Crackdown targets bad behavior at Tunitas Creek Beach
Strand has been littered with garbage and human waste
SAN MATEO COUNTY — The party is over at Tunitas Creek Beach.
On Tuesday, the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors introduced a host of new restrictions aimed at overnight revelers who have periodically sullied the nearly mile-long strand with garbage, human waste and even the charred remains of a barbecued pig.
“Unfortunately, this type of outrageous behavior in recent years shows that some visitors cannot be trusted to regulate their own actions using common sense and basic courtesy,” said Board President Don Horsley, whose District 3 includes the beach, in a statement.
“We have this gem of a beach in our backyard,” he continued, “but it will continue losing its shine if we don’t take action.”
One recent beach party resulted in a whopping 15 bags of trash, according to county officials.
The restrictions are similar to those at county parks and include fires, overnight camping, alcohol, littering, and firearms. Also forbidden are fireworks, smoking and sound amplifying equipment.
Violations will be cited as a misdemeanor.
Last year, the county prohibited overnight parking on Tunitas Creek Road, but it has not proven a significant deterrent, according to supervisors.
The beach has no bathrooms or trash cans and is only accessible by a steep, eroded trail from Highway 1. Because of the latter, the county plans to close the beach at dusk.
“We understand that the beach is popular and that’s a large reason why we want it protected so that the public can continue to enjoy it,” said Assistant County Manager Mike Callagy in a statement.
“But as it stands now, the public is actually at risk when they visit because the current access is either through private property or scrambling down a narrow path,” he continued. “This is dangerous for both them and first responders coming to help a person in distress.”
The restrictions are part of a larger effort to preserve the beach and improve access for responsible daytime users. The county is working with Peninsula Open Space Trust to acquire and convert the land into a park complete with bathrooms and trash cans.
The ordinance outlining the restrictions requires a second reading by the board. If approved, it will take effect 30 days later.