Budget cuts to hit coast services

In the state’s struggle to deal with the huge budget deficit, some of its solutions have trickled down to the shore.

State parks and beaches across California will see a reduction in services until the end of the fiscal year in June, including Crystal Cove State Beach, state officials said.

“We’re looking to cut about 20% of the budget for our $13-million deficit,” said Rich Haydon, a superintendent in California’s Orange Coast District, which includes Crystal Cove.

Haydon could not offer specifics on what services would be cut from Crystal Cove in particular, but did outline general changes most state-owned beaches and parks will see through next year.

State beaches could see a reduction in restroom services, meaning fewer will be open at given days and times. State officials also are encouraging people to carry out the trash that they bring in because there will be fewer garbage pickups, he said.

Crystal Cove visitors could see fewer lifeguards, especially through the winter.

Some state beaches are now relying solely on full-time lifeguards and cutting their seasonal help.

To this point, no state beaches or parks have had to be closed, but camping has been shut down in some areas.

Crystal Cove Beach Cottages is one of 23 locations in California that continue to take reservations.

Across Southern California, park rangers will have to go another year without newer vehicles and roads will go another year without service. As of July 1, Crystal Cove Beach Cottages slightly increased their rates on renting cottages on the shore.

Corona del Mar is also a state beach in Newport Beach, but local authorities have jurisdiction over it, said Jennifer Schulz, spokeswoman for the Newport Beach Fire Department. Cuts to the state parks and beaches should not affect services at Corona del Mar, she said.