Crowds Fill California Beaches Despite Shelter in Place Order Thousands flocked to beaches, hiking trails and public parks in California, defying a state order to shelter in place and avoid close contact with others. California Gov. Gavin Newsom issued the order br on March 20, in order to help prevent br the spread of the new coronavirus. To combat the open defiance of br the order, public officials are responding by closing parks, beaches and other public spaces. Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti Similar incidents have occurred in br metropolitan areas around the country, br as local and state officials try to contain br the ongoing spread of COVID-19.