More clams for the coast
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In a totally bogus outcome for surfers and other beach trippers, fees at many popular beaches will more than double beginning July 1.
It costs $5 to use such popular spots as Huntington, Bolsa Chica, San Onofre, Dockweiler, Malibu Lagoon and Leo Carrillo, but visitors can expect to pay $12 come summer. Camping permits and season passes also will cost more.
Beach fees could top out at $14 next year too under a state Department of Parks and Recreation plan.
That’s enough to roll the eyes of surfers and day users. “Twelve dollars is a joke,” said Matt Rimer, manager at ZJ Boarding House surf shop in Santa Monica.
The parks department says fee increases are necessary to make up for a $15-million cut in its annual budget and to create an emergency fund.
“We either had to raise fees or close parks,” Deputy Director Roy Stearns said.
-- Emmett Berg
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