********************************************************************** NATURIST ACTION COMMITTEE
UPDATE
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DATE: September 6, 2010
SUBJECT: San Onofre Update
TO: All naturists and other concerned citizens
Dear Naturist,
This is an update from the Naturist Action Committee (NAC) on the status of San Onofre State Beach in California and NAC's ongoing effort on behalf of naturists there.
In March of this year, a citation for nudity was issued to an individual by a lifeguard at the far north end of the traditional clothing-optional area. Three additional tickets for nudity were issued shortly thereafter.
Throughout the late spring and much of the summer, no other citations for mere nudity were issued at the traditionally clothing-optional Trail 6 area of the beach. However, three tickets for nudity were dispensed last week, and one was given at the beach yesterday. The purveyor of the ticketing in each of the recent instances has been Ranger Mike Story, a 2006 product of the state's park ranger academy. Story's modus operandi is to stalk his quarry through field glasses or through the viewfinder of a camera from the top of a cliff overlooking the beach.
The ranger has told some beach users that he has taken nude videos of them. Meanwhile, the California Department of Parks and Recreation has denied that any such videos exist.
After he sights his target, Ranger Story cites his target, hurrying down to make the confrontation by driving along the beach at speeds some have called unsafe. Although other rangers (and lifeguards) are authorized to give tickets for nudity, Mike Story is the only one presently doing so at San Onofre State Beach.
WHAT HAS HAPPENED WITH THE EARLIER CITATIONS?
Citations for nudity at San Onofre are being issued under California Code of Regulations (CCR), Title 14, section 4322, a misdemeanor. In close coordination with Friends of San Onofre Beach, the local TNS-affiliated beach user group, the Naturist Action Committee is working to help with legal issues. It is our continuing intent to assist persons who are cited for nudity at Trail 6, while they are nude under appropriate circumstances. The specific nature of that assistance will likely vary from case to case.
For each of the first four citations, the San Diego County prosecutor's office has offered a plea bargain to the lesser offense of "disturbing the peace," which is an infraction. NAC understands and respects the matter of an individual's personal choice in accepting or rejecting such a deal. Nevertheless, standing up to the charges is an important way to challenge their legitimacy. NAC has contacted each of those who have received tickets, and NAC stands ready to assist those who contest the charges.
WE MUST NOT ABANDON SAN ONOFRE BEACH
Friends of San Onofre Beach, the Naturist Action Committee and naturists everywhere need your assistance. First and foremost, we must not abandon our beach. If we do not maintain our presence at Trail 6, the Parks Department will have successfully imposed the intolerant will of a tiny handful of bureaucrats on the large numbers who enjoy responsible clothing-optional recreation on public land. We cannot let that happen. The naturist community is depending on us to stand our ground.
A citation for violating section 4322 of the CCR is a misdemeanor and is certainly a legal issue that must be addressed. However, a conviction under section 4322 DOES NOT require sex offender registration. Disturbing the peace is an infraction, similar to a minor traffic violation.
CAMP PENDLETON
The traditional clothing-optional area at Trail 6 of San Onofre State Beach is immediately adjacent to a portion of Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton. Some who seek escape from the intolerance and harassment of the California Department of Parks and Recreation have relocated their clothing-optional activities across the fence to the Marine Base.
Although there has been no recent response from the Marines, any unauthorized presence on the military property is considered trespassing. The Naturist Action Committee does not endorse or encourage the use of Pendleton's beach for clothing-optional recreation. It's unlikely that NAC will be able to help those who find themselves facing a federal charge of trespass on a military facility.
WHOM TO NOTIFY OF TICKET INCIDENTS AT SAN ONOFRE BEACH
If you witness an incident at the State Beach (e.g., ticketing, harassment - official or personal -, user misbehavior, or shallow burial of a large marine mammal in a recreational area), please contact Allen Baylis by phone at (714) 962-0915 or by e-mail at rab@baylislaw.com Alternatively, you may contact NAC Executive Director Bob Morton by phone at (512) 282-6621 or by e-mail at execdir@naturistaction.org
LOCAL SUPPORT
Throughout the ongoing ordeal with the California DPR, the members of Friends of San Onofre Beach have done an extraordinary job of pulling their own weight for the beach they cherish. To donate to Friends of San Onofre Beach, you may send a check to:
Friends of San Onofre Beach P. O. Box 6283 Huntington Beach, CA 92615
WATCH FOR INFORMATION FROM NAC
Watch for NAC Action Alerts, Advisories and Updates on this and other important issues affecting naturists.
You may also stay informed by checking the following websites:
www.naturistaction.org/sanonofre
www.friendsofsanonofre.org
PLEASE HELP NAC TO CONTINUE HELPING NATURISTS!
The Naturist Action Committee remains committed to the vigorous defense of the clothing-optional use of public land. Activism on behalf of naturists can be expensive. NAC relies entirely on the voluntary financial support of people like YOU.
Won't you please send a generous donation to:
NAC
PO Box 132
Oshkosh, WI 54903
Or call toll free (800) 886-7230 (8AM-4PM, Central Time, weekdays) to donate by phone using your MasterCard, Visa or Discover Card. Or use your credit card to make a convenient online donation: www.naturistaction.org/donate/
Thank you for choosing to make a difference.
Naturally,
Allen Baylis
Board Member
Naturist Action Committee
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Naturist Action Committee (NAC) - PO Box 132, Oshkosh, WI 54903
Executive Dir. Bob Morton - execdir@naturistaction.org
Board Member Allen Baylis - rab@baylislaw.com
Online Rep. Dennis Kirkpatrick - naturist@sunclad.com
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