Surfer Territoriality Gets Ugly on the South Bay

Sheriff’s detectives today were seeking the owner of a surfboard found in Lomita that was spray painted with a message staking out a nearby break for “locals only.”

The white surfboard, which had “No Kooks Locals Only” spray painted on the back, was found on Oct. 13 in the 25800 block of Appian Way in Lomita, according to officials at the Lomita Station.

“The owner of the board is not in trouble and not accused of committing any crime,” according to a sheriff’s department statement. “The board can possibly be salvaged, so we’re trying to get the board back to the owner before it leaves our station and heads for long-term storage in our Central Storage facility.”

Surfers from outside the area have complained of intimidation and vandalism, allegedly on the part of locals, when they have tried to access popular surf spots on the Palos Verdes Peninsula.

“Our beaches are public beaches. It doesn’t matter if that public is from near or far,” the sheriff’s department posted on its facebook page. “And we will address any individual that attempts to keep any other person from enjoying our coastline.”

Deputies couldn’t resist having a little fun over the incident, adding, “To whoever scrawled those words, the 70’s called. They want their surfer slang back,” and, “Coincidentally, two Lomita deputies (hmm... which ones could they be...) have begun seeking approval for establishing a surf patrol. Reports suggest that their early attempts have been met with silence and disapproving glares.”

The owner of the board or anyone who knows the owner’s identity was urged to call sheriff’s Detective Jimmy Duckworth at (310) 891-3213.

City News Service and Patch Staffer Paige Austin contributed to this report.