We lost one of the great leaders in naturism a few weeks ago, when Lee Baxandall passed away.
I had only met Lee one time in person, but we have corresponded over the last 16 or so years that I ran the CO Digest newsletter. We didn't always agree on things, but I respected Lee's opinions, and I think he respected mine.
Lee Baxandall never shied away from controversial topics, and some of those topics probably cost him in the long run (an expose on Mardi Gras and sex in New Orleans, an ill-fated Naturist Gathering, ultimately canceled at the Reverend Moon's retreat are some examples). But Lee Baxandall was a shining star in bringing naturism to the forefront in the United States, at the same time that AANR was continuing to lag in the past. I truly think that if we had not had Lee Baxandall on our side, there would be no nude hotels in Palm Springs, or topfree and nude beaches in South Florida. For that matter, there might not be any nude recreation of any kind in the US.
Lee Baxandall was a pioneer, and his legacy will be one for the ages. I will miss him.
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Friday, December 26, 2008
Another nudist camp lost
We recently received word (through the special interest nudist group of the Escapee's travel club) that another nudist club is going swinger.
Riverside Resort, near San Antonio, Texas, will switch from a family nudist camp to a clothing-optional lifestyle (swinger) friendly park. Riverside is a 22 acre camp, located about 15 miles south of San Antonio, and is the only nudist area in the San Antonio area, which makes this announcement all the more surprising.
We understood that Riverside was making good money as a nudist resort, but yet they have decided to make the jump. We found this news hard to believe, but an email from the owners confirmed that Riverside Resort would be a lifestyle club as of January 1, 2009.
It makes one wonder... is the family naturist/nudist club a thing of the past? We continue to hear reports of nudist clubs that are seeing fewer and fewer visitors. Nudists seem to want to only go to the beach, or to destinations, such as Jamaica, Bonaire, or even Europe. We now have a proliferation of luxury locations to get naked, and while these new locales are a positive, I think that the clubs have not kept up with what the modern nudist wants.
We did a survey many years ago and discovered that around 1/3 of nudist were swingers, and about 1/3 of swingers were nudists. So, there is definitely a market for the clothing-optional lifestyle resort. Hedonism resorts in Jamaica have made a fortune attracting this genre. The Desire resorts in Mexico have hopped on the bandwagon, as have other resorts in Texas, California, and Michigan.
So I ask the question.... are today's nudist camps a thing of the past? Is there a future for nudist camps in the US?
I think the answer is no. So what do you think?
Riverside Resort, near San Antonio, Texas, will switch from a family nudist camp to a clothing-optional lifestyle (swinger) friendly park. Riverside is a 22 acre camp, located about 15 miles south of San Antonio, and is the only nudist area in the San Antonio area, which makes this announcement all the more surprising.
We understood that Riverside was making good money as a nudist resort, but yet they have decided to make the jump. We found this news hard to believe, but an email from the owners confirmed that Riverside Resort would be a lifestyle club as of January 1, 2009.
It makes one wonder... is the family naturist/nudist club a thing of the past? We continue to hear reports of nudist clubs that are seeing fewer and fewer visitors. Nudists seem to want to only go to the beach, or to destinations, such as Jamaica, Bonaire, or even Europe. We now have a proliferation of luxury locations to get naked, and while these new locales are a positive, I think that the clubs have not kept up with what the modern nudist wants.
We did a survey many years ago and discovered that around 1/3 of nudist were swingers, and about 1/3 of swingers were nudists. So, there is definitely a market for the clothing-optional lifestyle resort. Hedonism resorts in Jamaica have made a fortune attracting this genre. The Desire resorts in Mexico have hopped on the bandwagon, as have other resorts in Texas, California, and Michigan.
So I ask the question.... are today's nudist camps a thing of the past? Is there a future for nudist camps in the US?
I think the answer is no. So what do you think?
Friday, November 28, 2008
************************************************************
NATURIST ACTION COMMITTEE
ADVISORY
************************************************************
************************************************************
Copyright 2008 by the Naturist Action Committee, which is
responsible for its content. Permission is granted for the
posting, forwarding or redistribution of this message,
provided that it is reproduced in its entirety and without
alteration.
DATE : November 28, 2008
SUBJECT: Lee Baxandall (1935-2008)
TO : All naturists
Dear Naturist,
The Naturist Society has announced with profound sadness that its founder, Lee Baxandall, has died in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. Baxandall, who had suffered from Parkinson's Disease, was 73 years old at the time of his death on November 27, 2008.
Baxandall began his work as a naturist activist more than 30 years ago. With a background in writing and publishing, Lee's naturist passion led him in 1976 to form the Free Beaches Documentation Center, which he located in his hometown of Oshkosh. By 1980, Lee had founded The Naturist Society (TNS), and TNS had presented its first Gathering for naturists. 'Clothed with the Sun,' the flagship publication of TNS in its early years, was renamed 'Nude & Natural,' or more simply, 'N' magazine in 1989. Today, the magazine has a staff of professional and volunteer writers, but in the early days, much of the content of the magazine was pure Baxandall.
Lee was also the initiating force behind other familiar naturist organizations. In 1983, it was a Baxandall idea (and $70 in seed money that Lee pulled from his own pocket and gave to Murray Kaufman) that led to the TNS special interest group that would become Gay Naturists International. In 1990, Baxandall jump-started the Naturist Action Committee as an adjunct to TNS. The Naturist Education Foundation followed in 1993.
For the decades of the 1980s and 1990s, 'Lee Baxandall's World Guide to Nude Beaches and Resorts' was the standard companion for those seeking information on naturist destinations throughout the world. Each edition of the World Guide reflected Lee's naturist philosophy, not only for growing numbers of naturists, but also for the benefit of an expanding mainstream audience. Baxandall's World Guide is the inspiration for 'The World's Best Nude Beaches and Resorts,' a recent TNS publication that carries on the tradition.
In 2002, recognizing the inevitable effect of his declining health, Baxandall transferred ownership of The Naturist Society to a carefully selected handful of longtime associates. TNS is necessarily a dynamic organization that responds to the changing needs of its members. Nevertheless, owners Nicky Hoffman Lee and Margaret Thornton have remained remarkably faithful to the vision of Lee Baxandall.
DETAILS AND ARRANGMENTS
Arrangements are pending. Lee's family has not yet announced details. More complete obituaries will, of course, appear in N magazine and in The Newsletter. The Naturist Action Committee will distribute further information in the form of NAC Updates, as details become available.
The directors of the Naturist Action Committee and the Naturist Education Foundation join with the ownership and staff of The Naturist Society in marking, with respect and appreciation, the passing of an exceptional individual.
"Body acceptance is the idea. Nude recreation is the way."
- Lee R. Baxandall (1935-2008)
Naturally,
Bob Morton
Executive Director
Naturist Action Committee
---------------------------------------------------------------
Naturist Action Committee (NAC) - PO Box 132, Oshkosh, WI 54903
Executive Director Bob Morton - execdir@naturistaction.org
Naturist Society: Nicky Hoffman Lee nickyh@naturistsociety.com
Online Rep. Dennis Kirkpatrick - naturist@sunclad.com
---------------------------------------------------------------
Friday, November 14, 2008
Great news from Seattle
Got this note from NAC today. Certainly good news for us all.
