Laguna Beach : Blue Lagoon May Have to Offer Beach Access

The California Coastal Commission on Wednesday is expected to require that the Blue Lagoon Community Assn. allow public access to the beach at the site of Blue Lagoon’s seawall.

The association is asking the commission for a permanent permit for the 2,500-ton rock seawall the homeowners’ group fortified in November, 1983. Blue Lagoon previously was granted a emergency permit for work on the wall, which protects 190 condominium units from the ocean, according to Cynthia Long, staff counsel for the commission.

But as a condition of approval for the new permit, Long said, Blue Lagoon must offer an easement to a public agency, which probably would be the county or state Department of Parks and Recreation.

Long said that a line has never been drawn where Blue Lagoon’s property ends and the state’s property begins. “They may own part of the beach. The public may own part of it. We want them to offer the public the right to use it,” she added.

Cecil C. Wright, attorney for the homeowners’ group, expressed concerns that an easement would make Blue Lagoon liable for maintaining the beach and for any injuries sustained there.

“We think its very dangerous. During the summer, the ocean comes right up to the wall with tremendous force,” Wright said.

But Long said that the public agency that accepts the easement would be responsible for maintainance and liability.

Although the beach already is open to the public, there is no access at the Blue Lagoon site.

“The problem is that the Coastal Commission is asking for public access,” Wright said. But, he added, “No one has ever tried to stop the public from walking on the beach.”

In November, 2,500 tons of rock and cement extending 28 feet were added to a seawall that was built by Blue Lagoon in 1963, before the Coastal Commission was in existence, Long said.

Residents may voice concerns at the public hearing that begins at 9 a.m. at the Los Angeles International Airport Holiday Inn, 9901 La Cienega Blvd.