Additional officers will be hired to help enforce the new ordinance.
On Tuesday night, the Hermosa Beach City Council Tuesday approved a mandate that requires face coverings to be worn on the beach (outside of the water), downtown, on the Strand, on the Greenbelt, ordinance requiring face masks to be worn downtown, on the Strand, on the Greenbelt, Pier Plaza and at all city parks.
The first violation will cost you $100, $200 for a second offense and $500 beyond that. Digital signage, as seen on the Strand, will be in place to warn the public of the new ordinance. The city also announced that additional personnel will be hired from a private consultancy firm, joining the Hermosa Beach Police Department starting today (Saturday, August 9) to help enforce this new requirement and prevent the spread of the virus.
“Protecting public safety is the Hermosa Beach Police Department’s first priority, and increased crowds and activity in our City, especially during the summer, require our officers to focus on criminal activity and nuisance behaviors that can jeopardize public safety,” said Police Chief Paul LeBaron.
Signage is going up and we have added staff to ensure compliance with face covering requirements. If you are planning to visit and support our local businesses, face coverings are required at all times in crowded areas of Hermosa.
Read the press release: https://t.co/dAZ6xgQVbQ pic.twitter.com/AxFVeUupXW— City of Hermosa Beach (@HermosaBchCity) August 7, 2020
“All activity on the Strand is covered by the mask requirement,” Mayor Pro-Tem Justin Massey told CBSLA Thursday. “So, our understanding is that the masks that are available now allow for athletic activity. So, regardless of the activity that you’re doing, if you’re in any of these high-traffic areas, a mask is required.”
There are some exceptions for children under age 2, when people are eating or drinking, and for those with medical conditions.
Earlier this month, neighboring Manhattan Beach announced it would begin fining people $100 for not wearing masks.
A number of Los Angeles cities and Orange counties have similar mandates in place, including Glendale (currently the steepest fines), West Hollywood, Santa Monica, Manhattan Beach, and Beverly Hills.
Those exempt from mask-wearing are as follows:
- When a person is eating or drinking or engaged in swimming or other water activities
- Children younger than age 2
- Those instructed not to wear a cloth face covering by a medical provider are also exempt from wearing one. Individuals who are exempt from wearing a face covering due to a medical condition and who are employed in a job involving regular contact with others must wear a non-restrictive alternative, such as a face shield with a drape on the bottom edge, as long as their medical condition permits it. A drape that is form fitting under the chin is preferred.
- Persons who are hearing impaired, or communicating with a person who is hearing impaired, where the ability to see the mouth is essential for communication.
Featured Image: Luca Steeb via Unsplash