**************************************************************
NATURIST ACTION COMMITTEE
UPDATE
*************************************************************
*************************************************************
Copyright 2008 by the Naturist Action Committee, which is responsible
for its content. Permission is granted for the posting, forwarding or
redistribution of this message, provided that it is reproduced in its
entirety and without alteration.
DATE : November 14, 2008
SUBJECT: Seattle, WA
TO : All naturists
Dear Naturist,
Very good news! The Naturist Action Committee offers this Update concerning a proposed ban on nudity in the public parks of Seattle, Washington. The Board of Parks Commissioners received the proposal at its regularly scheduled meeting on Thursday, November 13.
The Board has rejected the anti-nudity proposal. The matter has been removed from the Board's agenda for future meetings.
NAC board member Mark Storey attended the meeting, and he addressed the Commissioners on behalf of naturists and others who oppose the proposed prohibiting of nudity.
MARK STOREY'S REPORT
Mark has filed this narrative report:
The Seattle Parks Board of Commissioners met Thursday evening in Seattle's Park Headquarters, in part, to receive a staff-generated proposal for a ban on nudity in Seattle parks. Approximately 20 nudity-friendly men and women attended the meeting, hoping to express their disfavor with the ban proposed by Seattle Parks. After preliminary discussion by Parks Superintendent Tim Gallagher, board Vice Chair Jackie Ramels informed the audience that no public input would be accepted that evening on the topic of the proposed ban, and that everyone would have an opportunity to speak his or her mind on January 8 when the board had scheduled a public hearing for the ban.
Naturists in the audience were disappointed, but I had heard about this policy shortly before the meeting, and signed up to speak anyway. When Ramels asked if I was hoping to speak about nudity, I said, "No, I had no wish to address the proposed ban. I instead wished to praise the board for the Seattle Parks Strategic Action Plan Summary of Public Feedback that I had received that day. Gallagher laughed, and waved me up to the podium, saying, "Bring him up here!"
The only person to speak from the audience, I thanked the Parks Department for organizing such an efficient means of receiving public input a couple of months ago, when they wanted to hear what users of Seattle parks wanted done in the upcoming five years. I said that my wife and I had attended two of the meetings, and were impressed with how well they were run. I was also impressed with the detail of the report, and how among those expressing interest in off-leash dog areas, swimming pools, green spaces, and other public uses, the one item of interest that outranked all of them was the amazing outpouring of interest in developing a clothing-optional beach at a Seattle Park. Where other requests came in batches of two or a half dozen, the number of comments favoring clothing-optional beaches stretched across 22 pages! I did not remind them that NAC had sent out an Action Alert six months ago, and that many of the comments may have been inspired by NAC. I wanted the board to have clear in their minds in the minutes to come that there were many, many people in Seattle who liked the idea of at least some toleration for nudity in public parks.
I concluded my two-minute address by saying that NAC and local groups looked forward to conferring with Seattle Parks in determining how best to accommodate this broad-ranging user group. I could not tell if the board was amused or not, but Ramels asked the next couple of potential speakers if they too planned on talking about "the Strategic Plan." All seemed ready to let the board hear from Seattle Parks, and changing the agenda to account for the audience's clear interest in nudity issues, move directly to the proposal.
Seattle Parks Strategic Advisor Karen Tsao presented the proposal for the ban, sounding a little nervous, but graciously sympathetic to those naturists sitting around her. The board immediately, though calmly, questioned the need for such a ban. Were there really so many complaints about nudity? And what about all those people who seem to enjoy it? Couldn't Seattle Parks accommodate skinny-dippers by providing a designated portion of beach with signs alerting passersby to the clothing-optional policy there?
Some on the board wished to hear from the public in coming weeks, to hear why so many people clearly wanted a clothing-optional beach. They also wanted to hear why some felt offended. Ramels moved, however, that the board reject the ban for now, to urge Seattle Parks to continue to give use permits as they have in the past (e.g., to naturist groups or for naked bike rides), and to limit future permits to groups who allowed problems to arise or who generated too many complaints. She-and most of the board-felt that a case by case approach to specific groups was better than an overarching ban on nudity in city parks.
Board member Terry Holme made the point that there is a clear distinction between the evening's proposed ban and the loud call for a clothing-optional beach. While he agreed that the ban was ill-advised at the moment, Seattle Parks should also be open to discussion about accommodating those who wish to sunbathe or skinny-dip in Seattle.
This was outstanding! NAC and its body-accepting friends entered this meeting fearing Seattle Parks would ban nudity, and we walked out with the Parks Board saying "no" to the ban and charging Seattle Parks to enter into discussion about creating the state's first officially sanctioned nude beach!
Be assured that NAC and its local allies will be presenting naturist-friendly alternatives to Seattle Parks in the days and weeks to come. In a follow-up NAC Advisory we'll let people know how they can send emails or letters to Seattle Parks to support this effort, even with the cancellation of the now no longer needed January 8 public hearing. For tonight, know that your amazing response to NAC Alerts calling for comments on Seattle Parks' Strategic Plan and for attendance at tonight's meeting has paid off better than in any single project I've
been involved with.
MORE INFORMATION AND RESOURCES
Additional information and links are available, along with this NAC informational update on the web site of the Naturist Action Committee. Go to: http://www.naturistaction.org and then select "Updates" to find this NAC Update under Current Updates. NAC will distribute new information on this important situation as it develops.
PLEASE HELP NAC TO CONTINUE HELPING NATURISTS!
The Naturist Action Committee is a volunteer nonprofit organization that exists to advance and protect the rights of naturists throughout North America. To do its job, NAC relies entirely on the voluntary generosity of supporters like you. Please donate generously to NAC.
NAC
PO Box 132
Oshkosh, WI 54903
Or call toll free (800) 886-7230 to donate by phone using your MasterCard, Visa or Discover Card. Or use your credit card to make a convenient online donation: http://www.naturistaction.org/donate/
Thank you for choosing to make a difference.
Naturally,
Bob Morton
Executive Director
Naturist Action Committee
---------------------------------------------------------------
Naturist Action Committee (NAC) - PO Box 132, Oshkosh, WI 54903
Executive Director Bob Morton - execdir@naturistaction.org
Board Member Mark Storey - storey98@aol.com
Online Rep. Dennis Kirkpatrick - naturist@sunclad.com
---------------------------------------------------------------
Thursday, November 13, 2008
NAC Alert - Vermont
**********************************************************************
NATURIST ACTION COMMITTEE ADVISORY
**********************************************************************
**********************************************************************
Copyright 2008 by the Naturist Action Committee, which is responsible
for its content. Permission is granted for the posting, forwarding or
redistribution of this message, provided that it is reproduced in its
entirety and without alteration.
DATE : November 12, 2008
SUBJECT: Lake Willoughby, Westmore, VT
TO : All Naturists
Dear Naturist,
This is an Advisory from the Naturist Action Committee concerning Lake Willoughby, which is located in the town of Westmore, Vermont, and lies within the Willoughby State Forest.
