Nearly 300 protestors fed up with stay-at-home orders demonstrated on San Diego's Pacific Beach on Sunday, The San Diego Union-Tribune reported.
The protest, dubbed "A Day of Liberty San Diego Freedom Rally," featured people carrying American flags and signs that read, "Open California" and "COVID is a Lie." Most were not following social distancing orders or wearing masks.
The events came despite an announcement that beaches would reopen throughout much of the county Monday and people could go into the ocean and kayak, swim, and surf.
"I don't feel that government has the right to tell us, the individuals, how to live our lives," said Gardner Osborne, a 53-year-old accountant from Pacific Beach.
San Diego Mayor Kevin Faulconer said beaches will be able to reopen if "the regulations developed by public health officials and regional lifeguards are followed.
"Public health concerns from overcrowding led to the closure of beaches in the first place back in March, and decisions will continue to be made with the goal of protecting the well-being of every San Diegan."
Nearly 45,000 people have been infected with COVID-19 in California, and 1,724 people have died.