the use of facial coverings and social distancing, have led to indications of a leveling off in the number of newly detected COVID-19 cases which is “flattening the curve”. While it is too early to lift all provisions of these Orders, modification of the Park Closure Orders to allow a less restricted access to Parks is appropriate because of the burden the closures have placed on the community, the initial progress in “flattening the curve,” and the reduced risk of transmission while outdoors. Such a lifting of restrictions is possible as long as diligent social distancing and facial coverings are utilized as required by Order No. C19-07.

6.For purposes of this Order, “Park” means an area of land, beach or water open to the public for recreation, including but not limited to walking, hiking, biking, horseback riding, relaxing, boating, fishing, and playing, regardless of ownership.

7.The purpose of this amended Order is to ALLOW COUNTY RESIDENTS more access to Parks for outdoor recreation and exercise, with restrictions sufficient to prevent crowding and virus transmission.  It also provides the flexibility for quick re-closures and additional constraints if problems develop with overuse, virus transmission, crowding, neighborhood impacts, or violations of the conditions of this Order.

With that context, Parks will be opened to access, under the following limitations:

a.Parking opportunities may be physically limited by Parks managers to conservatively provide for physical distancing in parking lots and at trailheads and other access points. While driving to Parks is allowed under this Order, Parks users are still encouraged to stay close to home and limit their time and interactions with others in public, and to initiate their visits from their place of residence if possible, via walking, hiking or biking;

b.The use of Park recreational areas or facilities which contain high-touch equipment or that encourage gatherings, including, but not limited to, playgrounds, dog parks, outdoor gym equipment, pools, picnic areas, drinking fountains, and barbecue areas, are prohibited, and all such areas shall remain closed to public access. Park owners shall post and, where appropriate, install physical barriers to access such areas. Failure to do so does not, however, excuse violation of this Order by users of the Park, trail or facility;

c.Every potential Park user must conduct a self-assessment of their health and shall not enter a Park if they have any of the following symptoms consistent with COVID-19:
Fever of 100.0 degrees Fahrenheit or greater;
Cough;
Sore throat;
Shortness of breath;
Unusual headaches;
Severe fatigue;
Chills;
Gastro-intestinal symptoms such as diarrhea or stomach cramps; or
Loss of sense of smell or taste.

d.If the potential Park visitor has had direct contact with a COVID-19 positive individual(s) in the past 14 days that person shall not enter a Park, and should contact their primary health care physician for further instructions.

e.In addition to compliance with the requirements of the social distancing and hygiene protocols in the Shelter in Place Order (No. C19-09), the following additional social distancing and hygiene protocols must be adhered to at all times within any Park.

All persons must:

i.Maintain a minimum six-foot distance from persons who are not part of the same household or living unit;

ii.Carry facial coverings with them at all times, and wear them in all circumstances required by the Health Officer’s Order No. C19-07, including specifically if or when unable to maintain a six-foot distance from others (such as when passing on a trail);

iii.Not use any facilities or equipment that are closed; and

iv.Not engage in sports or other activities that involve the use of shared equipment with individuals or groups outside of the person’s household.

f.Consistent with the Governor’s Guidance on outdoor recreation (https://covid19.ca.gov/stay-home-except-for-essential-needs/#outdoor), the use of shared facilities for some recreational activities outside of residences, including, but not limited to, tennis, bocce and pickle ball courts, water sports, sports fields, climbing walls, shooting and archery ranges, disc golf, basketball courts, and boat launches, shall be closed unless, on a Park by Park basis, the Park owner determines that the particular facility can safely be operated consistent with social distancing and hygiene requirements of Order No. C19-09 and this Order. If any such facilities are open, they may only be used by individuals alone or in a group comprised solely of individuals from the same household.

g.Golf Courses shall be open only as provided under the current Shelter-in-Place Order (C19-09 and any subsequent orders).

8.Coastal Zone Parks have continued to attract a significant number of daily visitors by vehicle despite the March 23, 2020 and April 28, 2020 Park Closure Orders. The majority of these visitors have traveled from outside of Sonoma County, and there are limited public safety resources to enforce the Health Officer’s COVID-19 related Orders, including this one, in these remote areas. Therefore, all Parks, trails, and beaches in the Coastal Zone, as defined by the County of Sonoma Local Coastal Plan, shall be closed from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., daily.  All Coastal Zone Parks, trails, and beach access must be initiated from one’s residence and may not involve the use of a motor vehicle to travel to any Park, trail or beach in the Coastal Zone.

