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May 30, 2008 -

Economic Shifts

Good article in the L.A. Times on continuing turmoil in the Southern California surfboard industry since the 2005 shutdown of Clark Foam, attributed at the time by Clark to California’s unfavorable legal environment for the business.  The article discusses the changes in the industry, including the flood of low cost imports into the gap created by Clark’s departure from the market, and discusses to the downstream closure and other problems of a number of other Southern California businesses.

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May 22, 2008 -

North San Diego County cracks down

According to the Union-Tribune, Del Mar has followed San Diego and the Torrey Pines State Park in instituting a ban on alcohol at public beaches. 

On a related note, the City of Oceanside has increased the authority of their lifeguards to issue citations for petty offenses.  Even though the vote was unanimous, it was interesting that the North County Times article did report at least one city council member, Esther Sanchez, inquiring about the impact of extra duties on the core responsibility for water safety.

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May 8, 2008 -

Coronado Homeowners Settle Case

Two property owners in Coronado who removed rocks and built a wall to protect their beach-front homes have settled Federal and State complaints for $300,000 in penalties.  According to the Union-Tribune article:

The homeowners will have to replace the rocks, remove part of the wall that encroaches on state property and pay a $250,000 fine and $25,000 for Port of San Diego staff time.

The property owners, who fought local, state and federal agencies to save the sandy beach they uncovered two years ago, say they are relieved the fight is over.

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May 3, 2008 -

Beaches Get Expensive

State budget difficulties are reportedly behind the proposal to end free parking at Tamarack State Beach in Carlsbad.  According to the North County Times, the Coastal Commission is scheduled to vote on a proposed $8 parking fee this week.

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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.