Black's Beach Bares

Newsletter Archive

Word 2000 Version

This is a text archive of Black's Beach Tidings for this year.  It is organized with most recent newsletters at the top.

The Beach in General:
There were some hot and sunny days, but there has been a lot of June gloom. Sand has begun to return, but it is not the wide beach we have come to expect, not yet.

The sand is already too hot for bare feet. The water temperature has been as high as 72. There have been only dozens of people on weekdays, but hundreds on weekends. It's beginning to look a lot like summer.

Future Events:
The time of year when Black's Beach Bares sponsors events is here. We will host Sunday picnics beginning July 4. This year they will all be contingent on good weather. Ice cream may be made on exceptionally hot Sundays. 

The toys and the games are still available. We still lead swims.

National Nude Recreation Week:
National Nude Recreation Week is July 5-11 this year. To us here at Black's Beach, it means doing what we always do, enjoying our freedom to choose not to wear clothes. There are some outspoken people who think we should be so thankful for our freedom that we not use it. Use it or risk loosing it.

It's a freedom our forefathers enjoyed, but is facing more challenges every year as our population grows. Will this freedom be reduced to just private property, and from there be restricted to the shower and bedroom?

The Naturist Society (TNS) has been instrumental in preserving nude recreation at Black's Beach, and Black's Beach Bares continues to work with TNS. Please join with us to ensure that there is always room on public land for nude recreation. Look for our yellow flag for more information.

Citations at Black's Beach:
Two citations for nudity have been issued this month. Details are unavailable, since the defendants have legal counsel and attorney/client privilege apply. Indications are that both were issued on the state beach by SDPD. The exact city limits are needed for the defense.

We don't seem to be facing the threat of persistent harassment, as is happening at San Onofre. These may be isolated incidents and complaint driven. Things have gone well here, but we can't count on that forever. We all hope for the best, but joining an organization is the first step in preparing for the worst. The best way to avoid a fight is to show that we're ready for anything.

Spring Tide:
Spring tide is a condition of very high and very low tides in the same 24 hours. The highest tides in the summer typically occur at about 9pm. We get a wide beach during the busy day, but there's a sharp rise late in the day. 

Consider this before taking a long walk. You wouldn't want to return to find your stuff has been washed out to sea. When you're laying down watching the waves get closer and closer, consider that the next big wave might reach you. Spring tides are closely bound to new and full moon, but comparably high a few days before and after. Also the time of highest tide gets about 40 minutes later each day.

Avoiding Sunburn:
Summer also means it's easier to get a sunburn. Visitors to Black's Beach often want to get that all over tan in the few days they are here. Usually what they get is an all over sunburn. Using sun-block is a good idea, but you should also use some shade. 

The mid-day summer sun is higher and too intense for tanning. You may even get sunburned in the morning and not realize it. Then, if you resume sunbathing in the afternoon, your sunburn will get worse. The better way to get your all over tan is to stay in the shade until about 2:30, then tan in the afternoon sun. There is plenty of ultraviolet in the afternoon sun for a tan. 

Stingrays:
There are stingrays in our water all year, even knee deep. Stingrays don't attack people, but if you step on one, you will learn that their defense mechanism is very painful. It's treated with heat. Bury the affected area in hot sand. The pain takes an hour or so to pass and rarely requires medical attention. 

Torrey Pines Reef 2:
There is an artificial reef offshore, about 3/8 mile out and 40 feet down. This reef is host to a variety of life, fish, lobster and other invertebrates. Now that the water is warm, swim expeditions to the reef will take place in the early afternoon. Ambitious swimmers should look for buddies between our two flags, or contact Lloyd through the website. 

Surf Event:
This year the surf event will be July 25^th.  As in past years, extra boards will be available.  Events will include surfing, body boarding, and body surfing. 

There will be prizes for three categories of people: men, women, and kids.  Prizes include Black’s Beach shirts, the embroidered shirts shown on our website.  The Naturist Society has also donated Skinny Dipper merchandise to be given out as prizes.  Glen Eden has donated the grand prize, two gift certificates, each good for two nights and two days at their resort. 

The event is very casual.  We have scheduled it to begin at 12pm, but we have never started on time.  Surfing is first, body boarding later, and body surfing last.

A Contribution from Linda:
For a few people, barbequing on Sundays has become a weekly tradition despite June gloom. On Father's Day June 20th clouds cleared for beachgoers to enjoy a spectacular, sunny day on the beach. For the past few weekends, folks have grilled hot dogs, chicken, gobble burgers, veggie burgers, etc. Snacks shared included: chips, veggies n' dip, watermelon, baked beans, chocolate, and cookies. 

In addition to the grill, people have participated in: horseshoes, volleyball, smash ball, boogie boarding, surfing, litter pick-up, reading, napping, socializing, jewelry making and some chose to work (grading papers!) before school is out for the summer!

