As the turf war continues between a group of Palos Verdes surfers and outsiders, officials moved to take down a favorite spot of the surfers.
Workers on Tuesday began demolishing two forts in Lunada Bay where the Bay Boys surfers allegedly drank and then harassed anyone who was not one of them.
"Some of the guys will throw stuff at you, threaten you, want to get in a fight with you," said Danny Klein, a surfer.
The surfers' behavior has triggered a federal lawsuit seeking an injunction against the Bay Boys, a reputed criminal street gang that has threatened and intimidated outsiders, sometimes with racial epithets.
A lawyer for the plaintiffs says that despite the demolition of the forts, the city has not done enough to make the beach safer, including stopping public drinking and putting up more signage.
Others say the harassment claims are exaggerated.
"I think it's being blown out of proportion, maybe out of some people who want to do a lawsuit," said Tom Kampas, a surfer.
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Tony Dahlerbruch, the Palos Verdes Estates city manager, said the city is "in the process of addressing" the lawsuit.
"Our police department remains committed to protecting the public safety of both residents and visitors," said Mayor Jennifer King, adding that police has followed up reports of bullying, violence and property damage.
But while the demolition of the fort may seem like a win for some, Klein believes the Bay Boys' behavior will continue.
"The structure's (the forts) not the problem," he said. "It's the fact they don't respect other people."
