|
||||
|
|
||||
|
|
Friday, June 26, 2009 Newport eying ban on pop-up shelters at beaches Barbara Venezia Gone are the summers when I'd grab my aluminum sun visor, slap on baby oil mixed with a little iodine, and bake on the beach until golden brown. Glad I gave that up years ago or my skin would have the texture of a Louis Vuitton bag today! These days, before you grab the sun screen and head out to the beach in Newport, there are a few no-no's to remember. No smoking, no alcohol, no glass containers and no personal BBQs. (BBQs are provided in specific areas, the only place cooking's legal). But soon there could be another item added to the "no-no" list – E-Z Ups. Seems NB City Council considers them more than "shady" and might ban them altogether. According to www.ez-up.com, they're the "#1 best selling instant shelter in the world". The original E-Z Up product was nothing more than a 10X10 canopy with four poles. Today's upscale models called "luxury outdoor pavilions" come accessorized with canvas side coverings creating your own private room anywhere. It's those full enclosures that are raising some eyebrows. What's going on under all that canvas hidden away from public view? Is it illegal? Law enforcement and some members of the NB city council have questions. The sizes of these E-Z Ups are also part of the problem, especially when several are grouped together creating their own little village. These tent clusters make it difficult for emergency vehicles to maneuver. Lifeguards and police have justifiable concerns here. The obvious solution for Newport would be to limit the size of each E-Z Up; the distance between them, maybe 15-20 feet apart, and add privacy flaps to the no-no list rather than banning the shady comforts all together. But is it more than just E-Z Ups gone wild on our beaches? Gangs from all over OC are enjoying fun in the sun with their families. Yes, gang bangers have families too and apparently they're partial to E-Z Ups with privacy flaps. Could this be the real concern behind the issue? Gangs on our beaches are not a new phenomenon, and according to police no major incidents have occurred. But they're there. I witnessed it first hand on a police ride-along several years ago. As the officer and I drove on the sand by Newport Pier, I was amazed at how many bangers, tattoos and colors blaring were enjoying a family day; E-Z Ups and all. Seeing an open beer bottle in hand, the officer left the vehicle and nicely asked the tough looking character to dispose of it. He obliged without argument, but what if he hadn't? How would backup have gotten to this officer when there was no clear path to access? Those questions were buzzing in my head as I sat in the locked police cruiser observing. What the heck was I thinking going on a police ride-along in the fist place! But then again, who'd ever thought I be using the words "gang bangers" and "beaches of Newport" together in the same sentence. Guess I'm still stuck in the days of Beach Blanket Bingo and baby oil. Barbara Venezia's column appears online and in The Current every Friday. |
|
||