During the times that beaches are open, they are to be used only for running, walking, cycling, water sports, or other form of physical activity. Sitting, lying, sunbathing, sightseeing, picnicking, and all other non-exercise, passive, or sedentary activities at beaches are prohibited. In addition, the following items are prohibited for use or possession on beaches for the duration of this Order: umbrellas, shade structures, tents, barbeques and grills, coolers, beach chairs, or other conveyances for sitting or lying.

9.All restrictions in this Order as they relate to access shall be subject to reasonable accommodation to provide for disabled access.

10.Bodega Bay coastal boat launch ramps and trailer parking areas may be opened by owners for the purpose of recreational fishing access to provide food for participants.

11.Recreational fishing is permissible only if :

a.It is in a Park that is open and permits recreational fishing;

b.Includes only members of the same household;

c.Is conducted in compliance with the social distancing and hygiene requirements of this Order, and the currently applicable Shelter-in-Place Order; and

d.All other licensing or other applicable regulatory requirements are met.

12.Community Gardens can be operated as agricultural operations providing food for participants, but only if they are operated in compliance with the following additional social-distancing and hygiene protocols:

a.They may be operated only for the purpose of food growth/production;

b.Soap and running water will be available;

c.There can be no more than one person in a garden at a time, unless it is sufficiently large to accommodate more than one person while maintaining at least six feet of distance at all times;

d.All garden entry and use shall be subject to the health and exposure self-assessment limitations set out in section “7.c” and “7.d” above;

e.Masks must be worn in order to allow more than one person at a time in a garden, in addition to maintaining the six feet of distance between gardeners;

f.Gardeners are strongly encouraged to bring their own tools;

g.All tools used will be cleaned with a CDC recommended disinfected after each use and will not be shared throughout the day;

h.Gardeners must use their own gloves;

i.Signage will be displayed at all entrances to the garden with these rules; and

j.Benches and other communal spaces will be marked as off-limits for the duration of this Order.

13.Each and all Park owners are free to decide whether to re-open their Parks under the limited authority provided for in this Order. If a Park is re-opened, however, the Park owner/manager shall adopt Social Distancing Protocols consistent with this Order, and shall post them, along with this Order, prominently in all locations most likely to be seen by visitors.

14.interpretation of this order should take into consideration that the intent is to allow brief respite from our homes for limited periods. Longer and more frequent outings inherently come with greater risk of virus transmission.

15.Vulnerable populations should use particular discretion and best judgment, in traveling to places where they may be in contact with others. Engaging in the outdoor activities allowed under this Order should be undertaken with extra caution, or perhaps avoided altogether, to minimize risks associated with contracting COVID-19. Vulnerable populations include people that are 65 or older, have high-risk conditions such as chronic lung disease or other respiratory ailments, serious heart conditions, immunocompromised , or are severely obese.

16.In the event of crowding, widespread non-compliance with the limitations of this Order, or other evidence of activities presenting an unacceptable risk of spread of COVID-19 through Park use, any or all Parks may be closed again in their entirety or on a case-by-case-basis by the Health Officer, or by the individual Park owner, including but not limited to County Parks as determined by the Director of Regional Parks, as needed.

17.This Order is issued in accordance with, and incorporates by reference, the March 19, 2020 Executive Order of the Governor (No. N-33-20) and the May 7, 2020 Order of the State Public Health Officer (https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/CDPH%20Document%20Library/COVID-19/SHO%20Order%205-7-2020.pdf) and related Governor’s Office guidance regarding outdoor recreation (https://covid19.ca.gov/stay-home-except-for-essential-needs/#outdoor); the April 29, 2020, Order of the Sonoma County Health Officer re Shelter in Place (No. C19-09); the March 13, 2020 Order of the Health Officer No. C19-02; the April 13, 2020, Order of the Health Officer No. C19-04 concerning Facial Coverings; the March 4, 2020 Proclamation of a State of Emergency issued by Governor Gavin Newsom; the March 2, 2020 Proclamation of Local Emergency for the County of Sonoma issued by the Director of Emergency Services Declaring the Existence of a Local Emergency in the County Regarding Novel Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19); the Declaration of Local Health Emergency Regarding Novel Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) issued by the Health Officer; the March 4, 2020 Resolution of the Board of Supervisors of the County of Sonoma Ratifying and Extending the Declaration of a Local Health Emergency, and the March 4, 2020 Resolution of the Board of Supervisors of the County of Sonoma Ratifying and Extending the Proclamation of a Local Emergency.

