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October 26, 2007 -

Rational and Reasoned

Normally the dress-code posts here tend to be about draconian proposed laws concerning claims of public indecency, so I’m happy to link here to a rational and reasoned editorial supporting a proposed skinny-dipping ordinance in the Brattleboro Reformer (Vermont).

We do not believe nudity is a public safety issue. We do not believe that the Brattleboro police will be indiscriminately using Tasers and pepper spray to subdue naked people. That said, we think the so-called “Leahy language” ordinance regarding public nudity is a reasonable balance between public decorum and civil liberties.

In 1971, when Patrick Leahy was the Chittenden County State’s Attorney, the future U.S. Senator was confronted with questions about the legality of “skinny-dipping.” Leahy proposed that nude bathing in public or semi-public area be prohibited. If a police officer received a complaint, Leahy wrote, the officer should first order the naked bather to put on some clothes. If the person refused, he would be cited. On private land or in more secluded areas, “the State has no legitimate interest and swimmers should be left alone,” Leahy wrote.

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October 24, 2007 -

Next Caller

A caller on local talk radio ask this morning if it was safe for surfing with all the local fires in Southern California. The response was, yes, but only if the caller could wear a mask to filter out the air particulates.

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October 18, 2007 -

Parking Enforcement

The Broad Beach Road area of Malibu is reportedly back under scrutiny due to resident encroachments on public space, including the use of unofficial ‘No Parking’ signs.

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October 11, 2007 -

The Hangover That Never Goes Away

Various proposals for a beach alcohol ban in San Diego are back before the city council for consideration.

Options range from Mayor Jerry Sanders’ suggestion for an alcohol ban on summer holidays only to Councilman Kevin Faulconer’s call for a year-round prohibition on all city beaches, bay shores and coastal parks.

Councilman Tony Young is among the rational voices speaking against overreaction to alcohol-related violence last Labor Day.

“There were 350,000 people at the beach that day, and 15 got arrested,” Young said. “I would ban people who cause problems. But people who are responsible, I think, should have a way to exercise that responsibility.”

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Interesting Sites

Beachapedia.org Beachapedia
Cal. Coastal Commission Like them or not, they are one of the biggest players around when it comes to coastal access in California.
Howling Point Your moderator’s personal site. He does have a life outside of this, as shown by the occasional gaps in posting.
Surfrider Foundation Activities and campaigns for clean water, beach access, beach preservation and protecting special places.