BRIEF HISTORY AND DISCUSSION
During this past year, a clothing-optional beach on Lake Willoughby in Westmore, VT, was threatened by a petition to ban nudity in that town. The Westmore Selectboard held two moderated public hearings on the issue before choosing to table the issue indefinitely.
After the matter appeared to be settled, one of the three members of the Selectboard resigned due to health reasons. The Westmore resident who had petitioned the Selectboard in January to ban nudity in the town began a campaign for election to the vacant seat, but he was defeated by a substantial margin at a town meeting on September 4.
Members of the local naturist group, Friends of Willoughby Southwest Cove (FOW), were vigorous opponents of the proposal to ban nudity. Several of the Westmore residents who had initiated and supported the petition to ban nudity subsequently targeted a particularly visible member of Friends of Willoughby by lodging a complaint in July with the Vermont Department of Forest and Parks (FPR) and claiming environmental damage to the clothing-optional beach area. At the end of August, FPR sent letters to the FOW President and another member ordering them to appear at a meeting with FPR officials on September 18, 2008, to discuss the alleged environmental "crime."
Although the meeting was not portrayed as a direct threat to the beach, NAC has determined that it may be retribution for opposition to the anti-nudity ordinance, and/or an attempt to intimidate FOW members, detering them from taking part in grassroots activism to protect the clothing-optional status of the beach. To represent the two FOW members, as well as the interests of naturists, NAC carefully identified, interviewed and retained a well qualified local attorney.
The attorney contacted FPR and requested information concerning the case. FPR suddenly postponed the meeting, saying that it required more time to compile the necessary information. FPR has since sent documentation to the attorney and has rescheduled the meeting for mid-November.
WHAT IS NAC DOING?
NAC board member Virginia Schnee has supported Friends of Willoughby SWC by providing guidance at their monthly meetings and taking part in their meetings with legal counsel. Since March 2008, NAC has been working closely with Friends of Willoughby SWC, who will continue to spearhead the local effort to oppose any future anti-nudity ordinance in the town of Westmore, VT.
The Naturist Action Committee has retained an attorney to protect the rights of Friends of Willoughby SWC members for the matter involving the Vermont Department of Forests, Parks, and Recreation.
WHAT IS NAC ASKING YOU TO DO?
This is an advisory. NAC is asking that you DO NOT take action at this time. Participation from naturists outside of Westmore and the surrounding Vermont towns, no matter how well intentioned, could possibly jeopardize the carefully organized local efforts of NAC and Friends of Willoughby.
MORE INFORMATION AND RESOURCES
Additional information and links are available, along with this NAC Action Alert on the web site of the Naturist Action Committee. Go to: http://www.naturistaction.org and then select "Alerts" to find this NAC Action Alert under Current Alerts.
PLEASE HELP NAC TO CONTINUE HELPING NATURISTS!
The Naturist Action Committee is a volunteer nonprofit organization that exists to advance and protect the rights of naturists throughout North America. Legal representation is sometimes necessary, but it's expensive. To do its job, NAC relies entirely on the voluntary generosity of supporters like you. Please donate generously to NAC.
NAC
PO Box 132
Oshkosh, WI 54903
Or call toll free (800) 886-7230 to donate by phone using your MasterCard, Visa or Discover Card. Or use your credit card to make a convenient online donation: http://www.naturistaction.org/donate/
Thank you for choosing to make a difference.
Naturally,
Virginia Schnee
Board Member
Naturist Action Committee
---------------------------------------------------------------
Naturist Action Committee (NAC) - PO Box 132, Oshkosh, WI 54903
Executive Director Bob Morton - execdir@naturistaction.org
Board Member Virginia Schnee - virginia@schnee.com
Online Rep. Dennis Kirkpatrick - naturist@sunclad.com
---------------------------------------------------------------
NAC Alert - Seattle Washington
**********************************************************************
NATURIST ACTION COMMITTEE
ACTION ALERT
**********************************************************************
**********************************************************************
*Copyright 2008 by the Naturist Action Committee, which is responsible
for its content. Permission is granted for the posting, forwarding or
redistribution of this message, provided that it is reproduced in its
entirety and without alteration.
DATE : November 12, 2008
SUBJECT: Seattle, WA
TO : Seattle area naturists
Dear Naturist,
The Naturist Action Committee wishes to make you aware of an important situation in Seattle, Washington. The Seattle Parks and Recreation Department's Board of Park Commissioners will be presented on Thursday evening with a staff-prepared proposal that would prohibit nudity in any public park or park facility open to the public. Seattle presently has no such rule, and a rich tradition of clothing-optional use has quietly developed at parks in the city.
WHEN
November 13, 2008
7:00 PM PST
WHERE
Board of Park Commissioners
100 Dexter Avenue N
Seattle, WA 98109
WHAT IS NAC DOING?
NAC board member Mark Storey will be at the meeting, along with others from the Seattle area who oppose the proposed park rule. The Naturist Action Committee has already given a number of local media interviews on this issue.
WHAT IS NAC ASKING YOU TO DO NOW?
If you live in the Seattle area, NAC is asking you to attend the meeting on Thursday evening. Each of those who attend will have an opportunity to speak briefly (2 minutes). This is very short notice, but the information was made available to the public only late Wednesday.
If you speak, NAC suggests that you focus on Parks & Rec's own Strategic Action Plan. Comments solicited from citizens during the recent development of that Plan overwhelmingly asked for the inclusion of clothing-optional areas in public parks. The proposed rule simply ignores the voices of those citizens.
YOU WILL HAVE ANOTHER CHANCE TO ACT
A formal public hearing for the proposed ban on nudity has been scheduled for January 8, 2009. You will have another chance to act. Please watch for additional NAC Action Alerts, Advisories and Updates on this important topic.
MORE INFORMATION AND RESOURCES
Additional information and links are available, along with this NAC Action Alert on the web site of the Naturist Action Committee. Go to: http://www.naturistaction.org/ and then select "Alerts" to find this NAC Action Alert under Current Alerts.
PLEASE HELP NAC TO CONTINUE HELPING NATURISTS!
The Naturist Action Committee is a volunteer nonprofit organization that exists to advance and protect the rights of naturists throughout North America. To do its job, NAC relies entirely on the voluntary generosity of supporters like you. Please donate generously to NAC.
NAC
PO Box 132
Oshkosh, WI 54903
Or call toll free (800) 886-7230 to donate by phone using your MasterCard, Visa or Discover Card. Or use your credit card to make a convenient online donation: http://www.naturistaction.org/donate/
Thank you for choosing to make a difference.
