SAN DIEGO -
A San Diego judge has finalized a ruling allowing a colony of harbor seals to
remain at Children's Pool in La Jolla.
Previous court orders had directed the city of San Diego to clear the beach for human use, but Judge Timothy Taylor said Friday that recent state legislation gave the San Diego City Council the option of allowing the seals to stay put.
A 1931 trust designated the beach as a bathing area for children. But the state bill passed this year amended the trust to also allow for a marine mammal habitat. The City Council has indicated that it would allow the seals to remain at the Children's Pool, but the law doesn't give them that authority until it takes effect on Jan. 1.
The Children's Pool in La Jolla has been the focus of court fights for years between seal supporters and those who want the pool restored for human use.
Previous court orders had directed the city of San Diego to clear the beach for human use, but Judge Timothy Taylor said Friday that recent state legislation gave the San Diego City Council the option of allowing the seals to stay put.
A 1931 trust designated the beach as a bathing area for children. But the state bill passed this year amended the trust to also allow for a marine mammal habitat. The City Council has indicated that it would allow the seals to remain at the Children's Pool, but the law doesn't give them that authority until it takes effect on Jan. 1.
The Children's Pool in La Jolla has been the focus of court fights for years between seal supporters and those who want the pool restored for human use.
