Nude Beach Blog

California DPR Ranger Spying on Nude Beachgoers

This video has to do with the California Department of Parks & Recreation and their law enforcement tactics on nude sunbathers at San Onofre State Park in California and Camp Pendleton Marine Base. This is just the first couple minutes of a 10 minute video on the subject. We decided to only share the full video with local beach goers of the beach. If you are a supporter of the beach, and a true naturist, you can email sanonofree@aol.com to request to see the full video. If you have never been to the beach or you are not a naturist/nudist, PLEASE DO NOT ask to see the video. Thanks. (You will need a youtube account to accept the invitation to view the full video). MORE INFO: The State is trying to shut down the clothing-optional beach at San Onofre State Park that has been there for over 30 years. There is a lot of misinformation from the Parks Dept. on the issue of lewd behavior at the beach. I'm posting this story/video for two reasons. (1) To demonstrate the illegal, perhaps desperate tactics of the state park rangers and (2) To show that the majority of lewd behavior happens on the Marine beach and that it truly needs to be cleaned up to change the reputation of the traditional clothing optional beach on the state park side of San Onofre State Beach. I was on the beach just about 50 feet south of the federal fence on the Marine base side of the beach (which has nothing to do with the clothing-optional beach on the state park) when a guy came up to me and said there was a person voyeuring on the cliff with binoculars and a camera that had a huge lens snapping photos and or video about 300 feet south of the State Park boundary. The man was definitely on the Marine base up on the cliff over looking nude sunbathers. I looked up and it was definitely a ranger. I discreetly grabbed my video camera and hid it until the right moment and then zoomed in on him. He saw me with the camera quickly, but I was able to get him on tape briefly. He ducked away from my view once he saw me with the camera. The video shows the ranger looking at people through binoculars and he appeared to have a camera as well. Approximately 7 minutes later, the ranger came hauling ass down to the Marine beach in his state park ranger truck to apparently try to bust someone for masturbating on the beach (on the Marine side of the beach). The ranger did not cite the man because state park rangers have no legal jurisdiction on federal land, aka Camp Pendleton Marine Base. Here's the problem with all of this. First and foremost, there is a known ongoing lewd behavior problem south of the Marine fence on the Camp Pendleton part of the beach which is reflecting a bad image onto the state park clothing-optional beach. I spoke with a Marine the other day and he said the general consensus of the Marines is that they really don't care what happens on their part of the beach. Used to be the Marines would sweep their side of the beach here and there to get the civilians back onto the state park side. Personally, I have not seen or heard of that happening this past summer. I spoke with Allen Baylis from friendsofsanonofre.org about this incident shortly after it happened. Allen informed me that the California Department of Parks and Recreation has been trying to get the Marines to allow state park rangers to have legal jurisdiction on a portion of the Marine base to help curb the lewd acts that occur on that part of the beach. My understanding is he would support such a policy, to help with the image of the traditional clothing optional beach. I thought about it, and maybe it would be a good idea. I mean if the Marines are not going to do anything about it, than why not the rangers. However, I am not okay with state park rangers up on the cliffs peeping down at people sunbathing in the nude and taking pictures and / or video of them. Something about that is spooky and just seems illegal to me. The traditional clothing optional beach is a relaxing and safe place for families and good natured people of all walks of life to come and enjoy. The Marine base, again, is the main source of the lewd behavior problem and has nothing to do with the traditional clothing-optional beach at San Onofre. As long as you do not cross the Marine base boundary, you should not have any problems.

Saving the Nude Beach Update 9.03.08

San Onofre Trail 6, the Media & the Naked Truth

I ran into a lady at San Onofre State Beach the other day that blamed the Internet and media for some of the problems at the beach and too many umbrellas in the sand on the weekends. Though I'm sure the increase of population has brought some undesirables to the beach, to try to keep the beach to ourselves is not fair either. 