Naturally,
Mark Storey
Board Member
Naturist Action Committee
---------------------------------------------------------------
Naturist Action Committee (NAC) - PO Box 132, Oshkosh, WI 54903
Executive Director Bob Morton - execdir@naturistaction.org
Board Member Mark Storey - storey98@aol.com
Online Rep. Dennis Kirkpatrick - naturist@sunclad.com
-------------------------------------------------------------
Thursday, August 28, 2008
NAC Update on San Onofre, California
**************************************************************
NATURIST ACTION COMMITTEE
UPDATE
*************************************************************
*************************************************************
Copyright 2008 by the Naturist Action Committee, which is
responsible for its content. Permission is granted for the
posting, forwarding or redistribution of this message,
provided that it is reproduced in its entirety and without
alteration.
DATE : August 27, 2008
SUBJECT: NAC wins San Onofre lawsuit!
TO : Naturists and other concerned citizens
Dear Naturist,
The Naturist Action Committee is pleased to make you aware of an important new development in the battle to preserve a portion of San Onofre State Beach for clothing-optional use.
A California Superior Court has ruled today in favor of the Naturist Action Committee (NAC) in its lawsuit against the California Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR). DPR had attempted earlier this year to bypass state law regarding changes to public regulations, as it moved precipitously to end the traditional clothing-optional use of a small portion of San Onofre State Beach in San Diego County.
In May, DPR announced its intent to begin citing beachgoers for nudity at San Onofre, a site that has been used by skinny-dippers and nude sunbathers for decades. DPR's most recent timetable called for citations to be issued after Labor Day. However, in today's ruling, the court declared, "Dept of Parks must comply with the provisions of the California Administrative Procedures Act before it makes any changes in its enforcement."
Further, the Court said, "until the administrative process is completed, Parks shall maintain the status quo, and enforce the Cahill Policy as it has done since its issuance and subsequent interpretation by the Harrison letter, at Trail 6 in San Onofre State Beach."
NAC filed the lawsuit in July as a result of the Department's recent attempt to put an abrupt end to traditional clothing-optional use at San Onofre State Beach. Specifically, DPR had attempted local recision of its own long-standing policy of managing clothing-optional usage in State Parks. That policy, issued in 1979 by then-DPR Director Russell Cahill, set out a procedure for management of clothing-optional portions of State Parks. The regulation not only addresses nudity in State Parks, but also allows for designation for clothing-optional areas.
The Cahill Policy, as it became known, was cited as Park Department policy in a California Superior Court case (People v. Bost, 1988) and was affirmed in 1988 as the operational administrative procedure for California State Parks in a letter written by then-DPR Deputy Director Jack Harrison.
The California Department of Parks and Recreation had argued recently that the Cahill Policy does not constitute a public regulation, and that DPR's sudden attempt to change public policy without public input was immune from the requirements of the State's Administrative Procedures Act.
The ruling in NAC's lawsuit was issued today, Wednesday, August 27, 2008, by Judge Sheila Fell of the California Superior Court for Orange County. The Court declared that "the Cahill Policy, as interpreted by the Harrison letter, is a regulation."
Represented by attorney Elva Kopacz, the Naturist Action Committee maintained in its lawsuit that in abrogating the Cahill Policy, the Department of Parks and Recreation had violated the state's Administrative Procedures Act. The APA requires state agencies to go through prescribed procedures, including public hearings, before making changes to regulations or public policies that have the force of regulations. The DPR did none of those things and had claimed to be immune from the requirement.
Joining NAC as petitioners are Friends of San Onofre Beach (the local TNS-affiliated naturist group), as well as individual beach users Allen Baylis and Gerda Hayes.
MORE INFORMATION
Details of this situation and specifics of the Cahill Policy and associated documents may be found on the Web page: www.naturistaction.org/sanonofre
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?
The Naturist Action Committee is in this for the long haul. Today's win is gratifying, but no one should imagine that California's Department of Park and Recreation will simply go away. NAC filed its lawsuit only after its attempts to negotiate with DPR had been rebuffed. Looking forward, NAC will renew, in good faith, its offer to negotiate.
DPR may choose to proceed with its attempt to ban nudity at San Onofre. If the Department follows the law, there will be public hearings on the matter and other opportunities for the public to be heard. You can count on NAC to make you aware of those developments.
Meanwhile, the Court has said that DPR must operate the Trail 6 area at San Onofre State Beach as it did before it attempted to ban clothing-optional use there.
NAC says: Enjoy the beach!
WHAT IS NAC ASKING YOU TO DO?
This is a NAC Update. No additional letters to DPR Director Coleman are being sought at this time. However, NAC does request that you:
1) Stay informed. NAC will continue to issue Action Alerts,
Advisories and Updates on this issue as circumstances
require. Look for them.
2) Keep going to the beach at San Onofre, and keep using
it in the traditional clothing-optional manner.
CA Parks is attempting to intimidate beachgoers into
simply evaporating. We must NOT allow that to happen!
3) Respect the beach. DPR has attempted to characterize
the beach at San Onofre as place that accommodates
illicit sex. Please stand up for proper clothing-optional
beach etiquette!
4) If you are approached by a ranger on the beach or in the
parking area at San Onofre, make a detailed note of the
encounter, including the date, the time, the ranger's
name and what was said. E-mail your account to:
sanonofre@naturistaction.org
Do not be combative or confrontational, but you may make it quite clear that you are taking notes.
MORE INFORMATION AND RESOURCES
Additional information and links are available, along with this NAC Update on the web site of the Naturist Action Committee.
PLEASE HELP NAC TO CONTINUE HELPING NATURISTS!
NAC is committed to the defense of traditional clothing-optional use of public land. NAC does not hesitate to hire lawyers and lobbyists when it's necessary, but that can be very expensive. NAC does not have a membership roster on which it can simply assess dues. NAC relies entirely on the voluntary support of people like YOU.
Won't you please send a generous donation to:
NAC
PO Box 132
Oshkosh, WI 54903
Or call toll free (800) 886-7230 (8AM-4PM, Central Time, weekdays) to donate by phone using your MasterCard, Visa or Discover Card. Or use your credit card to make a convenient online donation: http://www.naturistaction.org/donate/
Thank you for choosing to make a difference.
Naturally,
Allen Baylis
Board Member
Naturist Action Committee
---------------------------------------------------------------
Naturist Action Committee (NAC) - PO Box 132, Oshkosh, WI 54903
Executive Dir. Bob Morton - execdir@naturistaction.org
Board Member Allen Baylis - rab@baylislaw.com
Online Rep. Dennis Kirkpatrick - naturist@sunclad.com
---------------------------------------------------------------
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
NAC Advisory for 20 August 2008
************************************************************************
NATURIST ACTION COMMITTEE
UPDATE
************************************************************************
************************************************************************
Copyright 2008 by the Naturist Action Committee, which is responsible
for its content. Permission is granted for the posting, forwarding or
redistribution of this message, provided that it is reproduced in its
entirety and without alteration.
DATE : August 20, 2008
SUBJECT : Judge postpones ruling in NAC's San Onofre lawsuit
TO : Naturists and other concerned citizens
Dear Naturist,
The Naturist Action Committee wishes to update you briefly concerning an intermediate step in the battle to preserve a portion of San Onofre State Beach for clothing-optional use.
