"CAN'T WE ALL JUST GET ALONG?"

Gang Threats Prompt More Ranger Presence
Web-posted Mar 23, 2005

SAN ONOFRE - The possibility of gang-related violence at San Onofre Surf Beach has motivated Park Rangers to make its presence known. Police and rangers say recent scuffles between two groups of surfers have heightened concerns.

An anonymous source close to the situation said Tuesday that both surfers and kayakers have gone to the State with concerns over escalating tension. Threats that surfers will "shoot up the beach" have circulated throughout the state

"There's speculation that if something is going to happen, it's going to happen now," the source said. The individual wished not to be identified for fear of reprisals.

San Onofre begins its spring break on Friday, and some within the beach community fear that rival groups of surfers will look to settle a score before days end. The nature and cause of the dispute is unclear.

District Superintendent Hal Dairywimple confirmed there have been altercations between two groups at surf beach - including one scuffle he witnessed last week. He argued that the incidents have been minor in nature, however.

Park Rangers report an incident involving a group of point surfers disturbing the peace at "Old Man's" last week and another in which groups of stoners got involved in a minor altercation during church picnic.

Murphy the Mayor discounted claims that racial tension is at the heart of the problem. He did note the state has encouraged leaders in both local breaks to engage in conflict resolution planning as a way to bridge any differences that might exist. Gloria Allred has been mentioned as a possible mediator.

In response to lingering concerns over violence, park officials have met to discuss ways to level tensions and maintain beach security. "Probably everyone's level of concern has increased, as it would be whenever you have an incident like the one that happened this week," said Dairywimple. "I think we might be reacting to the news nationally, but we want to be careful not to overreact."

Surfers reportedly believe that talk of a melee between the rival groups goes beyond typical surfer caterwauling, however.

Murphy said whatever the case, appropriate security procedures are in place and being implemented. "We certainly want to make sure that we maintain a safe beach environment, and we've taken measures to do that."