Prohibit Rubble and Debris in Beach Sand

On September 4, 2003, Governor Gray Davis signed AB 1212, authored by Assemblymember Fran Pavley (D-Agoura Hills). The bill provides that no coastal development permit for sand replenishment could be issued unless and until the project applicant provides a plan both for on site monitoring and for supervision during the implementation of the permit. “California’s 1,100 miles of magnificent coastline are of enormous recreational and economic value to the state. We must protect it for the healthy enjoyment of future generations,” Pavley said.

Periodically, California’s beaches must be replenished because of sand that is washed away in the normal ebb and flow of the tides. Last October, Will Rogers State Beach became the dumping ground for construction rubble and debris that a contractor replenishing that beach allowed to be mixed in with the clean sand that should have been used. Similar situations have occurred in San Diego and elsewhere. This incident was brought to the Assemblymember’s attention by concerned residents in Pacific Palisades. “We are grateful to Assemblymember Pavley for carrying this important legislation to address the contamination that took place on one of our local beaches,” said Barbara Kohn, President of the Pacific Palisades Residents Association.