As many of you are aware, today is the day a California Superior Court had designated for issuing a ruling in the lawsuit the Naturist Action Committee (NAC) has filed against the California Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR). Earlier this year, DPR had attempted to bypass state law regarding changes to public regulations, as it moved to end the traditional clothing-optional use of a small portion of San Onofre State Beach in San Diego County.
NAC sued, seeking to force DPR to follow state law.
A tentative ruling by the Court favored NAC, but following the presentation of oral arguments, Judge Sheila Fell said she would withhold a final ruling while she considers the issue further.
Joining NAC as petitioners are Friends of San Onofre Beach (the local TNS-affiliated naturist group), as well as individual beach users Allen Baylis and Gerda Hayes.
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?
The Naturist Action Committee expects a final ruling within a matter of a few days. This delay must not be taken as an indication that we won't ultimately win. It's a reflection of the seriousness with which the judge views this matter.
WHAT IS NAC ASKING YOU TO DO?
This is a NAC Update. NAC is not asking for your action at this time.
MORE INFORMATION AND RESOURCES
Additional information and links are available, along with this NAC
Update on the web site of the Naturist Action Committee.
PLEASE HELP NAC TO CONTINUE HELPING NATURISTS!
NAC is committed to the defense of traditional clothing-optional use of public land. NAC does not hesitate to hire lawyers and lobbyists when it's necessary, but that can be very expensive. NAC does not have a membership roster on which it can simply assess dues. NAC relies entirely on the voluntary support of people like YOU.
Won't you please send a generous donation to:
NAC
PO Box 132
Oshkosh, WI 54903
Or call toll free (800) 886-7230 (8AM-4PM, Central Time, weekdays) to donate by phone using your MasterCard, Visa or Discover Card. Or use your credit card to make a convenient online donation: http://www.naturistaction.org/donate/
Thank you for choosing to make a difference.
Naturally,
Bob Morton
Executive Director
Naturist Action Committee
---------------------------------------------------------------
Naturist Action Committee (NAC) - PO Box 132, Oshkosh, WI 54903
Executive Dir. Bob Morton - execdir@naturistaction.org
Board Member Allen Baylis - rab@baylislaw.com
Online Rep. Dennis Kirkpatrick - naturist@sunclad.com
---------------------------------------------------------------
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Sorry, been very busy
Well, I apologize for this blog being a bit bare (pardon the pun), but its been a busy time. I've had some personal issues that have taken just about all of my spare time, and have not had time to update this blog.
On a personal note, I've been able to go to more nude functions in the last few months. I belong to a group called "The Sunbirds" www.sunbirds.org, a group based in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. We have parties every week or so at members homes, and enjoy swimming, eating, and visiting... all sans clothing, of course.
There are many great places and groups all over the US, Canada, and even Mexico where you can experience naturist opportunities. Visit our links page to find out more: www.codigest.org/links
John
On a personal note, I've been able to go to more nude functions in the last few months. I belong to a group called "The Sunbirds" www.sunbirds.org, a group based in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. We have parties every week or so at members homes, and enjoy swimming, eating, and visiting... all sans clothing, of course.
There are many great places and groups all over the US, Canada, and even Mexico where you can experience naturist opportunities. Visit our links page to find out more: www.codigest.org/links
John
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
NAC Update on San Onofre, California
***********************************************************************
NATURIST ACTION COMMITTEE
UPDATE
**********************************************************************
***********************************************************************
Copyright 2008 by the Naturist Action Committee, which is responsible
for its content. Permission is granted for the posting, forwarding or
redistribution of this message, provided that it is reproduced in its
entirety and without alteration.
DATE : June 1, 2008
SUBJECT: California: San Onofre State Beach
TO : Naturists and other concerned citizens
Dear Naturist,
This is an Update from the Naturist Action Committee. NAC is making you aware of recent developments, favorable and unfavorable, that are part of a serious threat in the state of California.
A VERY BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE SITUATION
As detailed in the NAC Action Alert of May 21, 2008, Ruth Coleman, Director of California's Department of Parks and Recreation, has abruptly terminated the Department's application of the Cahill Policy to clothing-optional portions of San Onofre State Beach in San Diego County. The Cahill Policy has been used successfully for decades as a management tool for clothing-optional areas within California State Parks.
The specious justification being given by CA Parks for the selective revocation of Cahill at San Onofre State Beach is that doing so will eliminate illicit sexual activity that occurs primarily on an adjacent military beach. The recision of the Cahill Policy would pave the way for park rangers to issue citations for simple nudity on the State Beach under Title 14, Section 4322 of the California Code of Regulations.
For a more detailed history of the situation and specifics of the Cahill Policy, please refer to the NAC Action Alert of May 21. You will find it on NAC's Web page: www.naturistaction.org Look under "ALERTS."
NAC THANKS YOU FOR WHAT YOU'VE BEEN DOING!!
In its NAC Action Alert of May 21, the Naturist Action Committee asked for your specific action in sending correspondence to CA Parks Director Ruth Coleman, opposing the revocation of the Cahill Policy at San Onofre. Your response has been overwhelming. Thank you!
Many hundreds of you have copied NAC on your correspondence. The quality and thoughtfulness of what you've written is gratifying. And the volume has been impressive. Director Coleman's office in Sacramento reports a significantly "increased work load" as a direct result of your letters, faxes and e-mails.
IMPORTANT: CONTINUE CONTACTING THE CA PARKS DIRECTOR
If you have not yet contacted the CA Parks Director, it's not too late. We won't repeat the full details here, but you can find information on contacting the Director (and suggestions for what to say) in the NAC Action Alert of May 21, 2008. You will find the Alert on NAC's Web page: www.naturistaction.org. Look under "ALERTS."
WHAT HAS NAC BEEN DOING?
The Naturist Action Committee took swift action at the onset of this situation and is continuing that action.
1) NAC has submitted to CA Parks a formal request for an
administrative stay on implementation of this abrupt change
in policy.
2) NAC has made multiple Public Records requests for documents
pertaining to this situation and the administrative action
surrounding it.
3) NAC has retained a specialized lobbyist to assist and advise
in the area of regulatory procedure.
4) NAC has retained an attorney specifically for this matter
and has begun the process that will ultimately result in
civil action against the State of California and the
Department of Parks and Recreation.
5) NAC continues working closely with Friends of San Onofre
Beach, the local user group. Together, NAC and FOSOB
staged a rally at the beach on May 24. Together, NAC
and FOSOB met face-to-face with CA Parks officials on
May 29.
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?
Rangers had been told to begin "educating" beachgoers, starting June 1. The initiation of that exercise has been delayed by the insignificant period of a day. The issuing of citations for nudity in the traditional clothing-optional area was initially set to follow after 30 days. Now, CA Parks has delayed that action to commence after Labor Day.
Of course, neither of these is a meaningful or acceptable response to the concerns of naturists.
WHAT IS NAC ASKING YOU TO DO?
1) Stay informed. NAC will continue to issue Action Alerts,
Advisories and Updates on this issue as circumstances
require. Look for them.
2) If you haven't already done so, write to the Director of
the California Department of Parks & Recreation.
It's not too late.
