Locals Take Back The Wedge
For the last 40 plus years the Wedge Blackball restrictions have denied every board sport - with the exception of bodysurfing - from May 1 through October 31 every year. This time of year is when the waves are the most prime for surfing and skimboard
Online, October 16, 2013 (Newswire.com) - Local California residents are concerned about the rules pertaining to blackball restrictions on certain beaches.
The term "Blackball" refers to an particular area of a beach where certain water sports are not allowed during busy times of the year. Initially, it was thought that these restrictions were put in place for public safety. While that is partially the cause, it is not the entire case.
Upon further investigation, it has been revealed that these regulations actually go against the Californian law and mission for public health.
The California Constitution Article X, Section 4, and The California Supreme Court includes recreational purposes among "public purposes" for this provision. In order to implement this Constitutional protection, the California legislature enacted California Government Code Section 66478.3, which declares that public access to public natural resources is essential to the health and well being of all citizens. Section 30210 of the Public Resources Code Section, of the Coastal Act, states that maximum access and recreational opportunities shall be provided for all the people. Additionally, the California Legislature has noted that public accessibility to all shorelines and recreational resources is imperative when complying with the Coastal Act.
On Monday, October 21st, 2013, there will be a meeting of the Newport Beach City Counsel in regard to this matter. The meeting will be held at 6pm October 21st at the Newport City Hall, 43 Broadway, Newport, RI 02840, United States.
A petition has also been prepared so that concerned citizens may add their voice to allow equal access to The Wedge.