For decades, beachgoers at San Gregorio Ranch – a privately owned resort in San Mateo County – can sunbathe naked on one of California’s most beautiful beaches.
But that time will end in two weeks when the beloved farm is called “Bare Bottom Beach” it is taken over by the county and becomes part of San Gregorio State Beach.
The announcement, made by state park officials on Monday – the day before National Nude Day – drew mixed reactions from conservationists and environmentalists, which is the preferred term for people who enjoy being naked in public spaces.
National Parks Director Armando Quintero and conservation advocates said the expansion promotes public access and long-term protection of the state’s coastline.
“We’re expanding opportunity, protecting the places that define our state and building a healthier, more connected and resilient California for generations to come,” Quintero said in a written statement.
But naturists and nudists see the change as the loss of a beloved beach that has remained untouched for generations and helped define California’s role in the nation’s modern nudist movement, according to the American donkeyn. In Nudist Entertainment.
“I’m not happy about it,” said Bob Morton, a beachgoer. “And the reason is that the state park system has decided that all their parks will be clothed because God intended for you to wear swimming trunks on the beach?”
“It seems counterintuitive,” he added. “Go there to be one with nature.”
The changes began in April when the Peninsula Open Space Trust, a private non-profit land organization dedicated to protecting open space on the Peninsula and South Bay, purchased the 238-acre property from its owners for $10 million.
The group said it plans to donate land to state parks later this year. In doing so, state park officials say, the no-cost transfer will make it one of the largest park expansions since Gov. Gavin Newsom. announced in April that he plans to expand the state parks system by adding three new parks and expanding the existing ones by 30,000 hectares by 2030.
“San Gregorio Ranch is an amazing beachfront property, with stunning views of the Pacific and our beautiful coastline,” said Gordon Clark, president of the trust, in a written statement. “This area is not only great for human visitors, but it is home to a rare habitat of dune grass and other important habitats that many animals depend on.”
San Gregorio Ranch, located five miles south of Half Moon Bay, features a narrow beach lined with driftwood and flat-top bluffs that offer sweeping views of the coast.
It is considered one of the oldest nude beaches in the province. It was here that Jeff Poland, one of the pioneers of the “Free Beach Movement” of the 1960s and 1970s, was arrested, according to. the donkey of the nationn. In Nudist Entertainment.
Her case was taken to the California Supreme Court in 1972, which declared that nudity itself is illegal unless it is accompanied by “loose conduct.” This decision allowed the environmentalists to take the sea areas away when other mariners opposed it.
In 1996, a previous landowner donated a conservation grant to the trust to protect the land’s diverse flora and fauna including the California king snake, California red-legged frog and acorn woodpecker.
The most important change came in April, when the trust bought the land.
The farm section of the state park will open on July 29 under a new agreement between the trust, state parks and a non-profit partner. Friends of Santa Cruz State Parkswhich will support day-to-day park operations, including visitor services staff and entrance fee collection.
Santa Cruz State Parks District Superintendent Chris Spohrer said in a written statement that the extension of public access is rare and he looks forward to managing the area.
“San Gregorio Ranch has been a popular informal beach destination for decades,” he said, “and State Parks is grateful for POST’s cooperation in helping to make it a permanent feature of San Mateo County’s coastal tourism.”
