Dockweiler Meet 2025

[Mike36]

I really liked this new spot, it was the perfect size for the turnout that was expected. Was also surprised that we had most of the lot to ourselves considering the last minute change. There was a nice view, food vendors, and perfect winter weather. I think it turned out great, thanks Kev!

[Chilezen]

Dang Kev, what happened with the other location?

Here's what happened the night before. Everything's normal, it's around 6:45pm, and I just get home from work. I checked my personal instagram, nothing unusual. Checked messages, my gf always sends me stuff. Then I had an inkling to check my message requests. I noticed it was in blue or whatever, there was something there. In there, I have a message from "lacobh". It represents "LA County Beaches | Permits and Enforcement". The message reads,

2025
To Whom It May Concern:

Notice to Cease and Desist for Operating without a Beach Use Permit

The Los Angeles County (County) Department of Beaches and Harbors (Department) has been made aware of your upcoming unpermitted event, "E30 Focused Meet, Dockweiler Meet 2025" at Dockweiler Beach on January 18, 2025. Please note that an advanced reservation and permit are required for organized events and activities on County-owned and operated beaches.
Specifically, a Beach Use Permit is required for the use of beach areas designated for the
organized activities referred to above.

Pursuant to Section 17.12.345.A of the County Code
Prior to holding an event or activity at a beach of the type described in this section a license or permit must first be obtained for the non-exclusive use of that beach. The events or activities covered by this requirement include those that involve:
1. An organized group or sponsored gathering…
2. Commercial and /or sporting events…
3. A school or organized youth group event…
4. Classes, lessons, clinics, training, recreational camps, day camps, and boot camps for children
and/or adults related to surfing, kayaking, canoeing, exercising, yoga, physical fitness, or
similar activity…
11. The use of signage or structures such as banners…

January 16, 2025
Page 2
13. Any other activity or event determined by the Director…
Pursuant to Section 17.12.345.C of the County Code:

Any person violating the terms and/or conditions of a license or permit issued pursuant to this section, or any person participating in an event or activity without a properly issued license or permit, may be subject to removal from the beach by a peace officer in addition to any other enforcement measure or penalty authorized by this chapter or otherwise by law.

Be advised that this letter constitutes a formal notice that your operation as described above is in violation. Violations of the Beach Ordinance are punishable by a fine in accordance with California Government Code section 25132. Please be advised that the Department’s Code Enforcement Section as well as LAPD's Pacific Division have been notified of the
unauthorized activities and will issue citations accordingly.

Please immediately remove all references to the meet at Dockweiler Beach, as well as any other beach that is under the Department’s jurisdiction, from your website(s), social media(s), and all other marketing and branding materials related to your business.
Your anticipated immediate compliance is appreciated in advance.
Should you have any questions, please contact Mindy Sherwood, Permit Section Head, at (424) 526-7881 or by email at msherwood@bh.lacounty.gov.
Very truly yours,
GARY JONES, DIRECTOR

"

The message I received was sent at 4:40pm that day. However, this letter is dated for the day before. But this letter wasn't sent until the next day at end of day... weird huh?
I click on view profile, and this account is private, it has 1 follower and follows 4, with zero posts. In the "about account" it shows that it was created in April 2023. But because it's private, I can't see who the follower is or who it follows.
The real account for this department can be found @ lacdbh. It's everything it should be, you know, not private?

Anyway my first reaction after that mild investigation was to call the number given. It rang, and was directed to the desk of that lady, Mindy Sherwood. Obviously she didn't answer that late on a Friday night. So I left a message, stating my name and number and I was expressing interest in acquiring a permit. You know, something that sounds legit but not explaining what for or why. (fast forward, I never got a call back).

Next I messaged Edwin with a copy of the letter, and then he called me. We talked about the legitimacy of the threat, and how to quickly respond.
Remember how I said I got this message on my personal account? Right--not on the actual Dockweilermeet account. Nope. My personal one. Weird, huh?

I put out a story on the dockweilermeet account. First I made the account private, then I deleted a couple people from following the account, and then I put out a story. Said the meet is cancelled* *with a second location being looked into. Something like that. While on the phone with Ed, and another buddy, we chose the spot in Long Beach. I put out two other stories declaring a new spot is decided, and to message us for the address. So only followers would see and have to inquire. And then I posted here too, of course.

So the fact that we still had a decent turnout in such a short notice tells me a few things; obviously our main audience are the instagram followers who are likely to see a notice like this the night before, and that this letter had to have been sent to me with deceit intended.
I'm not going to say I saw this coming, but I had a strong sense that I had to be extremely careful with this meet. I mean, you all literally saw me write it out in the first few posts here. I knew what I could be up against. The fact I could pivot the meet on a whim was considered. I went easy on the advertising, deliberately not trying to bring in a huge crowd. I didn't have to disappoint any businesses committed to the location or the quantity of attendants. We were still able to enjoy a cool car meet by the beach. And we still had our raffle, and raised over 300 bucks to donate! I'll tell you about that in the next post.

So yeah, that's what happened, from my perspective.

[strickland]

Wow!