Large crowds gather in Huntington Beach to protest Newsom stay-at-home orders

HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif. (KABC) -- Thousands of people gathered on the streets of Huntington Beach on Friday to protest Gov. Gavin Newsom's stay-at-home orders.

Huntington Beach and several other Orange County cities have been among the most vocal in the state in opposition to the governor's restrictions aimed at slowing the spread of coronavirus.

In particular, his orders this week to close Orange County's beaches have triggered criticism and complaint from OC residents.

RELATED: Gov. Newsom orders all OC beaches closed to prevent additional crowds violating physical distancing guidelines

The crowds gathered a block from the beach, holding signs such as "Recall Newsom" and waving flags.

Huntington Beach police estimated the crowd size at 2,500-3,000.

Many of them appeared to be standing close to each other, not obeying the six-foot distancing guidelines issued by the state and most health authorities.

A line of officers on horseback stood by to contain the crowds to the sidewalks. Nearby the beach appeared mostly empty, though not entirely, after Newsom's beach closure order took effect Friday.

RELATED: Orange County cities filing legal action to block governor's beach closure

At least two Orange County cities are filing legal action to fight Newsom's order closing the county's beaches.

The Huntington Beach City Council on Thursday voted 5-2 to pursue a legal challenge against Newsom's order.

The city council of Dana Point also voted, 4-1, to pursue a temporary restraining order against the governor and the state.

Hundreds of people, possibly more than a thousand, gathered on the streets of Huntington Beach on Friday to protest Gov. Gavin Newsom's stay-at-home orders.