Group Protests Coronavirus Closures In Encinitas

ENCINITAS, CA — A group of about 100 people marched along South Coast Highway 101 Sunday to protest the closure of beaches, parks and trails in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The protest march, promoted by Free Encinitas, a public Facebook group, began at 10 a.m. in front of Swamis Seaside Park and headed south until about noon, when the protest disbanded, according to San Diego County Sheriff's Department officials.

Deputies kept watch to make sure marchers were practicing safe distancing measures, and no citations were issued, officials said.

Happening Now in San Diego in response to closing walking trails and beaches. #COVID19 #corona #encinitas #sandiego pic.twitter.com/ukmyMbx2yq
— Chad Ellsworth (@chad_ellsworth) April 19, 2020

The group carried U.S. flags and signs of protest against state and local stay-at-home orders.

The group stopped at Encinitas Mayor Catherine Blakespear's house, with some carrying signs that said "Recall Blakespear."

—City News Service

Full coronavirus coverage: Coronavirus In California: What To Know