San Diego police broke up a “rave” Monday night, July 1, being held at Garbage Beach – a fragile ecosystem off Sunset Cliffs — and reported that this was the second such party that they’ve had to disperse in less than a week. The first one was on Sunday, June 23 at the same site.
The rave — which was held at midnight — was attended by dozens — if not hundreds — of partygoers, many of whom had to get to the beach site via the dangerous cliff trails.
Lt. Dan Meyer of the SDPD reported that 4 officers responded to the party shortly after midnight, according to Fox5.
Meyer said it was the second underground rave that has taken over the spot over the last few weeks, the last being on Sunday, June 23. According to Meyer, officers from SDPD’s Beach Team were the ones who stopped that party from happening.
“There have been past raves at the location throughout the years,” he continued in the emailed statement. “Western Division is aware these parties are becoming more of a problem recently and are attempting to address the issue.”
The rave appears to be on what some locals call “Garbage Beach” after the name of the local, well-known surf spot below Ladera Street (although long-time locals who used the beach back in the 60s didn’t call it that). Years ago, in fact, the beach was an unofficial nude beach back in the mid-1970s.
The beach is also part of the Sunset Cliffs Natural Park.
The party also appears to be held near the cracked bluff the Rag has been alerting people about, a bluff that looks imminently like it could collapse at any moment or may not collapse — we concede — for years.
SUNSET CLIFFS NATURAL PARK COUNCIL met on July 1 to discuss these issues. Two Agenda items: 1. Provide police and/or ranger services during the most vulnerable periods – late afternoons, evenings, and weekends – to effectively enforce laws against fireworks and bonfires in the Park.
2. Recommendation to lock the entry gate between 9 pm and 5 am.
For years there has been no Park Ranger or S.D.P.D. presence or law enforcement at Sunset Cliffs. There is only one Ranger for the entire Shoreline Parks section from Sunset Cliffs to La Jolla – including all of Mission Bay. Any wonder it is out of control?
Enforce laws.
Hire more police.
Parking meters on the cliffs.
Close park after 6.
Mary Jean, of these, we need only 1: Enforce Laws. That should do it.