Manhattan Beach police issue 129 social distancing citations; fines are $1,000

by Mark McDermott

The Manhattan Beach Police Department issued 129 citations for violations of the city’s new social distancing order over the last weekend. Many of the violations occurred at Polliwog Park, and on the Strand, both which are closed to the public.

Thirty citations were issued at Polliwog and ten at Bruce’s Beach. Additionally, 48 people were cited for being on the Strand. All social distancing citations in Manhattan Beach carry a $1,000 fine.

“No more warnings,” said Mayor Richard Montgomery at Monday morning’s City Council meeting. “Some people, unfortunately, can’t follow the rules. I don’t know what excuse you could possibly use to go to a park, because every ten feet there is a sign. The park is closed….Closed does not mean walking through. It means closed.”

Another area of concern has been Ocean Drive, which has become a thoroughfare for cyclists and pedestrians since the closing of the Strand.

“A lot of people are going for their daily walk or bike ride on Ocean Drive. They see it as the new Strand,” said MBPD Officer Chris Ineguez in an interview. “That is where they are all congregating and walking.”

MBPD Chief Derrick Abell said four cyclists received citations on Ocean Drive and that officers would be watching activity closely on the street.

“They are just running through stop signs and they are not abiding by the vehicle code,” Abell told council on Monday. “There is one way to get the message out to them: either use a different location, or abide by the rules, so you are not putting others at risk.”

The Council directed staff to put up signs on Ocean.

“I think think the message is, ‘Maintain social distance or you will be cited,’” said Councilperson Steve Napolitano.

“I think we just needed more [citations] and word will get out,” said Councilperson Suzanne Hadley. “I think this weekend was a tremendous effort by our police department, and I’m grateful.”