San Diego City Wire

Mike Ruthenberg is devoted to physical fitness.

The 59-year-old San Diego resident exercises regularly, but that’s become more of a challenge recently. The COVID-19 pandemic has caused numerous government entities to react by shutting down access to outdoor areas.

All parks and hiking trails in San Diego, Carlsbad, Del Mar, Encinitas, Solana Beach, Chula Vista and Imperial Beach are closed, as are Port of San Diego outdoor recreation facilities.

Other area communities have limited access to trails and parks. Gov. Gavin Newsom has closed all state parks to vehicle traffic, greatly reducing access to them. Many federally owned areas have been closed as well.

“It just doesn’t make any sense,” Ruthenberg told the San Diego Record.

He said people want and need to exercise, and can do so with caution, while providing social distancing. 

San Diego County, as of Monday morning, reported 2,268 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and 71 deaths.

Some of the closures are just absurd, Ruthenberg says, pointing to what President Donald Trump noted, that people who seek peace and quiet in nature should be left alone.

“I really believe somebody sitting in their boat in a lake should be OK. They shouldn't arrest people,” Trump said at his Saturday press conference. “Some of them are being unreasonable I really believe that. They are being unreasonable but I think Virginia is a great case though because they are using this, they are trying to take your guns away in Virginia and if people in Virginia aren't — aren't careful that's what's going to happen to them so yeah, I mean I could see where he's coming from. I think it's a strong statement, a strong statement because hopefully this will be over very soon for all of us but some have gotten carried away. They have absolutely gotten carried away.”

Ruthenberg said he sees similar cases in San Diego.

“There’s no logical reason someone can’t go surfing,” he said.

He and his wife Tonya and their son Colin enjoy bike rides on Torrey Pines State Beach. That park closed on April 3.

“This park is temporarily closed until further notice, meaning the beach, access to the ocean, all vehicular access, beach access, trails and restrooms within this park are closed,” according to a notice on the park website. “All recreational activities, including but not limited to camping, biking, hiking, running, walking, and all water activities including, but not limited to swimming, fishing and surfing, are prohibited.”

Still, he said people are finding ways to exercise. If someone is committed to keeping in shape, these closures will serve as an inconvenience, but won’t stop them.

There is a positive side to the closure of schools and businesses, Ruthenberg said.

“There are some blessings,” he said. “People have the time to exercise more. But it’d be nice if they could go to parks.”

The closures also cause unnecessary risks. He said he and his family recently went for a bike ride, but since the trail was closed, they had to ride close to traffic. Still, he won’t stop riding.

“I’m an avid cyclist,” Ruthenberg said. 

He said young kids can’t use neighborhood parks that are closed, so they also can be placed at risk.

“It just doesn’t make sense,” Ruthenberg repeated.

He said the public needs to let politicians know they are not happy with the closures. Ruthenberg said the media is driving the story that mass closures must be done to ensure safety, and elected officials, with their eyes on the next election, are afraid to buck that story.

“The people need to stand up and tell them what to do,” he said. “Boot ‘em out of office if they continue to strangle them.”

Ruthenberg took part in a Freedom Rally on Saturday and has started a Facebook page with that same message. He added a post urging people to exercise caution: 

“In order to achieve a common sense reopening, we must be heard. Please wear a mask and use Social Distancing when in public. It is smart and your message will be heard more clearly by everyone.”

Ruthenberg said he understands the concerns health experts have conveyed and they can be respected without damaging the economy and preventing people from going surfing, sitting in a boat or just going for a bike ride with their family.