3) *THIS IS IMPORTANT!* Keep going to the beach at San Onofre,
and keep using it in the traditional clothing-optional
manner. CA Parks is attempting to intimidate beachgoers
into simply evaporating. We must NOT allow that to happen!
4) If you are approached by a ranger on the beach or in the
parking area, make a detailed note of the encounter,
including the date, the time, the ranger's name and what
was said. E-mail your account to:
sanonofre@naturistaction.org
Do not be combative or confrontational, but you may make
it quite clear that you are taking notes.
MORE INFORMATION AND RESOURCES
Additional information and links are available, along with this NAC Update on the web site of the Naturist Action Committee.
Select "Alerts" and find this NAC Update under Current Updates.
PLEASE HELP NAC TO CONTINUE HELPING NATURISTS!
NAC is committed to the defense of traditional clothing-optional use of public land. Not surprisingly, hiring lawyers and lobbyists is a very expensive part of such a necessary defense. NAC does not have a membership roster on which it can assess dues. NAC relies entirely on the voluntary support of people like YOU.
Won't you please send a generous donation to:
NAC
PO Box 132
Oshkosh, WI 54903
Or call toll free (800) 886-7230 (8AM-5PM weekdays) to donate by phone using your MasterCard, Visa or Discover Card. Or use your credit card to make a convenient online donation: http://www.naturistaction.org/donate/
Thank you for choosing to make a difference.
Naturally,
Allen Baylis
Board Member
Naturist Action Committee
---------------------------------------------------------------
Naturist Action Committee (NAC) - PO Box 132, Oshkosh, WI 54903
Executive Dir. Bob Morton - execdir@naturistaction.org
Board Member Allen Baylis - rab@baylislaw.com
Online Rep. Dennis Kirkpatrick - naturist@sunclad.com
---------------------------------------------------------------
Friday, May 23, 2008
NAC Action Alert for Michigan
********************************************************************
NATURIST ACTION COMMITTEE
ACTION ALERT
********************************************************************
********************************************************************
Copyright 2008 by the Naturist Action Committee, which is responsible
for its content. Permission is granted for the posting, forwarding or
redistribution of this message, provided that it is reproduced in its
entirety and without alteration.
DATE : May 22, 2008
SUBJECT: Michigan: Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
TO : Naturists and other concerned citizens
Dear Naturist,
This is an Action Alert from the Naturist Action Committee. NAC is encouraging your participation in a proactive opportunity at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Seashore in northern Michigan.
The National Park Service (NPS) is considering the future of Sleeping Bear Dunes and is presently developing a revised General Management Plan, Wilderness Study and Environmental Impact Statement that will guide the unit for the next 20 years. There is a long history of responsible clothing-optional recreation within the 71,000+ acres of the National Lakeshore at traditional locations like Otter Creek. The interests of naturists deserve to be reflected in whatever long-term planning is adopted.
NAC URGES YOU TO COMMENT ON THE DRAFT MANAGEMENT PLAN
The Park Service is requesting comments on the five alternative plans it is considering. NAC is asking you to read the proposals and submit a comment to NPS.
You will find convenient clickable links to these documents under the ALERTS tab on the NAC Web page: www.naturistaction.org
The entire document is available online. As you might expect for a 20-year plan, it's somewhat detailed and large. It's divided into multiple parts in PDF format.
For a quick, condensed and less detailed comparison of the proposed alternatives, a summary with charts is available.
The electronic comment form is available online. Or you may send your comments on paper to:
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
9922 Front Street
Empire, MI 49630
The deadline for submitting comments in any format is 11:59 PM MST on June 13, 2008.
WHO SHOULD SEND COMMENTS?
NAC encourages ALL NATURISTS to submit comments, regardless of your geographical residence. As a unit of the National Park Service, Sleeping Bear Dunes is a federal facility that relies on the support of U.S. taxpayers.
WHICH ALTERNATIVE DOES NAC RECOMMEND?
Naturist Action Committee board member Kath Rooney recently visited Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore and met with Assistant Superintendent Tom Ulrich. Park management recommends the "Preferred Alternative." That's also the choice that Kath recommends.
The Preferred Alternative includes modest parking improvements for Esch Beach. The traditional clothing-optional area is accessed from this beach.
THINGS TO INCLUDE IN YOUR COMMENTS
Regardless of the specific alternative you may favor, it is very important that naturists make their recreational preferences known in their comments. The Naturist Action Committee offers these suggestions:
1) Be polite and positive. Let's make good use of this
proactive opportunity.
2) Identify yourself. Give your name and address. Anonymous
comments are not accepted. You may ask NPS to keep your
identity confidential, but they cannot assure their compliance.
3) Stay focused. Keep your comments brief and pertinent.
This is not the proper forum for trying to convert Park
Service personnel to the joys of nude recreation or body
acceptance. This is an opportunity to make the point that
those who enjoy clothing-optional recreation are legitimate
users who deserve to have their recreational preferences
reflected and accommodated in any long-term plan.
4) Be clear. In your comments, say that you wish
clothing-optional recreation to be included in the General
Management Plan.
Additional talking / writing points:
a) Proper informational signage is an important tool in
managing FOR clothing-optional recreation. Signs help avoid
"user conflict," which is a term Park Service managers
recognize clearly.
b) Those who prefer clothing-optional areas are typically
low-impact users. They are respectful of the natural
environment because of their inherent close relationship
to it.
c) A recent public opinion poll shows that a majority of
Americans favor the setting aside of public lands for
clothing-optional recreation. (Source: 2006 NEF/Roper Poll,
commissioned by the Naturist Education Foundation and conducted
by the Roper polling organization.)
d) In that same poll, 74 percent of Americans believe that people
who enjoy nude sunbathing should be able to do so without
interference from local officials as long as they do so at a
beach that is accepted for that purpose.
2. ATTEND A PUBLIC MEETING
A series of three public meetings have been scheduled for presentation and discussion of the Draft Management Plan. If you can attend one of these meetings, you will make a significant additional impact on behalf of naturists. The points listed as sugestions for written comments are appropriate for delivery at these meetings, too.
Tuesday, June 3, 2008:
Platte River Elementary, 11434 Main, Honor, MI 49640
Wednesday, June 4, 2008:
Hagerty Center, NMC, 715 E. Front St., Traverse City, MI 49686
Thursday, June 5, 2008:
Glen Arbor Township Hall, 6394 W. Western Ave, Glen Arbor, MI 49636
The meeting formats and times (5:30-8:30 p.m.) for each meeting are
identical:
5:30-6:00 p.m. Open House
6:00-6:30 p.m. Formal Presentation
6:30-7:00 p.m. Question and Answer Period
7:00-8:30 p.m. Public Comments/Hearing
Naturist Action Committee board member Bill Schroer will be in attendance at the meeting on Tuesday, June 3, in Honor, Michigan. NAC Area Represntative Mart Groesser will be at the meeting on Wednesday, June 4, in Traverse City, Michigan. Join Bill or Mart - or choose the remaining meeting. The important thing is that naturists participate in this process.
MORE INFORMATION AND RESOURCES
Additional information and links are available, along with this NAC Action Alert on the web site of the Naturist Action Committee.
