‘Enough is enough’: Locals fed up with unruly tourists

It’s one of the most affluent areas in California but a recent surge of tourists has left locals fed up for one very big reason.

Tourism in Laguna Beach in California has skyrocketed – and locals aren’t particularly happy about it.

The ritzy area, known for its multi-million dollar seaside mansions, has seen an influx of visitors in recent times, with locals claiming unruly tourists are turning the iconic beach into a dump.

While it has been a popular spot among tourists for decades, in summer 2020 the number of out-of-town beachgoers soared as people sought safe places to gather outdoors during the Covid-19 pandemic — and visitor numbers have barely fallen since then, according to theLA Times.

Laguna Beach local Greg Viviani, has shared several clips on TikTok calling out tourists for leaving trash behind. Picture: Instagram/solaglocal

Laguna Beach local and content creator Greg Viviani demanded “something needs to change” in a viral Instagram post.

He shared footage of bags of rubbish he collected off of the beach that included clothing items, shoes and food waste.

“WHEN WILL IT STOP?” he demanded.

“ENOUGH IS ENOUGH! We cannot keep letting this happen! Every single day. When will we figure out a way to stop this from happening,” he captioned the post.

“Our coastline is getting destroyed. Species are becoming negatively effected. It is destroying not just the beaches but our ocean and community.”

Mr Viviani, who has been leading the charge and recording his cleaning exploits, said he picked up the bags of trash from along 300 metres of beach.

In one clip the fed up local showed how much trash he collected. Picture: Instagram/solaglocal

He’s called out tourists, demanding them to respect the iconic beach. Picture: Instagram/solaglocal

“Please share your videos and trash, crowds, pollution. We have to keep spreading awareness and speak up to protect this coastline and community.”

He said while he’s not against tourists visiting, they must be respectful of the coastline.

“YES people can come and visit the beach, everyone is welcome as long as they don’t leave their trash, clothes, beach toys, chairs etc …”

“Please be respectful to people who live in these small communities not just here but anywhere on the coast. Everyone can work together to help stop this issue.”

The 40-year-old said funds should be allocated towards educating visitors.

He also attended a council meeting this month, dumping trash he collected one morning in front of councillors, to show just how bad it is. Picture: Instagram/solaglocal

“We should be allocating funds not for more mass tourism marketing, but used to help educate those visiting any sensitive landscapes, more trash removal, sound abatement, parking, homeless assistance, and small business support.

“Also increasing any helpful enforcement, since the overall tourist population is drastically increasing by itself anyways.”

He claims mass tourism marketing is having a reverse effect on the local economy.

“It is harming businesses both big and small. Nobody wants to pay to visit a trashed landscape that is way too overcrowded. Instead they will find a different destination and put the least amount of money into these trashed cities that were once a paradise.”

He told the LA Times the trash just “never ends”.

“You can clean it all up in one day and it’ll be covered with trash tomorrow,” he said.

He also recalled some of the strange items he has found scattered about including a brand new pair of Crocs and a sex toy hidden in the sand.

He’s uncovered cigarette butts, chip bags, shoe laces, tissues, bottle caps, and empty bottles of beverages like Smirnoff Ice, along with a great deal of plastic, the Times reported.

It has become such an issue, the city launched an ad campaign targeting misbehaving tourists that focuses on curtailing litter, cigarette smoke and loud vehicle exhaust.

A committee has also been formed to address issues with visitors as locals demand Laguna Beach City Council issue more tickets for illegal activity such as public drinking, littering and setting up beach tents that are too tall.

As it stands, the council can fine people for smoking up to $US500 – $A700.

“Littering, smoking, or drinking alcohol on City beaches, parks, and trails is NOT permitted,” it states on the council site.

“The fine for smoking at City beaches, parks, and trails in Laguna Beach are $100 for the first offence, $200 for a second offence within a 12-month period, and $500 for third and subsequent offences within the same period.

Meanwhile, tensions between residents and visitors to reach boiling point with one local going viral after yelling at a group of beachgoers.

The woman, who owns a multimillion-dollar property on the shores of Laguna Beach, used rope to cordon off a section of a public beach.

In a TikTok that’s amassed more than three million views, the family can be seen awkwardly walking away from their spot on the sand after the woman started screaming and swearing in their direction.

“Get outta here now,” the woman screams, as she rolls out more white rope to extend her property boundary onto the sand.

“I can say whatever I want to, so get f***ing moving,” she screams.

“I’m not joking around. It’s not harassment on the beach, it’s harassment in my home property.”

The woman behind the camera who is being forced to leave the sand replies with “Ma’am, we’re f***ing walking” as both she and some children are being forced off the sand, while the property owner hits back with: “Pretty f***ing slow”.

As the footage quickly went viral, some argued it was s part of greater attempt from locals living by the beach to keep others from spoiling their picturesque society.

Residents, however, hit back saying they are not attempting to restrict the coast as the woman did in the video, and just want to keep the beach clean.

It is understood that in California, the state owns the beach waterward of the mean high tide line for everyone to access and enjoy.

The state and other public entities like counties and cities might also own dry sandy beaches landward of the mean high tide line for public use.

While there is private property ownership along some beaches and bluffs, the state owns most tidelands, submerged lands, and waters in trust for the benefit, use, and enjoyment of the public.

It’s unclear whether the homeowner in the TikTok is on wet or dry sand.