California state-owned clothing-optional beaches no longer allow nudity, though the matter is currently being taken to the State Supreme Court.

Before 1979, no nudity was allowed in State Parks except in designated areas. Parks Department Director Russell Cahill, rather than design clothing-optional zones and face red tape and increased security, released a memo advising personnel to enforce the no-nudity policy only if someone issues a complaint.

After 29 years of nude bathing, current Parks Department Director Ruth Coleman, claiming nearby lewd conduct and a sexually charged, harassing environment, rescinded Cahill’s proposal in March 2008.

Naturists filed suit soon after; the judge ruled in favor of Cahill, saying Coleman had not sought public comment on her proposal nor did she submit it to a state administrative agency. After an appeal, the deciding court ruled that Cahill had done the same thing, invalidating his regulation from the beginning.

The naturists are appealing the decision again to the Supreme Court. For now, law enforcement is only warning nude beachgoers, and will not issue fines until Labor Day.