04-04-2025
Surf Gang's Infamous Lair Further Demolished
It's been a hot minute since the Lunada Bay Boys, a 'surf gang' once responsible for a reign of terror against outside surfers in the southern Los Angeles suburb of Rancho Palos Verdes, were in the news.
Back in 2016, a lawsuit was filed against the alleged 'gang' for intimidation – rock throwing, tire slashing, verbal and physical abuse, etc. – from out-of-town surfers attempting to ride waves at their coveted home spot. Amidst the legal proceedings, the area was ordered to become more welcoming for visitors: trails for hikers, benches, signage, and the gang's former stone fort demolished.
Now, with regards to the latter, further demolition of the Bay Boys' lair has been removed.
Specifically, bamboo along the beachside fortress of intimidation was airlifted via helicopter on March 31st. Per the Daily Breeze:
'Palos Verdes Estates will be removing bamboo along the shoreline of Lunada Bay on Monday, March 31, with the aid of helicopters being flown from the Ken Dyda Civic Center in Rancho Palos Verdes.
'The removal of the Arundo grass, commonly known as bamboo and not native to the area, is part of a settlement agreement in September in a lawsuit brought by out-of-town surfers who accused the Lunada Bay Boys, a group of local surfers, of bullying and harassment.'Per the original lawsuit, several Bay Boys were ordered to stay away from the area for at least a year or to pay settlements from $25,000 to $90,000. And further refurbishment of the area continues.
'The city was facing an existential financial risk if the case ultimately had gone against the city,' Christopher Pisano, the city's legal counsel said in a statement. 'This settlement resolves the matter with the addition of modest amenities, which will be designed to maintain the natural feel of the blufftop, and a promise that the city will continue to vigorously enforce the laws protecting coastal access. This is a win for the city given the structure of the beach access laws and the uncertainty of the legal outcome.'
