Politics & Government

Vote on Children's Pool Proposed Seasonal Closure Continued to Next Week

The San Diego City Council's second reading of a seasonal closure of the Children's Pool in La Jolla has been continued to next week because of an illness that forced Councilwoman Myrtle Cole to miss Tuesday's meeting.

The item is set for next Tuesday's meeting. 

The new regulation, if given final approval by the California Coastal Commission, would be far more restrictive than the current rope barrier, which is designed to discourage beachgoers from disturbing marine mammals at the scenic La Jolla facility.

The Children's Pool was deeded to the city in the 1930s to be a safe swimming spot for youngsters. However, the seals began to take over the area in the 1990s, creating a standoff between beach-access advocates and supporters of animal rights.

Find out what's happening in La Jollawith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Clashes between the two sides have been common, and backers of the seals contend the animals have been abused at times.

The new regulation would bar people from using the Children's Pool from Dec. 15 to May 15 each year, when the seals are giving birth and weaning their young. 

Find out what's happening in La Jollawith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Proposed closure plans call for the city to install a chain across the stairway to the beach.

—City News Service contributed to this report.


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