Updated: Officials Clarify Frisbee Ban
The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors gives final approval to an ordinance regulating football, Frisbee and other games on county beaches during the summer.
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Correction: A previous version of this article stated that the fine for violating regulations relating to flying objects was $1,000. In reality, the fine is $100, $200 or $500, depending on the number of offenses. We regret the error.
Beachgoers in Los Angeles County who want to play a pickup game of Frisbee, sand soccer, beach Quidditch or flag football between Memorial Day and Labor Day will have to do so in designated areas or with a lifeguard's permission.
Part of a 37-page ordinance passed Tuesday by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors identifies which flying objects are prohibited on the beach between Memorial Day and Labor Day.
- Read: Complete Ordinance
Beach volleyball players needn't worry—the amendments specifically permit beach volleyballs and inflatable beach balls—but anyone who plans to "cast, toss, throw, kick or roll any ball, tube or light object other than a beach ball or beach volleyball" can be fined if they're caught in the act during the summer months.
Water polo games are OK as long as the ball is being used "in or over the Pacific Ocean opposite" the beach.
The fines are in accordance with the California Government Code and call for a fine of up to $100 for a first violation; up to $200 for a second violation of the same ordinance within one year and a fine up to $500 for each additional violation of the same ordinance within one year.
The purpose of the ordinance was to loosen restrictions that had created an all-out ban on football, Frisbee throwing and other ball-throwing activities, said Carol Baker, a spokeswoman for the Department of Beaches and Harbors, on Thursday.
"The intent was not to preclude football or Frisbee tossing," Baker said. "We wanted to allow ball playing while providing reasonable safety measures that the lifeguards could impose on a crowded beach day."
The ordinance allows for ball play during the off-peak season, Baker said.
"You don't have to do anything special during the off-peak season as long as you're not endangering anyone," Baker said. "In that situation, the lifeguard can always exercise his or her prerogative to stop the game."
During the peak season, the rules still do allow for games in specially designated parts of the beach or with the permission of a lifeguard or the Department of Beaches and Harbors, Baker said.
In the summer months, a lifeguard can stop a game if it threatens public safety. If the ball playing doesn't stop, law enforcement or a code enforcement officer from the Department of Beaches and Harbors can issue a citation, Baker said.
In addition to the new regulations regarding Frisbees and balls on the beach, the amended ordinance addresses model aircraft. Beachgoers should forget about bringing their model airplanes, boats, helicopters or similar craft. According to the new rules, "no person shall operate (these objects) in, on or over any beach or the Pacific Ocean."
Also, the amended ordinance provides a list of responsibilities for law enforcement including moving lifeguards from the Department of Beaches and Harbors to the county's Fire Department, Baker said. It also clarifies license requirements and other language in the existing law, prohibits the digging of holes deeper than 18 inches (unless it's required for film and television production), and makes other safety-related amendments.
The rules affect the 17 beaches owned, controlled or managed by the county, including Hermosa Beach and Venice Beach, which are owned by their respective cities, Baker said. The new rules would not apply to Santa Monica, which has its own ordinance.
The new rules go into effect next month.
Los Angeles County Supervisor Don Knabe issued a statement Thursday saying that he has "heard the outcry over the prohibition against footballs and Frisbees" as another example of government "run amok."
"In fact, the intent of the ordinance was to increase recreational activities—something which has been lost in the media coverage," Knabe said.
Knabe said he has asked Santos Kreimann, head of the Department of Beaches and Harbors, to attend next Tuesday's meeting of the Board of Supervisors to explain and clarify the ordinance.
Editor's Note: This article was updated at 5:25 p.m. with a response from the Department of Beaches and Harbors and to clarify which beaches are under the department's jurisdiction.
Bill
1:51 am on Thursday, February 9, 2012
So, I won't be able to throw a football, nerf or otherwise, with my kids at the beach this summer? Won't be able to kick a soccer ball around? No frisbee at the beach? Was this ordinance written by someone that's never been to a beach? I recommended everyone show up on Memorial Day with every ball and every frisbee that they can manage.
polly
6:18 am on Thursday, February 9, 2012
I'm 82 years old and have been going to the beach almost every day of my life. I don't play any of these games any more but don't understand what this is all about! What started this? Have these guys ever been on the beach? These games are part of what the beach is about. Can we still fly kites? Can we still use boogy boards? How about surf boards? Can we still take a swim? Lets get rid of the dolphins and the whales--they might be some kind of danger. The whole thing is ridiculous!!!!!
