Seals' takeover of La Jolla beach continues to divide humans

For decades, the tiny beach at the Children's Pool in La Jolla was the picture of tranquillity, just like the philanthropist who paid to build a breakwater protecting it had intended.

But two decades ago, the harbor seals decided to make the beach their own.

Since then, the beach has been the focus of more litigation, more political debate and more passionate disagreement than any other coastal location in San Diego.

In December, the city put up a rope barrier to keep people away from the seals during the six-month pupping season.

The result has been more legal wrangling and disagreement about whether seals or humans should have priority.

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-- Tony Perry in San Diego

Photo: Sign warns residents and tourists not to disturb seals. Credit: Mike Perry / For The Times