A handful of Riverside County businesses opened their doors on Sunday despite state orders to remain closed.
While some tables were left empty to allow for social distancing, that didn't stop a line from forming outside of The Original Pancake House Norco early Sunday morning.
One customer, Mary Weller, even said, "I'm pregnant and I'm not afraid. I think it's time."
The staff all wore face masks as they worked their way around the busy restaurant.
The pancake house is just one of several businesses in the area that have opted for reopening. Joining them is a hair salon in Corona and a bar in Riverside.
Riverside County Sheriff's Department Sgt. Dianna Pecoraro explained that the department isn't enforcing the rules and concerned residents should contact the county health department.
The pandemic has hit each of California's 58 counties differently, and Governor Newsom has allowed for a phased reopening of the economy, beginning with "low-risk" areas. 22 counties that have applied for reopening have been given the green light.
Meanwhile, Riverside County has asked for a variance on the rule that there be no COVID-19 deaths in a 14-day period before reopening.
"In our opinion, the metrics are unrealistic for urban counties, and Riverside County in particular, where our geographic size and population make it impossible that no COVID-19 death would take place during the 14-day period," they said in a news release.