Duke Noor
6:40 am on Thursday, February 9, 2012
Just another example of Big Government and the "nanny state" that we live in. Of course the Board of Supervisors are 80% Democrats, so this outrageous decision doesn't surprise me. These knuckleheads should be banned from regulating "our" natural resource and sanctuary known as the beach. Don't be surprised when this un-called for action is reversed by public protest.
Chris Miller
7:26 am on Thursday, February 9, 2012
Nice try our County Supervisors in charge of the Beaches and Harbors is Don Knabe, a life log Republican. You may have to start a search for someone other than the Democrats to blame. Maybe you could call your friendly Supervisor and express your comments to his decision.
Duke Noor
8:12 am on Thursday, February 9, 2012
You are correct Chris, but I would be surprised if Don supported this pathetic move. Will have to check that out! "The more the Government, the less the Citizen". BTW, there's no way that this will be enforced. I read the Lifeguards can OK the play if they choose too and you know they all will. May be a mute point, BS ruling ... we'll see.
JGMANN
11:13 am on Thursday, February 9, 2012
Here's the Board Meeting Transcript (start at page 46, line 20, then look at page 51, line 1):
http://file.lacounty.gov/bos/transcripts/01-31-12%20Board%20Meeting%20Transcript%20%28C%29.pdf
"SUP. YAROSLAVSKY, CHAIRMAN: MOTION BY KNABE. SECONDED BY RIDLEY-THOMAS. WITHOUT OBJECTION, UNANIMOUS VOTE."
Unless I'm reading this wrong, this is not a political thing. It is a Director making unpopular rules and the BoS agreeing unanimously, with your man Don making the Motion to approve!
Jack
3:05 pm on Thursday, February 9, 2012
too much talk radio for you....the Dems on the Board are bad, but the Knabe is the guy you should be looking at and guess what......he is not Dem.....dim, but not Dem...
Beth Galimi
6:47 am on Thursday, February 9, 2012
Are you kidding me!!!! I have 3 kids and that is what we do at the beach to keep active. Next they are going to tell us sand toys (someone might step on them) are forbidden and we can't lie down (the lifeguard truck might run you over). Flying beach umbrellas are sooooo much worse!!!! Beach umbrella education is where they should have started. What's the worse thing that has ever happened with a football or frisbee? I have had a football or frisbee land on my blanket or even hit me. That is part of being at the beach. The person offers an apology and moves on. I can't believe this new rule and the hefty fine that goes with it. I also feel bad for the person who has to enforce it. What a joke!
Shannon Rosenfeld
6:53 am on Thursday, February 9, 2012
This is why we're all getting fat -- I guess we should all go to the beach, place our towels "just so," lie down with our hands neatly folded, being sure to be totally silent .... OMG, this is completely ludicrous!
Diane Naletich
6:55 am on Thursday, February 9, 2012
That is very sad. I believe we need to get this ordinance repealed. It's so important to keep our children active to reduce obesity in our schools. This is an enormous problem that we discuss in the school districts - overall childhood health. I will look into this now. If someone feels as strongly as I do, kindly email me personally here. I am politically active on a local level.
Nick Williamson
8:05 am on Thursday, February 9, 2012
We are no longer a free people. Nanny state run amok.
JAY KING
10:13 am on Thursday, February 9, 2012
REALLY?........... REALLY?.............. REALLY?
maureen
10:32 am on Thursday, February 9, 2012
I am writing to Don Knabe and I suggest that anyone else who thinks this is nonsense should as well. This is a ridiculous waste of taxpayers time- our police have more important things to do than monitor the beach and catch "rogue" families playing catch!
gina o
10:41 am on Thursday, February 9, 2012
Ok peeps this is craziness... Can someone give us the emails of the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors so we can bombard them with emails? We are waisting tax dollars spending time even discussing such silly issues. It only makes them all look like a bunch of buffoons. - I will look to find them and post if someone isn't quicker with info on hand....
