Pro-seal faction hopes for victory in La Jolla beach dispute

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Proponents of letting seals remain on the beach at the Children’s Pool in La Jolla are hoping for a big victory Tuesday at the San Diego City Council meeting.

The council is set to discuss a proposed resolution asking the state Legislature to add ‘marine mammal habitat’ to the beach’s allowed uses.

The 1931 law deeding the beach to the city does not mention marine mammals. That’s one reason that a judge has ordered the city to scoot the seals off the beach, lest their poop make the beach unusable for people.

The dispute between the pro- and anti-seal factions has raged in the courts and political process for nearly two decades. Dozens of seals lounge on the beach.

The council meets at 2 p.m., with both sides expected to be present. If the past is any indication, the session will be passionate.

--Tony Perry, San Diego