Discussion of kayak rentals sparks debate

The City Council voted 4-1 Tuesday to check out the possibility of allowing kayak rentals on a city beach.

City Manager Ken Frank was instructed to explore the possibilities of issuing a franchise for kayaking services, similar to the system in other communities that regulates businesses on beaches, a notion hotly debated at the meeting.

“Toni, this is one of the worst ideas you’ve come up with in a long time,” preservationist Bonnie Hano said, addressing Councilwoman Toni Iseman, who proposed the concept. “Prohibiting commercial operations has made our beaches special.”

Hano recalled that several years ago an artist was forbidden to sell his work in Heisler Park.

“This would be even worse,” Hano said.

Iseman brought the issue to the council after businessman Billy Fried was advised that the city code banned kayak rentals on the beach.

Fried had operated a rental business for several years on city beaches, but a resident complained when Fried expanded his business to the northern-most beach at Treasure Island Park.

“I think franchise is the wrong word,” Fried said. “Permit would be better.”

Fried pointed out that paid scuba diving classes are held on the beach and concession stands — such as the new one for Aliso Beach — are permitted. He also said he had the support of Marine Safety Chief Mark Klosterman.

“Klosterman said it was a great idea as long as you observe marine rules,” Fried said.

Iseman said providing visitors and residents with facilities for kayaking would be a significant service that would be extensively used and appreciated.

“There is probably not a quieter way to enjoy nature than kayaking,” Iseman said. “I believe that once someone kayaks, they will be changed by the experience.

“I hope we can make this happen without offending sensibilities.”

Public testimony was about evenly divided between supporters and opponents.

Resident Charlotte Masarik said she couldn’t see any way to kayak without impacting Laguna’s Marine Preserve.

“We are here to explore the ocean, not exploit it,” said Rosemary Williams, who works with Fried. “Toni, I couldn’t agree with you more and I invite the opponents to a free kayak ride.”

Iseman said she had discussed the issue with Frank, who came up with some options for the council to explore:

 Do nothing, which would mean the rental of kayaks — at least at Treasure Island — would not be available to residents and visitors.

 Change the municipal code to allow sales and business activities in the parks.

 Award a franchise to businesses, after a competitive bidding process, for kayaking services and perhaps other services such as surfboard and boogie board rentals, scuba diving, or food concessions.

“We don’t commercialize our beaches or parks,” said Arnold Hano, Bonnie Hano’s husband.

However, Councilman Kelly Boyd recalled how Main Beach was once a hotbed of commercialism, still remembered fondly by some residents. He also defended kayaking as environmentally sensitive.

“I am for it,” artist Joan Corman said. “I like seeing the kayaks as much as seeing the surfers and dolphins and sea lions.”

Top of the World resident Johanna Felder expressed a different view.

“To have a row of kayaks would ruin the beach experience for me,” Felder said. Intensification of use is not appropriate on a public beach, said Laguna Beach Historical Society President Gene Felder.

“The kayaking experience is unique,” Armando Baez said. “Toni, this is not the worst idea you have ever had.”

Resident Stuart Shook said opponents sounded like elitists to him.

“I’m hearing that people want to keep the beach exclusive,” Shook said. “I believe it’s a public beach. And unless you have tried [kayaking], don’t knock it.”

The city code doesn’t prohibit the launching of kayaks, but commercial uses are prohibited by the California Coastal Commission in Treasure Island Park beach at the north end of the property where Fried wanted to locate his business, according to Frank.

“Operating at the south end would be a disaster because the beach is heavily used,” Frank said.

Gale Granger said the South Laguna Civic Assn. was in rare unanimous agreement to oppose the proposal.

“It is the precedent we worry about,” Granger said.

Mayor Pro Tem Cheryl Kinsman also was concerned about sales on the beach and voted against the exploration of a city-issued franchise by Frank. He was directed to return with information. No date was set for the report.

BARBARA DIAMOND can be reached at (949) 494-4321 or coastlinepilot@latimes.com.