The experience and freedom of naturism should be available to all who seek it, even if their motives are not pure at first. A clothing-optional beach is often the first experience many people will have being naked outdoors, outside of their own backyard, which turns out is illegal in many California cities I hear (surprise).

My first experience was Black's Beach and I am thankful that someone told me about it when I was ready. I remember how concerned I was that I might get happy pants in front of a bunch of strangers.. but it only took until the end of the day to feel completely comfortable enough to walk down the beach with just my skin and drop the inhibitions and concerns.

Of course these days, I'll spend for the extra gas and drive the extra 25 minutes for San O and buy the yearly pass. Why? In spite of the scary nuclear power plant, I feel San O is more energetically pure. It feels like it could be any point in history down there. I would not be completely shocked to see something prehistoric come out of the water someday there. It's that kind of place. I'd still go even if I could not shed my second skin. In fact, I don't always go al naturel. I have enjoyed the nature at the other trails at San Onofre State Beach just as much.
It's true the Internet and media hype have probably brought some newbies to the beach and with that, you will get people that do act appropriately and those that do not. Those that do not act appropriately hopefully will be promptly educated by one of the regulars at the beach that knows the etiquette speech and is not afraid to speak up. It may be inconvenient for awhile, but my view is the more the better at the beach. There's safety in numbers. The right numbers that is. 

Just because a single guy might come to the beach and park themselves too close to a female or do something that naturists would view as inappropriate, does not mean we should quickly kick them off the beach. Some do not know any better. But for those that do, zero tolerance is appropriate I believe. 

In a perfect world, we would not be so uptight about many things that people, on a whole, generally are in our culture. I believe sex in nature is a natural, beautiful and even spiritual experience, but I would not partake in an open public place like some choose to do. And I strongly discourage it in a public place like San O or Blacks. There's a time and a place for everything. Well, maybe not everything, but you get my driftwood.

I believe the main things that keep people from exploring naturism is self image (not just the body image) as well as the misunderstanding that being naked must  always be about sex. Though, there is no getting away from the fact that we are sexual beings. It's a choice that one makes to live within the construct of a culture or group. In some countries, some of the things that happen south of the fence could seem just as acceptable as naturism. There is a fine line there and I believe that's why it gets crossed so often. Again, it's a choice not to cross that line to keep the freedom we enjoy to simply be nude at the beach. Which is a great freedom that I am grateful for.

Back to the Media and Internet in closing, I for one am happy about all the press the beach has received for the most part. And I hope the videos some of you helped me create, will inspire the right people to help uncover the freedom we have. It is a gift, truly. And for those that do not completely "get it" at first, it's our responsibility to help educate them.  

Judge upholds nude sunbathing along stretch of San Onofre State Beach - LA TIMES

LA TIMES:

Judge upholds nude sunbathing along stretch of San Onofre State Beach

The court rules that state parks officials can cite nudists only if there is a complaint by a private citizen. The policy had been in place since 1979 but was revised earlier this year.

By Susannah Rosenblatt, Los Angeles Times Staff Writer 
6:21 PM PDT, August 27, 2008

Visitors to a stretch of San Onofre State Beach will still need extra sunblock for those hard-to-reach places, thanks to a legal victory Wednesday for nudists who frequent the spot.

Orange County Superior Court Judge Sheila Fell ruled that state parks officials can cite sunbathers and swimmers in the buff only if a member of the public complains.

After complaints of lewd behavior earlier this year, state parks officials announced a crackdown on bared bodies at Trail 6 near Camp Pendleton in northern San Diego County. Signs warning against nakedness appeared, and parks officials warned that after Labor Day, beachgoers in birthday suits would be cited.

The naturists sued the California Department of Parks and Recreation, claiming that tighter enforcement -- a departure from a decades-old tolerance of beach bumming sans clothes -- required a public hearing.

"It's going to be a nice, happy weekend," said R. Allen Baylis, 53, a Huntington Beach attorney and head of the nudist activist group Friends of San Onofre, both petitioners in the suit. "We're really pleased that the court agreed with our position. It shows that the government has to be responsive to the public that they serve."

