SAN DIEGO (KGTV) - Another strong storm dampened a ray of sunshine for businesses in San Diego. They are waiting to reopen outdoor operations under the state's Purple Tier level of restrictions.
Governor Gavin Newsom lifted California's Regional Stay at Home order early this week, allowing counties to return to the "tier" system. San Diego's Purple Tier status will enable restaurants to resume outdoor dining and gyms to resume outdoor workouts.
But the weather didn't cooperate. Three storms blew through the county on Saturday, Monday, and Friday.
"It's been a rollercoaster," says Parakeet Cafe Manager Juan Naranjo.
In Little Italy, many restaurants spent Friday rebuilding outdoor dining patios and preparing to have customers return.
Some said they plan to wait until Saturday to let the final storm pass.
"We've seen how business has dropped because of all these anchor restaurants closing," Naranjo says. "So we're just excited to see people come back, and a lot of people are excited as well."
The Point Loma Sports Club reopened for outdoor exercise this week but had its tent damaged by heavy winds on Monday night.
By Friday, the tent had been rebuilt and reinforced. Owner Jessica Rubin says they learned from the experience.
"We had to adapt," Rubin says. "Not just for different regulations but also due to the recent storms. It's been interesting."
Rubin says her customers and community helped rebuild and get the gym going again under the newest set of regulations. They've been like a rainbow after a storm.
"It was awesome to see everyone come together," she says. "We're definitely hopeful that we can move back inside sooner rather than later."
Until then, businesses are making the most of outdoor operations, rain or shine.
