Tension heated up again on Sunday at the Children’s Pool in La Jolla. The disagreement over beach-access rights and animal-protection rights was watched over by San Diego police, lifeguards and the Children’s Pool park ranger.

Bryan Pease, attorney for the La Jolla Friends of Seals and Animal Protection and Rescue League, served lawsuits to several individuals and parties including members of the San Diego Council of Divers and Friends of the Children’s Pool vendors.

Pease, a San Diego City Council candidate, filed the complaint on Jan. 20. The complaint alleges several violations of the Business and Professional Code, including failure to pay workers’ compensation, payroll taxes and violations of the Marine Mammal Protection Act.

In addition, a handful of seal advocates protested the use of the beach by many visitors. The beach-access advocates, including a few divers and fishermen, set up flags and chairs on the ocean side of the guide rope, which is up during pupping season to provide a suggested distance to keep from the seals that rest and lounge on the protected beach. The rope does not restrict full beach access.

Currently the rope is up from Dec. 15 to May 15 each year, but many want the rope up year round. The California Coastal Commission is scheduled to hear the agenda item on a year-long rope at Children’s Pool at its March meeting. The March meeting will be held at Chula Vista City Hall, 276 Fourth Ave., Chula Vista, CA 91910. Check for the March 7-9 meeting agenda details here.

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