Skateboards, Bicycles Banned at Dana Point Shopping Center

Despite pleas from several youths, the City Council has banned skateboarding at two of the city’s most popular areas for skating and cycling.

The council voted 4 to 1 to declare the Pavilion shopping center near Dana Point Harbor and La Plaza Park near Coast Highway off-limits to skateboarders, bicyclists and roller skaters. Violators face a $25 fine for a first offense, $50 for a second.

The council’s action was the first since a “no skateboarding” ordinance was approved by the City Council last January. Under the ordinance guidelines, the council can ban skateboarding on private property if the property owner requests it.

A spokesman for the Capistrano Bay Park and Recreation District, which owns La Plaza Park, said council action had been sought because the benches and steps in the park’s amphitheater have been damaged by skateboarders who use the areas to practice tricks.

Councilwoman Karen Lloreda cast the dissenting vote, arguing that the ordinance was too wide-ranging because it prevents bicycling in the area, she said.

“It’s not that I condone destruction of private or public property. I find that offensive. It costs the city money and it’s inexcusable,” Lloreda said. “But it is my understanding that the city is trying to promote bicycling. If I can’t ride my bicycle through the parking lot, it will discourage my shopping there. I don’t like that.”