We forget that children still love to play in ice cold water, and birds still want their treats from beach-combing visitors, and the brave few will head for the sand when temperatures are dropping and clouds fly by.
Meteorologists said record-setting cold temperatures blanketed the Los Angeles area this week, a classic cold snap that snapped a bit more than usual. Combine that with the higher gas bills for heating, and you might wish it all went away.
But for the brave and the outdoor lovers, it was a week in which you could be alone in a huge public space like Santa Monica Beach, and do as you pleased. Like jumping into the frigid surf, just because.
Cold weather records were shattered this week in some Southern California communities, including Lancaster where temperatures plunged to 18 degrees, breaking an earlier record of 21 degrees, according to the National Weather Service. And Palmdale hit 21 degrees, nearly breaking its own cold weather record.
A man looks out over the beach from the Santa Monica Pier during a cool day at Santa Monica Beach, Friday, Feb 17, 2023. (Photo by Hans Gutknecht, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
A lone man walks near the Santa Monica Pier during a cool day at Santa Monica Beach, Friday, Feb 17, 2023. (Photo by Hans Gutknecht, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
A near empty beach during a cool day at Santa Monica Beach, Friday, Feb 17, 2023. (Photo by Hans Gutknecht, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
A lone umbrella shades people during a cool day at Santa Monica Beach, Friday, Feb 17, 2023. (Photo by Hans Gutknecht, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
A boy plays in the water during a cool day at Santa Monica Beach, Friday, Feb 17, 2023. (Photo by Hans Gutknecht, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
Children play in the water during a cool day at Santa Monica Beach, Friday, Feb 17, 2023. (Photo by Hans Gutknecht, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
People walk along Santa Monica Pier during a cool day at Santa Monica Beach, Friday, Feb 17, 2023. (Photo by Hans Gutknecht, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
A vender waits for customers during a cool day at Santa Monica Beach, Friday, Feb 17, 2023. (Photo by Hans Gutknecht, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
People enjoy a near empty beach during a cool day at Santa Monica Beach, Friday, Feb 17, 2023. (Photo by Hans Gutknecht, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
People enjoy the weather during a cool day at Santa Monica Beach, Friday, Feb 17, 2023. (Photo by Hans Gutknecht, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)