Santa Cruz County, California health officials have lifted the ban on surfing and re-opened beaches and parks – this according to Santa Cruz County Health Officer Gail Newell. “We’re seeing a very flattened curve in Santa Cruz County which makes me feel very optimistic,” she said, crediting the Santa Cruz community’s willingness to follow social distancing and stay-at-home guidelines over the past few weeks. “I believe our community members will appreciate the privilege of being able to utilize the beaches and parks in our community.”