Select "Alerts" and find this NAC Action Alert under Current Alerts.
PLEASE HELP NAC TO CONTINUE HELPING NATURISTS!
The Naturist Action Committee is the volunteer nonprofit political adjunct to The Naturist Society. NAC exists to advance and protect the rights and interests of naturists throughout North America. The Sleeping Bear Dunes project is an excellent example of positive, proactive activism.
Working for clothing-optional recreational use of public land is expensive. To do its job, NAC relies entirely on the voluntary generosity of supporters like you.
After you've submitted your comments to the Parks Service, please take a moment to send a donation to:
NAC
PO Box 132
Oshkosh, WI 54903
Or call toll free (800) 886-7230 to donate by phone using your MasterCard, Visa or Discover Card. Or use your credit card to make a convenient online donation:
Thank you for choosing to make a difference.
Naturally,
Bill Schroer
Kath Rooney
Board Members
Naturist Action Committee
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Naturist Action Committee (NAC)- PO Box 132, Oshkosh, WI 54903
Executive Dir. Bob Morton - execdir@naturistaction.org
Board Member Bill Schroer - naturist18a@gmail.com
Board Member Kath Rooney - nakedvet@gmail.com
Online Rep. Dennis Kirkpatrick - naturist@sunclad.com
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
NAC Alert for San Onofre, California
****************************************************************
NATURIST ACTION COMMITTEE
ACTION ALERT
****************************************************************
****************************************************************
Copyright 2008 by the Naturist Action Committee, which is
responsible for its content. Permission is granted for the
posting, forwarding or redistribution of this message, provided
that it is reproduced in its entirety and without alteration.
DATE : May 21, 2008
SUBJECT: California: San Onofre State Beach
TO : Naturists and other concerned citizens
Dear Naturist,
This is an Action Alert from the Naturist Action Committee. NAC is asking for your immediate help in responding to a serious threat in the state of California.
NAC has learned that Ruth Coleman, Director of California's Department of Parks and Recreation, has abruptly revoked the application of the Department's Cahill Policy, as it applies to clothing-optional portions of San Onofre State Beach in San Diego County. Rangers have been told to begin "educating" beachgoers, starting June 1. The issuing of citations for nudity in the traditional clothing-optional area is to follow after 30 days.
IMPORTANT: NAC ASKS YOU TO CONTACT THE CA PARKS DIRECTOR
NAC urgently requests that you contact the Director of CA Parks to express your vigorous opposition to this disastrous change in policy. Detailed contact information is included below. However, so that your contact with the Director's office will have the greatest impact, please first take a couple of moments to learn about this situation.
THE CAHILL POLICY
Since 1979, the California Department of Parks and Recreation has operated under a policy put in place by then-DPR Director Russ Cahill. The policy came in the form of a memo issued to senior staff, explaining Cahill's decision not to designate clothing-optional areas in state parks. It also directed that citations for nudity in state parks would only be issued following a complaint and a failure to comply after a subsequent warning.
The policy has been in continuous effect since it was issued. It figured prominently in an important court case (California v. Bost) and was reaffirmed by CA Parks Deputy Director Jack Harrison in 1988.
Details of the Cahill memo, the Bost case and the Harrison letter are included on the NAC Web site, along with the text of California Code of Regulations, Title 14, Section 4322, which is the authority under which the Director proposes citing those who are nude at San Onofre.
WHY THE CHANGE NOW?
Naturists are always alert to the negative effect that illicit sexual activity can have on clothing-optional beaches. The regulars at many clothing-optional areas are quite effective at educating and discouraging those who would endanger the beach through sexual activities. At San Onofre, the problem has been diminished greatly in recent years, due in large part to those who really care about continued clothing-optional use of the beach.
The traditional clothing-optional beach at San Onofre is adjacent to Camp Pendleton, a Marine Corps training base. Although those who wander onto the military base are subject to arrest for trespass, the area is lightly patrolled. For those who seek sex in the open, the military beach has become the site of choice, and the razor wire field fencing at the property line has proved to be no obstacle. Naturists have shown reluctance to pursue the scofflaws onto the military base, and State Park Rangers have no authority there.
Recent retirements among those in the CA Parks management team responsible for San Onofre have brought replacements who are intolerant of clothing-optional recreation. Instead of encouraging and allowing the cooperation of naturists in policing illicit activity, Rich Haydon, the new manager who took over at the beginning of this month, has featured the nearby sexual activity in his reports, using it as an excuse to request permission to put an end to recreational nudity at the beach. Haydon has reportedly represented to his superiors that a majority of those who come to enjoy the clothing-optional beach are participants in illicit sex there.
The response from CA Parks headquarters in Sacramento was the revocation of the Cahill Policy as it applies to San Onofre. The Department is reportedly seeking to insulate itself from sexual harassment claims by park employees who have complained recently of a "sexually-charged atmosphere." That sort of complaint is customarily reserved for employer-employee or co-employee interaction, and it inappropriately ignores the fact that State Park rangers are peace officers with a duty to arrest those who engage in illicit activities.
IS IT ONLY SAN ONOFRE?
At the present time, only San Onofre State Beach is affected by this change in policy. The real possibility that the same thing may happen at other California state parks is, of course, an ominous specter.
WHAT IS NAC DOING?
The Naturist Action Committee recognizes the severity of this situation and has taken quick action.
1) NAC has submitted to CA Parks a formal request for an
administrative stay on implementation of this abrupt
change in policy.
2) NAC has made Public Records requests for documents pertaining
to this situation and the administrative action surrounding it.
3) NAC is retaining a lobbyist to assist and advise it in the
often-difficult area of regulatory procedure.
4) NAC has retained legal representation and has begun the process
that may ultimately result in civil action against the State of
California and the Department of Parks and Recreation.
5) From the onset of this situation, NAC has been working closely
with Friends of San Onofre Beach, the local user group. NAC and
FOSOB will be meeting with CA Parks officials this week on
this matter.
WHAT IS NAC ASKING YOU TO DO?
The Naturist Action Committee is asking you to contact the Director of CA Parks to express your concern and outrage over this turn of events. NAC is also asking you to attend a rally at San Onofre this coming Saturday.
1. CONTACT THE DIRECTOR
NAC is requesting ALL NATURISTS and other concerned individuals to contact the Director of Parks and Recreation, regardless of your place of residence. California understands the importance of out-of-state visitors who come to enjoy the state's beaches, lakes and streams. The change in policy applies to those visitors, as well as to California residents. While all are encouraged to make their voices heard, the participation of Californians is, of course, particularly important.
Send a letter, a fax or an e-mail, or make a phone call.
Director Ruth Coleman
Dept. of Parks and Recreation
1416 Ninth Street,
Sacramento, CA 95816
E-MAIL: director@parks.ca.gov
DIRECTOR'S OFFICE TELEPHONE: (916) 653-8380
DIRECTOR'S OFFICE FAX: (916) 657-3903
NAC encourages you to send copies of your faxes and paper mail to:
NAC, P.O. Box 132, Oshkosh, WI 54903.
