Orange County Register
November 25, 2009 5:43 pm

San Onofre - State officials spent more than $42,000 battling a group of nudists who wanted to keep Trail 6 a clothing-optional beach, California Department of Parks and Recreation documents show.

Also a public records request for all reports and complaints relating to public nudity at Trail 6 revealed only two written complaints. State officials had said a growing number of complaints were one of the factors for banning nudity at Trail 6.

Ken Kramer, superintendent of the Orange Coast District, said the money spent was well worth it. "Our approach to this issue transcends dollars and cents. This money is well spent to make sure we address these concerns. We have a duty to make sure that with this type of increased popularity and visitation that we have a park where all visitors feel welcome and that there is lawful activity occurring."

Kramer went on to add, "providing a safe and comfortable environment for park employees, an increasing amount of criminal activity in the area, and a growing number of complaints, were their impetus for enforcing a nudity ban at a 1,000 foot stretch of secluded beach abutting Camp Pendelton."

Sadly this litigation has curtailed my visits to my favorite beach. I wouldn't want to be the first person issued a citation for public nudity as part of the return to the dark ages that the State Department of Parks and Recreation has started.