Photos: Winds Pick Up As Beach Reopens

Nicole Charky
Updated ·2 min read

SANTA MONICA, CA — The beach was reopened for active use this week with skateboarders, surfers and swimmers hitting the windy shores across Los Angeles County.

Southwest winds were expected to reach 15 mph Thursday afternoon in Santa Monica and Venice with a high near 71 degrees, the National Weather Service forecasted. It's expected to stay windy through Saturday.

Throughout Santa Monica and Venice, people were carrying boogie boards and surfboards, walking, running and cycling—often while wearing the now required face coverings.

"Of course now with the city, along with the city of LA, is now requiring face coverings for all outdoor activities, so that is required if you're going to visit the beach or go to any of Santa Monica's parks," Constance Farrell with the City of Santa Monica told Patch.

The city of Santa Monica, along with Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti, announced Wednesday that everyone is required to wear masks or facial coverings in public.

As Los Angeles County continues to reopen beaches across the Southland this week, fences were coming down at Palisades Park in Santa Monica and other parks in the city.

Parking lots are still closed, Farrell told Patch. Santa Monica Pier also remains closed.

Tennis courts are allowed to reopen for singles play, according to the city. Tennis courts at Reed Park will also be available this weekend and to residents with additional openings in the weeks ahead.

Street sweeping will start up again June 1 in Santa Monica neighborhoods and continue on a monthly schedule, beginning the first full week of every month. The city advises following posted street signs.

Police continue to monitor the beach in Santa Monica.

"The Santa Monica Police Department is committed to keeping our community healthy and safe," Santa Monica Police Lt. Joseph Cortez told Patch.

"We have routinely deployed additional officers to the beach and bike path to ensure individuals are educated on the orders, restrictions imposed by the county," Cortez told Patch. "We will continue to do so over the next several weeks."

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This article originally appeared on the Santa Monica Patch