I didn't write an April or May newsletter. I simply needed some time to myself.

The Beach in General:
There were many great, warm and sunny days in April and May. We lost a lot of sand over the winter, and it hasn't returned yet. Typically this happens in the summer and it becomes a wide beach. The water temperature has risen to 68.

Future Events:
The time of year when Black's Beach Bares sponsors events is here. We will host two picnics Memorial Day weekend and Sunday picnics July through September 12. They are contingent on good weather. 

Torrey Pines Reef 2:
There is an artificial reef offshore, about 3/8 mile out and 40 feet down. This reef is host to a variety of life, fish, lobster and other invertebrates. Now that the water is warm, swim expeditions to the reef will take place in the early afternoon. Ambitious swimmers should look for buddies near our flag, or contact Lloyd through the website.


National Nude Recreation Week:
National Nude Recreation Week is July 5-11 this year. To us here at Black's Beach, it means doing what we always do, enjoying our freedom to choose not to wear clothes. There are some outspoken people who think we should be so thankful for our freedom that we not use it. Use it or risk loosing it.

The Naturist Society (TNS) has been instrumental in preserving nude recreation at Black's Beach, and Black's Beach Bares continues to work with TNS. Please join with us to ensure that there is always room on public land for nude recreation. Look for our yellow flag for more information.

Spring Tide:
Spring tide is a condition of very high and very low tides in the same 24 hours. The highest tides in the summer typically occur at about 9pm. We get a wide beach during the busy day, but there's a sharp rise late in the day. 

Consider this before taking a long walk. You wouldn't want to return to find your stuff has been washed out to sea. When you're laying down watching the waves get closer and closer, consider that the next big wave might reach you.

Spring tides are closely bound to new and full moon, but comparably high a few days before and after. Also the time of highest tide gets about 40 minutes later each day.

Citations in California:
Citations for nudity have been issued at San Onofre State Beach and at Gaviota State Park, in Santa Barbara. Rangers told users at Gaviota that citations would continue until the beach was clear of nudists. Does anyone still believe this was just about San Onofre?

A few words from Allen Baylis, our legal representative and my counterpart at San Onofre...

Friends of San Onofre Beach, the Naturist Action Committee and naturists across the globe need your assistance. First and foremost, we must not abandon our beach. If we do not maintain our presence at Trail 6, the Parks Dept. will have won the war. We cannot let that happen. The naturist community is depending on us to stand our ground. 

A citation for violating section 4322 of the California park regulations is a misdemeanor and certainly a legal issue that must be addressed. However it is not as serious as many crimes and is absolutely NOT a sex offense, and a conviction DOES NOT require sex offender registration. 

If our founding fathers had been afraid of a little legal trouble, we would still be a British colony. 

I believe citations will be issued here at Black's Beach soon. Any news of citations or harassment should be brought to my attention, or directly to our legal advisor, Allen Baylis 714-962-0915.

The Naturist Society (TNS):
TNS is a member organization formed to promote nude recreation and body acceptance. They do this by defending clothing optional use of public land through participating groups like ours. Without their hard work in years past, you would not be nude on this beach or any other.

We constantly need your help. You say you've been coming to Black's Beach for how many years? Has it gotten better? Has it gotten worse? What have you done? What have you given back?

TNS membership is a good start. With TNS membership you get a subscription to their quarterly magazine, discounted admission to resorts, invitations to gatherings and festivals, discounts on Skinny Dipper merchandise and voting privileges. Most importantly your membership adds strength in numbers to protect our choice not to wear clothes. 

I know that joining organizations is no longer popular. I am a member of TNS because I am convinced that divided we fall. I don't agree with everything they say, but I know there is room for my opinion and enough latitude that I can be myself and disagree. 

Parking Lots:
Gay Pride celebrations in Balboa Park will run from July 17 &18 this year. That always has an impact on parking here.

Torrey Pines City Park:
Several members of Black's Beach Bares have attended planning meetings. The plan is mostly about the gliderport, but also about parking and beach access.

They have seriously underestimated current parking and claimed the same amount will be available after completion. The plan will result in massive loss of parking and fence it off, in such a way that they will be able to charge for parking in the future.

The plan also calls for improvements in both trails, Indian Canyon and Citizens' Trail. The details of trail planning were not discussed.

It is not yet funded. Details can be downloaded from www.sandiego.gov/planning/programs/parkplanning/tpcitypark.shtml. 

Citations in California:
Two citations for nudity have been issued at San Onofre State Beach and four at Gaviota State Park, in Santa Barbara. Rangers told users at Gaviota that citations would continue until the beach was clear of nudists. Does anyone still believe this was just about San Onofre?

A few words from Allen Baylis, our legal representative and my counterpart at San Onofre...

