Commission delays volleyball court policy after large public outcry; returns Sept. 1

City staff presented a proposed volleyball court use policy intended to codify rules for public beach volleyball courts: define the challenge process, formalize a court liaison program, address unpermitted instruction and tournaments, and set standards for court personalization and commercial branding. Brian Souza told the commission staff is seeking guidance on code amendments and whether to permit private instruction or expand the outdoor fitness permit program into the residential zone.

Public comment filled the chamber. Court liaisons, stewards, club organizers and coaches urged deeper engagement with the volleyball community and warned that a rushed policy could damage local tradition and economic activity. Several stewards described extensive volunteer work maintaining courts and offered to help implement enforcement and education. Residents described noise, tents and early “claiming” of courts near homes and asked for fair enforcement. One resident warned that commercialization has outpaced local control, and another urged the city to adopt a tiered permit system rather than a blanket ban.

Commissioners debated enforcement, scope and outreach. Some expressed frustration that stakeholders had only received short notice; others argued the city needs clear, citable standards to address late-night events, commercial instructors and net-branding. Vice Chair suggested revisiting whether the municipal code’s “challenge” language remains appropriate. After extended discussion the commission voted 3–2 to continue the item to allow staff to reconvene the original subcommittee and gather the volleyball community and court liaisons for further work; the meeting was continued to Sept. 1.

Representative quotes from the meeting include: "We can't pass on this right now," said a local event organizer who called for more public process. Commissioner Barbara said in a tense exchange: "You do not own that beach," reinforcing that public facilities cannot become privately claimed. The stalled vote means staff will return with a revised engagement plan and more precise enforcement options before the commission forwards recommendations to council.