TL;DR: Operators of the De Anza Cove RV Resort have recently completed a cleanup and basic redevelopment of the De Anza Cove peninsula area. Public access, parking and landscape improvements have increased significantly.
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In the late 1930s to mid 1940s, the State of California granted marshlands to the City of San Diego to be held in public trust for citizens' use. However, in 1953 the City leased the land to a developer to create a tourist area and trailer park, with the City collecting a percentage of revenues. Residents moved onto the land, establishing permanent mobile homes. Non-mobile-home residents were not welcome.
In 1980, the State Lands Commission found the land was not being used as mandated. The state legislature passed AB 447, giving San Diego until 2003 to transition residents and establish public use facilities.
San Diego opposed losing revenue and control. The City raised lease percentages, planning to profit before turning over the land. They envisioned a hotel development. However, permanent structures on the mobile home pads made relocation difficult. Many elderly residents had limited resources.
A 1978 Mobile Home Residency Law required a long process before park closures. It mandated cities to pay relocation costs. In 2003 San Diego pressured residents to quickly vacate for small payouts, waiving their rights. The City hired a firm experienced in park closures, which used coercive tactics.
Residents filed lawsuits. In 2022 a court ordered the City pay $3.6 million for mismanagement and harassment.
In July of 2023, the California Coastal Commission voted to allow the operators of the Mission Bay RV Resort to conduct a cleanup of the De Anza Cove peninsula and improve coastal access. The cleanup included repairing the bike/pedestrian path on the perimeter of the peninsula, creating public parking and installing signage, installation of electric vehicle charging stations, removing asbestos and abandoned mobile homes, and removal of temporary fencing, creating an open, parklike appearance to the area.
You should check it out. Nice place for a walk, bike ride, or a beach chair and a cool beverage. That 70 year wait? Over.
