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July 18, 2010 -

Cliff Jumping

Good article in today’s New York Times about the summer rituals of cliff jumping near the Bronx into the Hudson River, and the legal and law enforcement issues.  This should definitely resonate with those southern California veterans of The Clam and other natural diving spots.  Even the fans of the unnatural, but unapproved spots, like this one we saw in Kona last month should appreciate the issues.

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October 19, 2009 -

Coastal Commission Gets Tough

An article in the San Diego Union-Tribune details a case here in San Diego where homeowners failed to remove riprap ‘temporarily’ installed on an emergency basis in 2001.  Under the emergency permit the riprap was supposed to have been removed by May 2001.  Eight years later the homeowners have agreed to a $45,000 fine and to correct the violations.

The Coastal Commission has issued fewer than 10 such fines in the county in the past 20 years, because usually homeowners make an effort to comply with the rules, said Nancy Cave, a supervisor with the commission’s enforcement division. In the case of the Browns, Cave said, the commission’s decision came after years of inaction by the homeowners.

“This isn’t a common thing, and when it does happen it’s really important to take action because other people have gone through the process, and it would be unfair to exempt someone from the same requirements,” Cave said.

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February 9, 2006 -

Research question

Everyone’s heard stories, and I think some of them are on the verge of urban legend status, but as part of the research for an article I’m trying to finish, can anyone share any first-person reports of dress code enforcement by lifeguards or others at California beaches?  Swim suit too small or too low? Towel slippage while changing into or out of a wetsuit?  Citations, warnings or a good stern lecture?  Appreciate any help either in the comments or via e-mail, and will use no names without permission.

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Interesting Sites

70 Percent Good site focusing on reporting and documenting break conditions for waveriders
Coastal Marine Resource Center Non-profit from the New York-New Jersey Harbor Bight
Free PB Opposition to additional beach regulations at San Diego’s Pacific Beach
Race for the Oceans A forum for swimmers and swimming fans to dive in to ocean conservation.
Surfrider Foundation Activities and campaigns for clean water, beach access, beach preservation and protecting special places.