Jack
3:06 pm on Thursday, February 9, 2012
next time vote....
linda
10:47 am on Thursday, February 9, 2012
Ridiculous!!!!!!
Parks are for RECREATION!!!
I wonder what the take will be on all the sand volleyball tournaments they have permitted.
gina o
11:03 am on Thursday, February 9, 2012
Ok Folks let's all contact the Supervisors and let them know how ridiculous this is!!!
Gloria Molina molina@bos.lacounty.gov
Mark Ridley-Thomas seconddistrict@bos.lacounty.gov
Zev Yaroslavsky zev@bos.lacounty.gov
Don Knabe http://knabe.com/ask-don/ and his chief of staff rvelasquez@lacbos.org
Michael D Antonoich http://antonovich.com/e-mail/
Chris Stauff
11:17 am on Thursday, February 9, 2012
Can't fix a freakin' pothole but they have the time to micromanage this type of crap! Unbelievable! No hole over 18 inches deep? Tell that to an 8 year old!
gina o
11:38 am on Thursday, February 9, 2012
"The more the Government, the less the Citizen" So True Duke!!! Where did that quote come from I am going to have to use it!
Savio
12:17 pm on Thursday, February 9, 2012
Was there no input from the public on this subject matter?
Bethy
12:47 pm on Thursday, February 9, 2012
Good, I really wanted an excuse to have children spend more time in front of a TV...
polly
12:48 pm on Thursday, February 9, 2012
Of course not--it would have been a riot!
Bruce Szeles
2:00 pm on Thursday, February 9, 2012
Knabe is up for reelection this year! Let retire this RINO who spends our tax dollars and then uses those dollars to sponsor events in our community that he takes CREDIT for sponsoring. It's OUR tax dollars!
Gerry O'Connor
3:20 pm on Thursday, February 9, 2012
Folks, take a deep breath. This is but another classic example of a misdirected 'net frenzy fueled by a few initial media misinterpretations. Such beach activities have been illegal for decades and the new ordinance actually lifts/softens many aspects of those prohibitions! http://knabe.com/2012/02/09/beach-ordinance-does-not-ban-footballs-frisbees/ ... also ... http://rentfoodbroke.com/bum-around/read-something/la-bans-frisbees-or-does-it.html
Dorene
3:58 pm on Thursday, February 9, 2012
I thought this was a joke, at first. Now, in order to throw a frisbee, soccer or football on the beach you need a permit or lifeguard approval? Crazy that a board of supervisors came up with this one. Maybe they should spend a day at the beach and see what enjoyment comes from such activities. What is next - building permits for sand castles? Maybe the board should be voted out and start over with representatives who represent the people. I'm going to Orange County!
Scott Kochman
12:41 pm on Friday, February 10, 2012
Did any of you kvetchers read the article? "The purpose of the ordinance was to loosen restrictions that had created an all-out ban on football, Frisbee throwing and other ball-throwing activities, said Carol Baker, a spokeswoman for the Department of Beaches and Harbors, on Thursday." This rule ALLOWS these activities where they were prohibited before.
rick paul
12:58 pm on Friday, February 10, 2012
California....leader of the nanny state rat pack.
Burr Robson
1:57 pm on Friday, February 10, 2012
This is totally reasonable; last year alone 4.3 million people around the world were killed by frisbees off and on beaches. Further, the activity of frisbee throwing causes people to get in better shape for running, and this enhances healthy eating and steroid use. Taken further it encourages future Arnolds and increases the chances of insanity caused by the steriods coupled with prosmicuity. (See previous history of Arnold and the maid.) This alone has caused another .9 million deaths bringing the death toll to a staggering 5.2 million. What you dunderheads don't realize is that this costs the county thousands and thousands, money that could be put to use for their garbage police program. You know, the guys they hired to check the garbage cans of its citizens and issue fines if paper is put in with glass, or other horrific crimes. FYI over one million was spent last year punishing bad garbage habits. So, one frisbee is not the innocent thing we assume. And yes, the council is populated with dopes, but that's another story.
polly
2:09 pm on Friday, February 10, 2012
I'm in love with Burr Robinson!!!!!