Friends of San Onofre Beach, the Naturist Action Committee and naturists across the globe need your assistance. First and foremost, we must not abandon our beach. If we do not maintain our presence at Trail 6, the Parks Dept. will have won the war. We cannot let that happen. The naturist community is depending on us to stand our ground. 

A citation for violating section 4322 of the California park regulations is a misdemeanor and certainly a legal issue that must be addressed. However it is not as serious as many crimes and is absolutely NOT a sex offense, and a conviction DOES NOT require sex offender registration. 

If our founding fathers had been afraid of a little legal trouble, we would still be a British colony. 

I believe citations will be issued here at Black's Beach soon. Any news of citations or harassment should be brought to my attention, or directly to our legal advisor, Allen Baylis 714-962-0915. Expect the next newsletter with updates in mid-April.

The Beach in General:
We have had a great deal of rain and high surf. It has had an impact on the trail and the beach. The beach has lost three feet of sand, leaving a visible ledge of mud and sand. I have never seen such a great loss of sand. No doubt the sand will return by summer, but there is very little dry sand now.

Flies have been very bothersome each day I was there recently. Repellent is recommended. 

Only dozens of people have been visiting lately. There just isn't much space, nor warm weather. It seems the El Niño forecast has come true. Warm weather has come only recently.

The best news has been the big surf. If you are into surfing, this is the time to visit. However, water temperatures in the upper fifties, means you will probably want a wetsuit.

Tar on the Beach:
The currents sometimes wash tar up onto our beach this time of year. Some of us try to pick it up, but more keeps washing up. Watch your step and watch where you spread your towel. It's very hard to get it off. To remove it, use any oil-based product. Some people carry baby oil, or suntan oil just for that purpose. Even lip balm will work in a pinch. Because some people pick it up, it's less likely other people will step in it or ruin a towel. If you're going to pick it up, consider using a kelp leaf. 

Parking Lots:
The north lot will be closed occasionally, for the glider runway. This forces people who use the north lot to share the west and east lots.

Torrey Pines City Park:
Several members of Black's Beach Bares attended a planning meeting February 18. The plan is mostly about the gliderport, but also about parking and beach access.

They have seriously underestimated current parking and claimed the same amount will be available after completion. The plan will result in massive loss of parking and fence it off, in such a way that they will be able to charge for parking in the future.

The plan also calls for improvements in both trails, Indian Canyon and Citizens' Trail, which we call the Burro Trail. The details of trail planning were not discussed.

The park was often described as loved to death. Massive erosion was pointed out, but it was unclear how their plan was going to bring that erosion under control. There was some talk about a concept they have dubbed "lithwick" which will allow water to permeate without the buildup of sand.

The panel voted unanimously to recommend the plan to City Council. It is not yet funded. Details can be downloaded from www.sandiego.gov/planning/programs/parkplanning/tpcitypark.shtml. 

Trail and Cliffs:
The trail suffered significant damage from recent storms, and there's sure to be more rain. That section of trail very near the bottom that was rebuilt two years ago, has suffered serious damage. A section below that has been wiped out completely. Black's Beach Diggers have already begun repairs.

With all the rain, erosion and high surf we should expect a few rockslides soon. The water in the soil makes it heavier and when a little drying weakens it, something's got to give. Those high and dry spots may be at risk of falling rocks.

Spring Tide:
Spring tide is a condition of very high and very low tides in the same 24 hours. The highest tides in the winter typically occur at about 9am. This time of year it's a matter of finding dry sand. With the seasonal loss of sand and high tides in the morning, there isn't much dry sand for day use. It may be necessary to bring a tarp or chair.

It could also be a factor if you are thinking about coming to Black's by way of a long walk along the beach. The high tides and waves make it difficult to walk even a hundred yards without climbing rocks or getting in the water. So, enter via a long walk is probably unlikely until the sand returns.

Spring tides are closely bound to new and full moon, but comparably high a few days before and after. Also the time of highest tide gets about 40 minutes later each day.

Flies:
We are also entering the time of year when the flies can become a bother. When there is a lot of seaweed and no wind, they don't leave us alone. On those days you will find seaweed covered with flies that swarm every time anybody comes near. The remedy is to move the seaweed far from yourself, and out of the path of by passers. It's also a good idea to use some kind of repellent. 

Subscriptions:
Subscriptions are $10/year. Please subscribe, renew or make a donation. I ask a $2 donation for email subscriptions.

Free copies at the bulletin board and website will continue, because keeping people informed is the point.

I delayed writing this newsletter because there was no news. Now I have two news items and it's time to pass it on. 1) a misleading change to the Torrey Pines State Beach official website 2) the dumping of a huge sea lion on San Onofre.