18.This Order is issued based on evidence of continuing occurrence of COVID-19 within the County and throughout the Bay Area, scientific evidence and best practices regarding the most effective approaches to slow the transmission of communicable diseases generally and COVID-19 specifically, and evidence that the age, condition, and health of a significant portion of the population of the County places it at risk for serious health complications, including death, from COVID-19.  Due to the outbreak of the COVID-19 virus in the general public, which is now a pandemic according to the World Health Organization, there is a public health emergency throughout the County.  Making the problem worse, some individuals who contract the COVID-19 virus have no symptoms or have mild symptoms, which means they may not be aware they carry the virus.  Because even people without symptoms can transmit the disease, and because evidence shows the disease spreads easily, social distancing consisting of a six-foot separation between people is currently required for all activity permitted by the County’s Shelter-In-Place Order No. C19-05 and the Governor’s Executive Order, including outdoor activity.

19.The scientific evidence shows that at this stage of the emergency, while the curve is currently flattening, it is still essential to continue to slow virus transmission as much as possible to protect the most vulnerable and to prevent the health care system from being overwhelmed by another surge of cases.  One proven way to slow the transmission is to limit interactions among people to the greatest extent practicable.  By continuing to reduce the spread of the COVID-19 virus, this Order helps preserve critical and limited healthcare capacity in the County and saves lives.

20.This Order also is issued in light of the existence of at least 309 cases of COVID-19 in the County as well as four fatalities, as of May 11, 2020, including a significant number of suspected cases of community transmission, and likely additional cases of community transmission if physical distancing is not carefully maintained in this critical period.

21.Further revisions to this Order may be made, as necessary to maintain public health, consistency with the Governor’s Guidance and Orders, and/or as otherwise needed to implement additional safety guidance or provide for additional recreational activities as approved by the Health Officer..

22.Additional information about this Order can be found at: https://parks.sonomacounty.ca.gov/Visit/Covid-19-Parks-Frequently-Asked-Questions/.

IT IS SO ORDERED:

Dr. Sundari R. Mase, MD MPH
Health Officer of the County of Sonoma




From 5-12-20

https://parks.sonomacounty.ca.gov/Learn/Press-Releases/Parks-Access-Expanded-in-New-Health-Order/

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Parks Access Expanded in New Health Order

Driving to inland parks allowed. Beach parking areas remain closed.

Santa Rosa, CA  –  May 12, 2020  –  Sonoma County’s health officer today further eased restrictions on outdoor recreation during the Covid-19 pandemic by issuing an order that allows park agencies to reopen some parking lots and sports facilities.

The health order means RESIDENTS can drive to inland parks beginning Wednesday, May 13, 2020. The order keeps Sonoma Coast parking areas closed to prevent crowding at beaches but allows coastal residents to walk or bike to nearby parks during limited hours.

The directive by Dr. Sundari Mase is the latest easing of a full parks closure ordered in late March when record numbers of visitors traveled to parks despite calls to shelter in place. Two weeks ago, Mase softened the closure to let residents use only those parks they could walk or bike to from their homes.

“I feel comfortable reopening some parking lots and recreation areas as long as we remain diligent about hygiene, social distancing and face coverings,” Mase said. “Sonoma County residents have made an extraordinary effort to slow the spread of the Covid-19 virus. Still, we must all continue to do our part and protect the progress we’ve made.”

Mase’s order requires park visitors practice social distancing and wear face coverings if they come within 6 feet of other visitors. It also encourages park users to limit their travel by continuing to walk or bike to parks near their homes.

The order allows park managers to determine on a park-by-park basis if they can open tennis courts, disc golf courses, basketball courts and other shared sports facilities in compliance with social distancing restrictions. Those rules limit use to a single individual or members of the same household. Under the previous order, park use was restricted to walking, hiking, jogging, bicycling, and fishing.

Facilities that encourage gatherings or have frequently touched surfaces remain closed. These include playgrounds, dog parks, outdoor gym equipment, picnic areas, drinking fountains and barbecues.

“We’re very pleased more residents will be able to reach their parks for essential exercise,” said Susan Gorin, chair of the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors. “The loosened restrictions mean our collective effort to slow the virus’ transmission is working. But as we enjoy parks, we must be vigilant about protecting ourselves and others. Please use parks close to home, wear a face mask when social distancing isn’t possible, and follow new rules meant to keep us all safe.”

