County Shuts Down Huntington Beach Religious Gathering

ORANGE COUNTY, CA — Huntington Beach police were handing out fliers to a religious group holding a gathering on the beach Friday evening to let them know their service is not permitted by the city.

The group -- known as Saturate OC -- has been gathering at Lifeguard Tower 20 and claimed they were given a permit to hold an event Friday evening, according to the city.

But city officials late Friday issued a statement saying the group has not been given a permit and that the gathering violates Orange County and state orders barring gatherings of 100 or more.

Revival is happening in Cali#SaturateOC pic.twitter.com/ZWbCqRh6dV
— Kellyann Peck (@Kellyann_Peck) July 20, 2020

City officials said they told organizers Thursday and Friday to postpone the event until they received the proper permits.

The city said it supports the rights of religious groups to worship, but the organizers "have not instituted safety protocols prescribed by the state and county, and they have refused to obtain a permit for their event."

The Saturate OC event taking place in Huntington Beach tonight is NOT permitted, and is operating in violation of State and County public health orders. Additional details can be found here. https://t.co/JPzR3yCPlK#HuntingtonBeach #HBReady #OneHB pic.twitter.com/8LGxCwjjGz

— City of Huntington Beach (@CityofHBPIO) July 25, 2020

Orange County is one of multiple counties in the state on a watch list because of a surge of coronavirus cases.

Huntington Beach police planned on taking a more educational approach rather than enforcement, a police spokeswoman said.

Saturate OC leaders insist they had a permit.

"This is crazy," said Jessi Green of Saturate OC. "HB police issued a permit last week on the beach. City Council refuses to issue a permit and won't allow Christians to worship inside and now outside. Where can we possibly go?"

—City News Service