Chris Godley, the director of Emergency Management and leader of Sonoma County’s Emergency Operation Center in California, decided to take his family on a nice sunny beach trip. Godley’s picture-perfect vacation was a stark contrast to the rest of the country who had been struggling to fight the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

The emergency manager defied important health guidelines when he took out his family for a leisurely ride. On March 18, Sonoma had already issued a shelter-in-place order, which took effect at exactly 12:01 AM. Based on the government’s mandate, the business operation was limited, except for those who classify as “essential.” The order also prohibits any travel except for essential personnel such as healthcare workers, grocers, truckers, etc., and residents who were taking essential trips.

Then on March 23, the government also announced that it would close down recreational centers such as parks, beaches, and open spaces to discourage the gathering of large crowds. In fact, Public Health Officer Dr. Sundari Mase of Sonoma county highlighted that beach trips were extremely “problematic.”

While health experts urged the public to take every single precaution, Godley posted a photo of his family beach trip on social media. In a Facebook post, the emergency manager wrote: “Road tripping up the coast. Beautiful drive and nice views. Family beach time together. Grateful for fresh air and the ocean.”

When the website, Press Democrat, published Godley’s story, he immediately admitted his reckless decision. “I own this,” the emergency manager said. He reasoned out that although any justification will sound “thin,” Godley claimed that he wanted to relax as it was his day off. He also confessed that as an emergency manager, he did not serve as a good role model. Finally, Godley asked the community for “understanding” and “mercy,” and that he only wanted to take some time off.

County officials were dismayed by Godley’s actions. In a statement, Sonoma County Supervisor Lynda Hopkins expressed her grave disappointment saying that as a county official, people ought to live by their example. Hopkins added that they could not expect residents to follow the law if the law enforcers are the ones breaking it.

However, his Supervisor David Rabbitt defended Godley by saying that he deserved it due to his hard work in the community. He even went on to compare that if a doctor had violated such laws, then it would have been a different story altogether.

Over and over again, President Donald Trump, along with the coronavirus task force, had constantly reminded the public to observe social distancing and to stay at home. Such precautionary measures are necessary since the country is preparing to face a difficult period ahead, with a projected death of more than 240,000 Americans.