The city council agrees to the permanent closure

SAN DIEGO – The City Council has now voted to close access to Point La Jolla and Boomer’s Beach after complaints from residents and activists led to a new crackdown on sea lions.

“People are prevented from actually going to the rocks at Point La Jolla, and if your purpose at Boomer’s Beach is to actually go into the water to swim or paddleboard, then you are still allowed to go in the water,” said Joe LaCava, the city council member who represents La Jolla.

The year-round closure is the first of its kind and is being praised by sea lion activists.

“The California Coastal Commission has already approved the coastal development permit to close this area year-round and ensure the safety of people along this wall,” said Carol Toye, Sierra Club member and local sea lion volunteer.

Tourists are not so happy with the new indefinite closures.

“I wanted to go there so she could experience this,” said a visiting woman from Texas.

Now the focus is on La Jolla Cove as one of the last pristine access points for divers, swimmers, surfers and beachgoers in the area. City Council members say they will fight to keep the bay open to the public.

“This is where we draw the line. La Jolla Cove Beach is an important part of recreation for the people who live in the area and for visitors to the area. Keeping La Jolla Cove Beach open is part of what makes us world famous,” LaCava said.