The state parks department had long abided by a policy outlined in a 1979 memo from the then-director of the department, saying that undressed visitors would be subject to enforcement "only upon the complaint of a private citizen."

Judge Fell's ruling stipulated that any change to that policy was subject to a public hearing under the Administrative Procedure Act.

State parks officials had not received a copy of the ruling by late Wednesday afternoon. But even though they "don't agree" with the court's decision, they plan to follow the judge's directive, said Ken Kramer, state parks district superintendent.

As for whether the department plans to appeal the decision, schedule a public hearing or maintain the bare-it-all status quo, "it's premature to say what our next steps might be," said department spokesman Roy Stearns.

Other state park sites allow skinny-dipping and naked volleyball, among other pursuits, but Wednesday's ruling applies only to San Onofre.

"It makes no more sense to be offended at the site of a nude human than it does to be offended at the sight of a redwood tree," Baylis said.

He suggested that parks officials tighten up enforcement in the beach's parking area, known as a popular cruising site advertised on Craigslist.com, a problem he said was unrelated to nudists.

For his part, Baylis plans to catch some rays this weekend and hand out naturist fliers, wearing only his mustache.

His only worry? "I might run out of sunscreen."

susannah.rosenblatt @latimes.com

COURT ISSUES FINAL RULING IN FAVOR OF NATURISTS for San O!

COURT ISSUES FINAL RULING IN FAVOR OF NATURISTS IN SUIT AGAINT DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION

Late in the afternoon on August 27, Judge Shelia Fell issued her FINAL ruling on our Petition for Writ of Mandamus. The final ruling mirrored the tentative ruling of August 19. This ruling affirms the fact that nudity is legal at Trail 6 (and all other traditional clothing optional areas within the State Parks) unless a complaint is received from a member of the public. Also, the ruling affirms that the Department must conduct public hearings in accordance with the Administrative Procedures Act prior to making any changes in its enforcement policy regarding nudity within the State Parks.

 

Where do we go from here? The DPR essentially has three choices. First, it may choose to move forward with the proposed change in policy and proceed in accordance with the Administrative Procedures Act. Second, they may appeal the Court's ruling that came out today. Or, third, they may choose to simply stick with the existing policy. It is our hope that if they choose to retain the status quo, we will be able to work with the DPR in order to improve the park for the benefit of all the visitors and employees of the DPR alike. In any case, the Naturist Action Committee and Friends of San Onofre Beach are ready to proceed in which ever manner is appropriate depending on what path DPR chooses to take.

We deeply appreciate the support of all of you who participated in making this ruling possible, whether by writing letters, making donations or simply kind words of encouragement on the beach. Keep up the good work!

This should be a reminder to everyone of the importance of being affiliated with a national organization that supports clothing optional beaches and understands exactly how to protect and advance the rights of naturists. I strongly encourage each of you to join The Naturist Society. It is TNS and its political adjunct, the Naturist Action Committee that have brought their expertise and national clout to the table to make this effort a success. Because of NAC's involvement, people from all across North America have contributed to this success. Please support those who have supported us.

Allen Baylis

President, Friends of San Onofre Beach

From LA Times:

State parks district superintendent Ken Kramer told the Los Angeles Times that even though they "don't agree" with the court's decision, they plan to follow the judge's directive. 

