Capitola residents speak out over Privates Beach gate debate

For Shawna Griffith, the Opal Cliffs Neighborhood Beach is a safe place for children and families, a lot different now than in the past.

In the past, there were parties every Friday and Saturday nights, there was bonfires, there was drug use, there was graffiti, and it was a constant battle. We’re just trying to keep it safe and clean,” said Griffith, a local to the Opal Cliffs.

It may be called ‘Privates’ to locals in the area, but access to the gated park is available to anyone from anywhere for a fee, about a $100, which buys a 12 month pass.

“It’s not just for the people that live right around here, people come from over the hill and buy keys, from Stockton, from Fresno, people from downtown,” added Griffith.

According to the California Coastal Commission, laws are still being broken and they want to take down the fence and gate at the entrance of Privates, which has a landscaped park leading down to the beach.

“Well it’s the law, the coastal act mandates maximum public access to the coast. And the California constitution guarantees Californians the right to access the coast,” said Pat Veesart, Enforcement Supervisor with the CCC.

But according to Veesart, that’s something that probably won’t happen in time by this Thursday’s deadline.

“If they want this time extension, we’re asking them to open up the gate while we talk, to open up the gate and let the public come in there,” said Veesart.

As for Griffith and other locals, they’re hoping for some sort of a solution.

“It’s a blessing for the whole community, and we’re trying to preserve and protect our ocean. And hopefully the Coastal Commission can see that we can all work together for a positive outcome for everybody,” said Griffith.

Locals who want to keep the gate up at Privates Beach have petitions at local shops in the area.