Battle over popular Santa Cruz County beach continues

A popular beach in Santa Cruz County is once again limiting access after it was open to everyone over the summer.

Privates Beach is tucked away between Pleasure Point and Capitola Village. Over the summer, the Opal Cliffs Recreation District decided to wave the $100 fee.

It came after the California Coastal Commission brought an enforcement case against the district saying the fee program expired and the beach is public property.

“Our law requires maximum public access and so we are trying to create maximum public beach access,” said Coastal Commission Enforcement Supervisor Patrick Yeesart.

Now that fall is here, the beach is once again exclusive to key holders. The district’s representative says they’re hoping to reach a compromise.

“Now this is a park, and so we are legally required to operate opal cliffs park. It also happens to have beach access,” said Opal Cliffs Recreation District Representative Mark Massara.

Massara said limiting access keeps the park safe and 100 percent of the fee goes to maintaining the park.

“I could go either way with it, it just really depends on the use of the beach and how people respect it,” said Santa Cruz resident Kris Keithan.

“Everyone here is very welcoming and if you want a key you can buy it, you have access. They are just a safe place and a nice beach,” said Capitola resident Michele Rossi.

However, the California Coastal Commission says the district doesn’t have the authority to limit access.

“The issue is that they currently have a public park that is gated and fenced and has a fee program. And that gate, fence, and fee program don’t have a coastal development permit,” said Yeesart.

The Opal Cliff’s District is stepping in that direction by completing the permit process with the county.

“So we are updating the permits and in addition, we are addressing their concerns and allegations that we do not provide enough low income beach access,” said Massara.

A notice went up at the park on Wednesday night to let people know about upcoming public hearings.