California Coastal Commission Weighs La Jolla Cove Partial Closure After 18-Year-Old Pleads Guilty
Updated
Updated · The San Diego Union-Tribune · Aug 14
California Coastal Commission Weighs La Jolla Cove Partial Closure After 18-Year-Old Pleads Guilty
1 articles · Updated · The San Diego Union-Tribune · Aug 14
Summary
La Jolla Cove could face a partial closure after California Coastal Commission members said repeated human-sea lion clashes have become unmanageable and may require restricting access.
An 18-year-old La Jolla resident, Tyler Muehl, signed a plea agreement Thursday and pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor Marine Mammal Protection Act violation for attacking a sea lion on July 22.
Commissioners said San Diego has failed to fully carry out a separation plan first outlined in December, despite adding more rangers, warning bullhorns, signage and cones.
City officials said they are trying to unify ranger and lifeguard responses and explore local ticketing options because San Diego cannot directly enforce the federal marine mammal law.
San Diego has not committed to closing the Cove, but commissioners noted other California coastal areas shut beaches when sea lions are present and said La Jolla's situation has worsened in recent months.