Annoyed dune visitors have a point

Who’s to blame for a vacation from hell? In the case of Robert and Nicolette Sumner, the San Jose couple whose plight was described Sunday by Tribune columnist Bob Cuddy, there’s plenty to go around.

First, a recap: The Sumners thought they had booked a peaceful, beachfront retreat in Oceano — a house where they could stay with their three small dogs — but instead wound up staying near the entrance to a noisy off-highway vehicle playground.

Their vacation, they say, was ruined, and they sent a letter to several state and local officials that described just how dangerous this area can be to pedestrians.

Several readers wrote to say that the Sumners should have done more research before they booked their accommodations.

We agree. But before we engage in more finger pointing, it’s worth noting that for a county that depends so heavily on tourism, it’s in our best interests when visitors have an enjoyable time. Not only are they more likely to return, they’re also more apt to recommend SLO County to their family and friends.

To that end, a little truth in advertising would help prevent future vacationers from similar experiences.

The area where the Sumners vacationed should not be described as a beach that’s conducive to “aquatic sports, picnicking, fishing and clamming, photography, horseback riding and camping” as the state Department of Parks and Recreation brochure claims. State parks should edit its promotional materials as soon as possible — before its budget disappears altogether.

We also urge those in charge of vacation rentals — not only in Oceano but also in every part of the county — to make sure that renters have up-to-date descriptions of the neighborhoods where the properties are located. That means avoiding words like “unspoiled” and “pristine” — unless the area truly is “unspoiled” and “pristine.”

That said, there’s no need to alienate visitors either, which is what Peter Douglas, executive director of the California Coastal Commission, did in his reply to the Sumners’ letter.

Here’s part of his response: “Without intending to be cavalier about your concerns … I suggest you find another area for your next vacation.”

He went on to say that he’s given the same advice to others who had similar bad experiences.

Honesty is one thing, but in this case, a little more diplomacy would have been in order.

We much prefer the response from county Supervisor Adam Hill, who wrote this to the Sumners: “I just wanted to let you know that I am sorry for your unpleasant experience. As a fellow dog lover, and also as a South County resident, I hope you will be able to find suitable accommodations in either Pismo Beach or Grover Beach so that you can continue to visit here.”

For what it’s worth to the Sumners, we agree.

Source: http://www.sanluisobispo.com/opinion/story/739920.html

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