Cave rave at Sunset Cliffs attracts about 100 partiers

On Memorial Day, May 27, at 8:30 a.m., San Diego police responded to a citizen’s call at Sunset Cliffs Natural Park. Early-morning surfers were surprised to find a low-tide rave taking place in a sea cave on the beach.

An estimated 75 to 100 people gathered at the site. There was a portable generator, strobe lights, and music. Surfers didn’t mind the party so much as the broken beer bottles on the trails; also, the cans, bottles, and litter on the beach.

Several tents had been erected on the cliff bluff and people were sleeping out in the open in sleeping bags. People slept in the middle of the trails, and there was a small fire pit there also. People had urinated on the trail and along the cliff bluff.

A local gave warning to the violators before calling police; the offenders had time to clean up the area and break down their camping gear. Three police officers responded to the call and made contact with the campers. No citations were written because the camping gear had been stowed away. At the request of surfers who stood by, the ravers and campers cleaned up their trash.

The police officers made the point that they will respond to calls at Sunset Cliffs Natural Park and that they want to hear about such illegal activities.

Since the 2008 beach booze ban at city beaches, Sunset Cliffs Natural Park has become a hangout for taggers, suspected gang members, and others looking for an unenforced area to party. There has been a significant increase in graffiti, broken glass, and empty alcohol containers at the beaches.

Call the non-emergency police line (619-531-2000) to report suspect or illegal activity.