Lunada Bay forced to roll out welcome mat to surf kooks after landmark settlement

"Lunada Bay is open to everyone."

Grumpy locals, worldwide, took note, yesterday, after a landmark ruling was delivered against California’s Home of Surf Rage, Palos Verdes. The Los Angeles-adjacent enclave, perched above the Pacific, is somewhat well-known for its rather contemporary ranch homes but mostly Lunada Bay and its rough n tough surf gang The Bay Boys.

Whispers have percolated for years describing their hardcore ways including, but not limited to, congregating around a stone fort, possibly drinking beer out of coozies and intimidating “outsiders” who dared to show face on the beach.

Two intrepid beginners, kooks in surf parlance, decided enough was enough and, a few years back, sued the Palos Verdes Estates over Bay Boy bad behavior. The case wound through the courts for years, coming to a head, last month, when two Bay Boys took the stand, the plaintiffs attorney Vic Otten asking one, “Is it true that you believe Lunada Bay belongs to you and a select group of people?” To which he responded, “No, I don’t think so. It has a special place in my heart. We try to clean up the area…” and called the wave “ not world-class” merely “better than average.”

Well, the judge has had time to consider but before his ruling, the Estates themselves rolled over and settled.

According to the local Daily Breeze, the city will “install new walkways, benches, signage and other amenities at Lunada Bay.” Or, in other words, “The improvements will make the city and the state’s stance clear: Lunada Bay is open to everyone.”

Kerry Kallman, Palos Verdes Estates city manager, attempting to put a good face on the matter, declared, “The City Council is committed to ensuring compliance with the California Coastal Act and public access to our beaches. Likewise the City Council does not tolerate harassment, bullying or any form of localism at any of the City’s beaches. Based on the decade of legal action and court rulings that have wavered between supporting the City’s position and disagreeing with it, we believe the best path forward for everyone is to resolve this matter.”

There is no word on if the Estates must provide changing ponchos, changing mats and rise kits or a year’s subscription to Stab Premium for the incoming VAL horde but it must be assumed all are included.

Grumpy locals around the world, as stated, feeling the pressure.