Send copies of your e-mails to:
sanonofre@naturistaction.org
When you write or call:
a) Be polite. You have a right to be outraged, but you will
achieve nothing positive by name-calling or rudeness.
b) Be known. Give your name and address. If you are a California
resident or a frequent visitor to California, point that out.
c) Be focused. Keep your call or your correspondence brief
and on target.
d) Be clear. Say that you OPPOSE the revocation of the Cahill
Policy at San Onofre State Beach in San Diego County.
Additional talking / writing points:
a) The precipitous change to public policy was done without
public input. That's not an acceptable way to administer
public resources.
b) The so-called "solution" does not address the real problem.
c) A recent public opinion poll (the 2006 NEF/Roper Poll,
commissioned by the Naturist Education Foundation and conducted
by the Roper polling organization) shows that a majority of
Americans favor the setting aside of public lands for
clothing-optional recreation.
d) In that same poll, an impressive 74 percent of Americans
believe that people who enjoy nude sunbathing should be able
to do so without interference from local officials as long as
they do so at a beach that is accepted for that purpose.
e) Rangers and park managers must NOT confuse simple nudity with
lewd behavior. Rangers presently have the authority to stop lewd
activity, and that authority does not require the abrupt
discontinuation of a long-standing policy that has worked well
for years and years.
2. ATTEND A RALLY AT SAN ONOFRE BEACH ON SATURDAY, MAY 24
In close cooperation with Friends of San Onofre, NAC urges you to attend a rally at the beach on Saturday, May 24, 2008. Bring your own handmade signs to carry, if you wish. NAC will be providing a number of "Nude Beaches YES!" signs for participants.
This is an important event for those who are outraged at the Director's action and who believe San Onofre Beach is worth saving! If you're close enough to make it, please show up around 10 AM. Parking is limited.
MORE INFORMATION AND RESOURCES
Additional information and links are available, along with this NAC Action Alert on the web site of the Naturist Action Committee.
Select "Alerts" and find this NAC Action Alert under Current Alerts.
PLEASE HELP NAC TO CONTINUE HELPING NATURISTS!
The Naturist Action Committee is the volunteer nonprofit political adjunct to The Naturist Society. NAC exists to advance and protect the rights and interests of naturists throughout North America. Fighting for the clothing-optional recreational use of public land is expensive. To do its job, NAC relies entirely on the voluntary generosity of supporters like you.
After you've contacted the Director of CA Parks, please take a moment to send a donation to:
NAC
PO Box 132
Oshkosh, WI 54903
Or call toll free (800) 886-7230 to donate by phone using your MasterCard, Visa or Discover Card. Or use your credit card to make a convenient online donation: http://www.naturistaction.org/donate/
Thank you for choosing to make a difference.
Naturally,
Bob Morton
Executive Director
Naturist Action Committee
-----------------------------------------------------------
Naturist Action Committee (NAC)
- PO Box 132, Oshkosh, WI 54903
Executive Dir. Bob Morton - execdir@naturistaction.org
Board Member Allen Baylis - rab@baylislaw.com
Online Rep. Dennis Kirkpatrick - naturist@sunclad.com
-----------------------------------------------------------
Sunday, March 9, 2008
The Aging of Naturism - Part 2
So maybe I was wrong about my last post. We went to a roller skating party sponsored by our local naturist club, and there was a fairly young couple there. Now, the rest of us were 40+ and up, but at least there was one youthful couple there. It's a start.
We'll keep looking.
We'll keep looking.
Friday, February 29, 2008
The Aging of Naturism
Is there nobody young involved in naturism any more?
I just got the latest copy of "N" magazine, and on the cover is an older lady, greying hair. Inside are stories, and photos, mostly people in their upper 40s and up.
I remember the first copy of "N" I got, when it was "Clothed With the Sun". There was a 20-something woman on the front cover. Well, that was over 20 years ago, and it seems that the people we knew as naturists when we were in our 20s and 30s are the same ones still involved today.
There aren't any 20s and 30s involved. Or are there? We belong to a social group in our part of the country that meets at peoples homes (okay, a travel club). The group is in our age group. There are some upper 30's in the group, but most are, you guessed it, upper 40s and up.
We visited a few landed clubs last summer. No young couples there, just middle to upper ages.
Is it just our part of the world (we live in Texas)? Are there younger couples/singles going to Haulover? Blacks Beach? Wreck Beach? Sandy Hook?
What about places like Playa del Carmen in Mexico? Sorobon Beach in Bonaire, Orient in Sint Maarten?
Actually, I think I just answered my question. The 40s and up have money, and they don't want to sit at a rustic park anymore. They are willing to spend big bucks to go to resorts where they are able to relax in style.
So that means that the clubs we went to as younger couples are not our cup of tea anymore, and guess what, they are going out of business, or changing their tune.
Two landed clubs in our area closed. One has rebranded itself as an adult alternative camp. Another is going through some controversial growing pains, and one more is not sure what it is going to be. Crowds are down. The clubs have not kept up with the times.
Our generation is not content to just sit and sun. We want to have activities, whether its visiting with friends, having something to drink (we're talking adult beverages here), or even flirting.
We want fine dining. We want people in our social circles.
Are the days gone where a CEO and a grunt can sit naked in a hot tub as equals? (Something I witnessed back in the late 80s).
What bodes the future of Naturism?
I just got the latest copy of "N" magazine, and on the cover is an older lady, greying hair. Inside are stories, and photos, mostly people in their upper 40s and up.
I remember the first copy of "N" I got, when it was "Clothed With the Sun". There was a 20-something woman on the front cover. Well, that was over 20 years ago, and it seems that the people we knew as naturists when we were in our 20s and 30s are the same ones still involved today.
There aren't any 20s and 30s involved. Or are there? We belong to a social group in our part of the country that meets at peoples homes (okay, a travel club). The group is in our age group. There are some upper 30's in the group, but most are, you guessed it, upper 40s and up.
We visited a few landed clubs last summer. No young couples there, just middle to upper ages.
Is it just our part of the world (we live in Texas)? Are there younger couples/singles going to Haulover? Blacks Beach? Wreck Beach? Sandy Hook?
What about places like Playa del Carmen in Mexico? Sorobon Beach in Bonaire, Orient in Sint Maarten?
Actually, I think I just answered my question. The 40s and up have money, and they don't want to sit at a rustic park anymore. They are willing to spend big bucks to go to resorts where they are able to relax in style.
So that means that the clubs we went to as younger couples are not our cup of tea anymore, and guess what, they are going out of business, or changing their tune.
Two landed clubs in our area closed. One has rebranded itself as an adult alternative camp. Another is going through some controversial growing pains, and one more is not sure what it is going to be. Crowds are down. The clubs have not kept up with the times.
Our generation is not content to just sit and sun. We want to have activities, whether its visiting with friends, having something to drink (we're talking adult beverages here), or even flirting.
We want fine dining. We want people in our social circles.
Are the days gone where a CEO and a grunt can sit naked in a hot tub as equals? (Something I witnessed back in the late 80s).
What bodes the future of Naturism?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
