The time is now to give these animals a voice and you are the people who can do this. As someone who loves animals, I have so enjoyed coming down to Casa Beach to have lunch and watch the harbor seals in the wild. I have such a hard time understanding why there are such selfish people who don’t care if they disturb them at pupping season and don’t want them there at all. There are few places left for these animals to haul out to rest, give birth or raise their young. We have taken over so much of the land or beaches where wild animals called home, and why there are people who can’t allow one beach for these wonderful animals is beyond my rational thinking. I personally believe the rope should stay up year-round and no one should be allowed on the beach at anytime during pupping season. We need to have some respect for the seals too. I would like to thank the City Council and Mayor [Jerry Sanders] for helping change the wording of the 1931 Tidelands Grant allowing the ability to make a marine mammal park. I hope you are able to create this sanctuary permanently that would allow everyone to enjoy watching these incredible animals without disturbing them. I would also like to thank Judge Taylor for his Nov. 13 ruling dismissing the O’Sullivan case and vacating the order to dredge the beach. That was a victory for not only the seals but for all of us who love these animals. The creation of the park rests in the hands of the City Council. Shared use must be re-examined as a policy due to the conflicts and disturbance to the seals. Let’s make this one beach the beach for the seals and finally end this conflict. I urge each of you to stand your ground with these ridiculous people and create Casa Beach Marine Mammal Park as a world-class tourist destination. This would benefit the city and the seals. I thank you for all your past efforts and now ask that you please represent the majority of your constituents and others of whom want the seals to be protected. This is your city and it is time for you to stand up for the animals who can’t stand up for themselves. — JoAnn Smith is a visitor and patron of La Jolla.