Los Angeles Frisbee Ban Sparks Outrage
This week Los Angeles has created controversy after approving a $1,000 fine for throwing footballs or frisbees on any beach in the county.
The Board of Supervisors agreed on Tuesday to pass the 37-page ordinance limiting the activities of beachgoers. The updated rules prohibit "any person to cast, toss, throw, kick or roll" any object aside from a beach ball or volleyball "upon or over any beach" in L.A. county between Memorial Day and Labor Day.
As a part of highlighting the responsibilities of law enforcement and other public agencies, the rules also reveal activities that could potentially disrupt or even injure the public.
Exceptions allow for ball-throwing in specified areas or for a person who acquires a permit.
Additionally, the updated rules include an ordinance that fines beach-goers who dig a hole deeper than 18 inches into the sand, except where permission of granted for film and television productions services only.
Rules and restrictions on "nudity and disrobing" remained the same from the past year.
Officials warned that any of the listed activities could potentially harm "any person of property on or near the beach" and should not be allowed during the peak summer season.
"The rules are in place so that during a busy, crowded summer beach day, no one is put at risk by a spontaneous football game," explained L.A. County spokeswoman Carol Baker to The Los Angeles Times.
Baker also noted that the updated ordinances had not been reviewed in over 20 years, and that the changes allow authorities to better enforce rules.
During the off-season when the beach is not as busy, the rules will be relaxed.
California beach-goers have taken to Twitter expressing their reaction to the new rules.
"What is the country doing to itself?" wrote Twitter user Ryan on his account. "Large fines for playing frisbee on the beach? Worried about lawsuits…"
"Angelenos, this is kind of ridiculous," wrote Tameka of the new rules.
Jennifer wrote, "I'm still frankly stunned that LA County wants to fine me $1000 for throwing a frisbee on a beach. What's next? $5K fines for riding my bike."
"This is stupid," wrote Stephen on the social media site, while Josh wrote, "Outrageous!"
