Aliso Beach Sand Swipers Beware: Laguna Beach City Council Is Watching

LAGUNA BEACH, CA — Digging out the naturally occurring sand berm at Aliso Beach to create a continual wave has become a favorite pastime for skimboarders. That effort will come to a close now that the city council and lifeguards are keeping a more constant watch.

Laguna Beach's Bluebelt Coalition, in an ongoing effort with the Surfrider Foundation, has long sought to halt the destruction of the natural sand berm. The berm keeps contaminants from reaching the ocean and also serves as a marine habitat. Skimboarders and others have been seen destroying the berm for recreational purposes. Now that Laguna Beach is in charge of the South Laguna beaches, they have promised to protect the natural estuary.

Mayor Bob Whalen said that a camera mounted at lifeguard stations would help track incidents when the berm is destroyed and minimize future incidents.

"Fines for multiple offenses would escalate from $100," if the ordinance is passed by the city, according to a recent report from the Orange County Register.

The Bluebelt Coalition and Surfrider Foundation are waiting to see what happens next. Read the full report in the OC Register.

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Aliso Creek Estuary Restoration: Future Uncertain, Murky Waters Ahead?