RANCHO PALOS VERDES : Council Acts to Ban Nudity at Popular Beach
The City Council has given preliminary approval to a citywide ban on public nudity because of complaints about lewd activity and transients at Smuggler’s Cove, a popular nude sunbathing spot.
The council unanimously approved the ban Tuesday after listening to a parade of residents unhappy about the crowd being drawn to the beach, witnessing lewd acts and finding the beach littered with condoms.
Bill Ruth, who lives on a hill above the cove, said many people are afraid to visit the beach.
“This problem is not benign and it is not going away,” Ruth said. “Nude and lewd conduct has driven out local families. It is not safe for kids.”
City Hall received letters from nudists opposing the ban and a few people spoke against the idea.
“I am personally not a nudist,” said Raymond Green. “But I know some nudists and they are some of the most wonderful, giving people I know.”
If the ordinance is adopted in two weeks, the nudity ban would go into effect in late October.
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