Summary

<p>The&nbsp;California Coastal Commission is taking steps to remove the beloved beach volleyball courts at Ventura Harbor. We urge the volleyball community and local recreation enthusiasts to join forces and help us preserve these courts for future generations.</p> <p>Thousands of male and female athletes between the ages of 10 and 21 have benefited from&nbsp;these courts in the past 10 years. Without the courts, there would be significantly less opportunities for young athletes, primarily young women, to pursue a future in beach volleyball. More than 30 schools, over 20 clubs, and thousands of young&nbsp;athletes, utilize this venue every year. Dozens of these local athletes have been recruited to play beach volleyball in college.&nbsp;</p> <p>Additionally, the venue has provided the general public with a venue for recreational play and activities. Most weekends, the courts are full of families, youth groups, and friends. With the amount of people who consistently visit this recreational space, local business have been allowed to thrive and will also be significantly impacted by the loss of foot traffic and visitors.</p> <p>There are also a number of annual fundraisers held at these courts to support important organizations. Including an annual event supporting hotshot firefighters and their families, and events to support local schools and youth programs.&nbsp;</p> <p>*It should be noted that the effort to remove this recreation space is limited to the Coastal Commission's regional staff level. The Coastal&nbsp;Commissioners themselves have not yet been informed about this overreach by the regional staff members. It is our hope that the Coastal Commissioners themselves will recognize the significantly destructive impact this would have on the Ventura community, businesses, youth, and culture as a whole.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p>