(11:58) SANTA CRUZ – The California Coastal Commission has ordered the Opal Cliffs Recreation District to stop limiting public access to Privates Beach in Pleasure Point. There is a gate at the beach that can be opened with a key purchased at a shop on 41st Avenue. The revenue generated by key sales has gone towards hiring personnel to watch the gate and curb suspicious activity. However, the Commission recently decided that the gate is in violation of the California Coastal Act’s provision of maximum access to the shoreline. Furthermore, they are requesting the district to remove the gate by June 30 or be fined over $11,000 per day. In response, Santa Cruz County Sheriff Jim Hart has sent a letter to the Commission, asking the agency to reconsider their request, stating that the removal of the gate will create an immediate nuisance that will facilitate an increase in criminal activity. He also adds that the relationship between the District and the Sheriff’s Office has evolved on the basis of maximizing beach access while ensuring public safety. (S.G.)
