I am a native San Diegan and I’ve lived in Point Loma since 1942. I remember when Shelter Island was a sand bar and I’ve witnessed its growth and development since the early 1950s. My family and I have enjoyed the Island numerous ways: launching my boat, picnicking, enjoying the peace and tranquility and, since my retirement, walking there most every morning.
However, I am appalled at the motorhomes that are allowed to park and camp there overnight. Some owners are using the island as a place to store their motorhomes because they cannot, or will not, pay to park at their residence or a storage lot. I am aware of at least four units that have been parked on the street for four years.
Today, on a Tuesday, from 7:30 to 9 a.m., when my wife and I went for our walk, there were 22 RVs parked in the parking lots and 19 others on the streets in front of the hotels and restaurants. Many of these RVs have been here for months. It’s also much worse on the weekends, when people come and camp for the whole weekend, taking up much of the available parking areas and picnic tables.
I’ve talked with out-of-town hotel guests, who are not happy about paying a premium price to vacation on the island then having their views of the bay and the city blocked by the RVs parked on the street and parking lots. Why aren’t the hotels questioning the lack of enforcement regarding these violations?
These parking violations are not allowed on Harbor Island, Fiesta Island, Sunset Cliffs, La Jolla beaches and parts of Mission Bay. The San Diego Police Department and the Harbor Police have dual jurisdiction of Shelter Island, but neither department is enforcing the laws. All it would take to correct this situation would be signs posted stating “No overnight parking of RVs of any type” and then have this rule enforced.
Shelter Island is a wonderful place for the residents of this city as well as for the many tourists who come to San Diego and contribute to our economy, and we deserve to be able to enjoy it without countless RVs detracting from the beauty of the island.