UPDATE: 11:25 a.m., Dec. 16, 2016
The Children's Pool in La Jolla closed Friday morning.
The Court of Appeal allowed the city of San Diego to immediately close the beach during the seal pupping season.
According to a statement from the city:
The Court of Appeal has suspended the automatic stay of the City’s decision which allows the City to legally close the beach at Children’s Pool while the appeal process is still pending. ... The City is currently appealing the Orange County Superior Court judgment granting a request for a writ of mandate to compel the City to set aside the beach closure ordinance and related California Coastal Commission approvals. The pool will remain closed unless the Court of Appeals rules otherwise.
Original story
The Children's Pool in La Jolla, which was scheduled for a five-month closure beginning Thursday for harbor seals pupping season, will remain open to the public.
The decision was made by city officials in order to comply with an Orange County Superior Court judge's ruling.
Since 2014, the city has closed the pool from Dec. 15 to May 15 every year during pupping season for the beach and surrounding area. The rope line which serves as a guide and reminder for the public to keep a safe distance from any seals who might be present will remain in place while the beach remains open, officials said.
The judgment granting a writ automatically stays the city's decision to close the beach unless the Court of Appeal orders otherwise. As such, the city's beach closure ordinance and related Coastal Commission approvals cannot be enacted during the pending appeal unless the Court of Appeal lifts the automatic stay.
The city has filed a motion in the Court of Appeal seeking to lift the automatic stay.
While the beach remains open, the city encouraged visitors to keep a safe distance from the seals, especially during pupping season, for the safety of the animals and the public.
Harassing or disturbing the seals at any time is a violation of federal and local laws. City park rangers and lifeguards will continue to monitor the Children's Pool while the area is open to keep the public and wildlife safe.
