A federal judge issues what is sure to be a controversial ruling about the marine mammals that occupy the Children's Pool in La Jolla.
A federal judge has ordered San Diego city officials to install a rope barrier at the Children's Pool beach to protect a colony of seals during pupping season.
Thursday's ruling contradicts decisions from two Superior Court judges who said the rope improperly restricts public access to the La Jolla beach. U.S. District Judge William Hayes ruled the rope should go up at least until parties involved in the lawsuit return to court Feb. 13.
More than 100 harbor seals live at the cove, which is polluted with their feces.
Under state law, San Diego must maintain Children's Pool as a swimming site, and the city has been sued by people wanting to disperse the seals and reduce bacterial contamination there.
