Editor's Note: This story has be clarified. Corrections and updates are noted in three locations, where there is strikethrough and bold word/phrase.
NEWPORT BEACH—A group of boaters in Newport Be
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7 Responses
My family has been using this dock for years. I think this is a good idea. I have seen many boats docked there for weeks at a time. This will free up the dock for more boaters to use. I’m glad to see that the time limit will be longer than 20 minutes. That way I can use the beach and walk to the store if needed.
I can’t believe the Sheriff’s Harbor Patrol is taking away public dock time. It was 72 hours (around 4,000 minutes) and now it is 20 minutes for a dinghy. 20 minutes is useless in terms of dock time. The Sheriff also closed off their visitor dock. How can I approach them for customer service? What a shame………
California Coastal Commission just issued a report that stated Orange County Sheriff unlawfully restricted public access. Thank you California Coastal Commission for supporting the citizen’s right to coastal access.
I’m good with them reducing the time on the dinghy dock. Too many people store their boats on a permanent basis, not allowing others to tie up. No one should get FREE storage. Keep the boats moving so we ALL can enjoy the water.
Dear Concerned Boater, you stated 20 minutes is a great time limit because it gives you time to run to the store etc. The problem is the nearest store is a 20 minute walk away. Therefore, your dinghy will be impounded by the time you get back. I am guessing you are not that familiar with the area or simply offering blind support of the Harbor Patrol. According to the Coastal Commission letter dated 5/21/19 the Orange County Sheriff’s Harbor Patrol violated the law and shall be held to task. I believe the manager at the Harbor Patrol made these illegal access changes during his first month on the job. Not good.
Local Boater, did you read my post? I said “I’m glad to see that the time limit will be LONGER than 20 minutes.” Agreed, 20 minutes is too short. Also, I assume you also read the CCC letter to the Harbor Patrol. No where did they say it was a violation of law. They are in “non-compliance” with a permit, not a violation of the law. So before you call me out on my post and misstate the CCC letter, maybe you should read the CCC letter and my original post one more time. I’m not saying I agree or disagree with what the HP is doing, but at least we should have the information correct.
Dear Concerned Boater,
The Coastal Commission Enforcement letter against the OC Sheriff’s Harbor Patrol mentions non-compliance with previous permits (they didn’t keep their promise). It further states that the OC Sheriff’s harbor patrol made other changes to access without applying for a Coastal Development Permit. I believe it is unlawful to make changes in coastal access without applying for a permit. Not good…….