Following recent reports of naturists being warned of arrest for nudity on Gaviota Beach near Santa Barbara,
Dennis Craig Smith, noted naturist author and leader of the Friends of Gaviota Beach,
and Gary Mussell, president of the Southern California Naturist Association and Friends of Bates Beach
met with Richard Rozelle, Parks Dept. Superintendant for Ventura and Santa Barbara counties along with Dan Falat,
the district's supervising ranger on 9/1/11,
to discuss the recent increased law enforcement activity at Gaviota after several years of cooperation between the two sides.

Dennis brought with him a letter from Eric Hellstrom, who was Falats predecessor,
which spelled out the understanding that has kept the peace between nudists and deputies previously.
Dennis was eager to explain how that agreement had worked to everyones benefit.
Instead, Rozelle cut him off and said, It doesnt matter. Eric isnt here anymore. Conditions have changed.
Falat agreed with his boss: I am paid to enforce the law, not ignore it. My officers will follow the law until it is changed.

What does this mean for California naturists, visitors, and naturists in general?

In Southern California, there is now only one naturist beach that is virtually free from negative law enforcement activity,
and that is Black's Beach in San Diego.

That does not mean that you can't, or shouldn't, go down to Gaviota, Bates, or even San Onofre, and enjoy a wonderful nude day,
but you need to be prepared in case you are confronted by law enforcement.
As noted by officer Falat, he only has 9 deputies per 8 hr. shift to cover all parks and beaches from Lompoc to Goleta in his area,
due to the budget cuts in California.

In the event of any confrontation, whether it's just a warning to get dressed, or issuance of a citation, there are a few things to remember:

1) Be courteous and comply with the officer's request.
Rudeness, arguing, or refusal can result in a citation, or possible arrest.

2) In any situation, note the officer's name, badge number, and enforcement agency
(park ranger, sheriff, etc.)

3) If you are involved in, or witness an incident at any State Beach (e.g., ticketing,
harassment, official or personal, 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

For those of you unaware, Allen Baylis is a lawyer on the board of the Naturist Action Commitee,
and leader of the Friends of San Onofre, who has successfully defended all the citations issued there, to this point.

Whether you're a naturist in the area, or not, you can help in the defense of naturist's rights everywhere
in the US by making a donation to the Naturist Action Committee at: www.naturistaction.org

• Flag
• Edit
• Delete
• Quote
• Reply