A California Coastal Commission report reviewed by SFGATE accuses Paradise Point Resort of numerous violations that “impede public use of the area and reinforce the impression that the entire area was private.”
The 44-acre site and half-mile stretch of white sand surrounding Vacation Isle, in the middle of the city’s giant human-made aquatic park, have always been open to the public, but visitors could be forgiven for thinking the area was private due to encroachment from the hotel and spa, the commission says. Alleged violations included the failure to put up a single “public access” sign, blocking public pathways to the beach, and the installation of a kiosk and security guard at the primary parking entrance. Another allegation states that the resort built or placed uncovered dumpsters and an event tent on public pathways and parking spots.
A letter sent to the commission by San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria in February, reviewed by SFGATE, requested that planning applications by the resort be postponed in light of its history of violations. Gloria’s letter also states that the hotel was made aware of the violations as far back as 2017.
“This case is yet another example of the need to be diligent in protecting the access rights of the people of California, and to protect our fragile and amazing coastline,” the commission’s Chief of Enforcement Lisa Haage told SFGATE over email…