Letter from the DPR to the Naturist Association from 2005

Came across this letter on the net today dated May 2005 from the DPR to the Naturist Association. SCNA received the following unsigned letter on California Parks & Recreation letterhead. Parts of the letter are incorrect as to the law, so we followed up with our local NAC Representative, Allen Baylis, who also is (conveniently) the head of Friends of San Onofre Beach. California Department of Parks and Recreation Orange Coast District Headquarters 3030 Avenida del Presidente San Clemente, California 92672 Southern California Naturist Association P.O. Box8366 Calabasas, California 91372 Dear Southern California Naturist Association, The peace officer staff of San Onofre State Beach would like to take a moment of your time to address your organization about some concerns relating to San Onofre State Beach, specifically the area of Trail 6. With summer approaching and as the Bluffs Campground prepares to open for camping we expect record-breaking crowds to return to San Onofre State Beach to enjoy the beach and escape from the inland heat. Large numbers of people come to the Trail 6 area to enjoy nude sunbathing in an area that has not been designated by the California Department of Parks and Recreation as a clothing-optional area. Just as a reminder to your organization, there are no areas in any California State Park unit that have been authorized for nude sunbathing or as a clothing optional beach/ area. With this in mind, the Orange Coast District Peace Officer Staff enforces the violation of the California Code of Regulations, Section 4322: Nudity, in accordance with the 1979 memorandum developed by past California State Parks director, Russell W. Cahill. "The enforcement of the nude sunbathing regulations within the State Park System shall be made only upon the complaint of a private citizen. Citations and arrests shall be made only after attempts are made to elicit voluntary compliance with the regulations." As the populations of surrounding communities continue to grow and with the advent of the Internet, the amount of people coming to the Trail 6 area continues to grow as well. In the past few years there has been an increasing amount of citations issued or arrests made for persons who have engaged in lewd conduct and/ or indecent exposure in the Trail 6 area. For many newcomers to this area there appears to be confusion between nude sunbathing and lewd sexual activity at a public beach. The State Parks Peace Officers of San Onofre State Beach have also cited/arrested persons who have admitted to being members of local and national naturist organizations, including a member of The Naturist Society. We know that The Naturist Society and The Friends of San Onofre Beach along with other naturist organizations work diligently to educate the people who visit these areas that "Nude is not Lewd". The primary purpose of this letter is to ask you and your membership, as well as those organizations that you affiliate with to continue your diligent education of people who use San Onofre State Beach for nude sunbathing. We ask that you remind your members that lewd activity and indecent exposure are serious violations of California law and any persons found engaged in lewd behavior will be cited and/or arrested. All acts of officer observed lewd conduct will be documented and all cases will be sent to the San Diego County District Attorney's office for prosecution of those individuals who take it upon themselves to violate the law. Organizations like yours have worked hard and your members have sacrificed time, money and energy in preserving a way of recreation that they enjoy and want to preserve for others to enjoy. There are individuals that are engaging in inappropriate behavior in these areas that in turn are destroying the privilege that you have protected and worked so hard to preserve. If you have difficulty in attempting to approach these individuals or you encounter resistance while attempting to educate them do not challenge them. We highly recommend that you attempt to contact a State Park Ranger or Lifeguard and summon them for assistance. Additionally, if you are noticing inappropriate behavior while visiting the beach contact a Ranger or Lifeguard.

Our goal is to provide and maintain a safe environment for a wide array of visitors to San Onofre State Beach. We would greatly appreciate your assistance in helping our peace officers in obtaining this goal. Enclosed is an abbreviated reminder of rules and regulations that are tailored for the Trail 6 area of San Onofre State Beach. This is an abbreviated listing and not all of the regulations are present. Sincerely, California Department of Parks and Recreation Orange Coast District San Onofre State Beach State Park Peace Officer Staff Enclosure (1)

Saving the Nude Beach Update 8.24.08

Allen Baylis from Friends of San Onofre Beach gives an update as of 8/24/08 on the Naturist Action Committee's court case against the California Department of Parks and Recreation regarding the closing of the clothing-optional beach at San Onofre State Beach.  

For more info, please see www.friendsofsanonofre.org

California State Parks Nudity Law 4322

4322. Nudity.
No person shall appear nude while in any unit except in authorized areas set aside for that purpose by the Department. The word nude as used herein means unclothed or in such a state of undress as to expose any part of portion of the pubic or anal region or genitalia of any person or any portion of the breast at or below the areola thereof of any female person.