THE HEALTH ORDER APPLIES TO ALL PARKS,TRAILS AND RECREATION AREAS IN SONOMA COUNTY,INCLUDING THOSE MANAGED BY PRIVATE ORGANIZATIONS

“This public health emergency is going to continue into the foreseeable future, and the parks and services we provide are going to be increasingly critical for maintaining the physical and mental health of our community,” said Bert Whitaker, director of Sonoma County Regional Parks. “We’re pleased to be helping residents get back to their parks.”

For more information about temporary restrictions, please refer to these  frequently asked questions.

Read the Amended Parks Closure Order.

For more information about Covid-19 and the resources available to you during this emergency, go to SoCoEmergency.org.

Contact:  (707) 565-3040
[email protected]

Heard that perhaps June 1 for Marin.
total rumor, but a decent source

Actually, it’s item 8 that is the pertinent one for us, not 7. The one that begins “8.Coastal Zone Parks have continued to attract...”

It clearly states “...all Parks, trails, and beaches in the Coastal Zone, as defined by the County of Sonoma Local Coastal Plan, shall be closed from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., daily.  All Coastal Zone Parks, trails, and beach access must be initiated from one’s residence and may not involve the use of a motor vehicle to travel to any Park, trail or beach in the Coastal Zone.”

For Sonoma Co residents, the marinas are open at Bodega however so a launch there is feasible.

Heard that perhaps June 1 for Marin.
total rumor, but a decent source

Stop the press!

Looks like the rumors are true. Let’s hold tight one more weekend folks!

https://www.marinij.com/2020/05/27/marin-gearing-up-for-next-big-step-in-covid-19-reopening/

Actually, it’s item 8 that is the pertinent one for us, not 7. The one that begins “8.Coastal Zone Parks have continued to attract...”

It clearly states “...all Parks, trails, and beaches in the Coastal Zone, as defined by the County of Sonoma Local Coastal Plan, shall be closed from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., daily.  All Coastal Zone Parks, trails, and beach access must be initiated from one’s residence and may not involve the use of a motor vehicle to travel to any Park, trail or beach in the Coastal Zone.”

For Sonoma Co residents, the marinas are open at Bodega however so a launch there is feasible.

Pertinent to SONOMA county residence is what I meant..IDC about the outsiders, that`s you... no offense  buddy  "The purpose of this amended Order is to ALLOW COUNTY RESIDENTS more access "

yes a launch is feasible (and I have fished in the harbor for perch and hali`s as have others ) go for it..

 

anyway it is what it is,I originally posted this to a earlier this month to point out to a non resident what the intent was. At this point if someone hasn`t read or listened to the news etc tec ,they have been living under a rock ..j/k
patience.. hope June 1 up here too



 

Just a quick clarification for those who might not know...

It doesn’t matter whether the parking lots are physically barricaded, signs are posted, or the gates are wide open. The Marin County beaches are closed to anyone who has to drive to get there. Period. San Mateo County beaches are closed after 11:00 for anyone who has to drive there. Period.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Does that mean I can't return to the beach after 11am, but would have to wait til 5pm? That wouldn't make much sense.

I asked San Mateo County about a hypothetical situation where I head out early in the morning and don’t quite make it back by 11:00. They said that yes, unfortunately, that would be a violation of the order.

I have some pending projects around the bay area so I have been calling various counties to check status whether I can go do my work, even though the building is empty.  It seems that most of the counties in the bay area don't have a date set for when they will lift the SIP.  Most of them said its indefinitely until further notice.   

Just a quick clarification for those who might not know...

It doesn’t matter whether the parking lots are physically barricaded, signs are posted, or the gates are wide open. The Marin County beaches are closed to anyone who has to drive to get there. Period. San Mateo County beaches are closed after 11:00 for anyone who has to drive there. Period.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Does that mean I can't return to the beach after 11am, but would have to wait til 5pm? That wouldn't make much sense.

I asked San Mateo County about a hypothetical situation where I head out early in the morning and don’t quite make it back by 11:00. They said that yes, unfortunately, that would be a violation of the order.

Better prepare yourself and the family for loooong days on the water then!! Time enough for the elusive chrome butt double limit!  Could be a SIP challenge of endurance and skill...