Torrey Pines State Beach Website:
It has been brought to my attention that Torrey Pines State Beach has made a change in their official website that has sparked a panic. It reads as if they are requiring clothes on the beach. Read carefully and you will find it's a description of the southern boundary and a summary of the brief legal status of the city beach.

Nudity was legal for only a few years in the mid-seventies on Black's Beach. A local election ended with a ban on nudity. At that time the Black family successfully petitioned to change the name of the beach to Torrey Pines City Beach. They consider the infamy of the beach an insult to their family name.

So, Black's Beach no longer exists. The place where we sunbathe is actually the southernmost portion of Torrey Pines State Beach. It never was Black's Beach, but we still call it by that name. When there is a landslide or cliff rescue miles north of what was once Black's Beach, reporters still call it Black's Beach.

Nudity was banned on the city beach thirty years ago, but not enforced until ten years ago. There has been no change on our beach. I was there and nude earlier today. (January 8, 2010)

It may be an attempt to create confusion or encourage complaints. More likely it will give us some news coverage.

San Onofre Sea Lion:
A very large sea lion washed up on the Dogpatch area of San Onofre. According to statements by Ranger Scott, the animal couldn't be buried there because of crowds and erosion. It was moved several miles south to Trail 6. Once on the beach they turned south and buried it in a shallow grave exactly where nudists play volleyball. High tides brought it to the surface and a stench filled the air.

Nudists are now complaining that rangers placed it there to drive them away. Richard Haydon has issued an apology, in response to numerous complaints. However, he denies that it was a vindictive act against nudists.

I accept that Dogpatch might be a crowded area. But rangers are also very aware that this volleyball area is crowded, and they have no respect for this particular crowd. I find the actions of rangers transparent. They could have turned north from Trail 6. They could have buried it somewhere else along the quarter mile of beach, before reaching the well known nude volleyball area. 

The Beach in General:
There were a few great, warm and sunny days in November and December. There has been some rain. Often there are only dozens of people on the beach, but there have been over a hundred people on warm days.

Much of the sand has been removed by waves and a storm, but there is still plenty of beach. Very high tides do leave us with little dry sand and very low tides leave us with islands and pools in the surf. Water temperatures have been 59. 

Clothing Optional Oases:
I'm providing a list of some of the other clothing optional opportunities in and around San Diego, for the benefit of readers who don't yet know. Consider them a backup plan for cooler days. There are links to all these clubs through the Black's Beach Bares website, on the "other places to go" page. 

Camping Bares is a travel club that meets for potlucks, day hikes and camping. Naturists in the Orange County (NitOC) work closely with Friends of San Onofre Beach, and they organize nude activities at the Huntington Beach City Pool and Gym. They have some coming up, January 9th, February 6th and March 6th.

There is only one nudist resort in the area, De Anza Springs. A little farther away are Glen Eden and Olive Dell. The San Diego Naturist Club will entertain members at a garden studio near downtown San Diego.

Up north near Hesperia is Deep Creek Hot Springs. Hot water spills out and is caught in an assortment of natural pools. Access is not easy though. There's a long washboard road and a two-mile hike. It is well worth it.

Calendars:
We are again offering Black's Beach Calendars, filled with photos taken at Black's Beach. Some months feature wildlife and others the activities of people. Low resolution samples are shown on the website. The calendars sell for $15, or $20 if we have to ship it to you. 

Parking Lots:
The Buick Invitational will be early this year, January 25-31. The good news is that improvements will be made to the dirt lots, in preparation for the event. The bad news is that it always impacts our parking and slows traffic to a crawl. There will be no street parking. Attendants may try to bar access to the lot. When you reach the front, tell them you are going to the beach and they must let you in. Parking will still be hard to find. 

Spring Tide:
Spring tide is a condition of very high and very low tides in the same 24 hours. The highest tides in the winter typically occur at about 9am. This means the only dry sand is near the cliff. It might be a good idea to bring a tarp or chair those days.

Spring tides are closely bound to new and full moon, but comparably high a few days before and after. Also the time of highest tide gets about 40 minutes later each day.

Flies:
We are also entering the time of year when the flies can become a bother. When there is a lot of seaweed and no wind, they don't leave us alone. On those days you will find seaweed covered with flies that swarm every time anybody comes near. The remedy is to move the seaweed far from yourself, and out of the path of by passers. It's also a good idea to use some kind of repellent. 

Membership and Subscriptions:
Both are rather casual. There is no official list of members and I rarely check subscription expirations. Subscriptions by US mail are $10/year, and I ask $2/year for email subscriptions. 

Free copies from the bulletin board and website will continue because keeping people informed is the point. Please consider making a donation anyway. There are monthly expenses for operating the website. Donations can also be directed to Black's Beach Diggers for trail work. You decide if the newsletter, the website or the trail have made your visit better, and donate accordingly.