On November 3, the Dana Point City Council gave the green light to the installation of electronic gates to restrict access to the only path going to Strand Beach.
Despite requests from environmentalists and other concerned parties to keep the path to Strand Beach fully accessible, Council voted in favor of using gates to restrict public access to the beach to specific hours. The gates will be open from one hour prior to sunrise to one hour following sunset, allowing the public to access the beach during all daylight hours with sufficient time for packing and unpacking their vehicles.
Although most of those in attendance at the meeting were opposed to limiting the availability of the Strand Beach, at least six individuals showed up to speak in favor of restricting hours with the use of gates. Four of the six gate proponents were homeowners from the gated neighborhood Strand at Headlands.
Previously, the beach had an official closing time of midnight, but vehicles had access all night long. Neighborhood residents felt this was a security concern. It is unclear when the new rules will take effect, due to recent litigation.
Both those in favor of limiting beach hours and the use of gates and those opposed will have more time to marshal their forces, and the city may see a proliferation of Flyers announcing meetings to discuss the matter.
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