Carla Labto / The SWC Sun
A Perspective
By now you’ve probably seen the viral video of Tyler Muehl kicking a seal near La Jolla Cove. Off screen, you can hear his friends laughing, treating everything as some joke all whilst Muehl strikes the defenseless animal. Since then, the entire community of La Jolla has faced the consequences of one belligerent man’s actions: the city now plans to restrict human access to La Jolla Cove.
“It’s not right,” said Southwestern student Alan Zavala, 20. “Hitting an animal that cannot defend themselves is pretty messed up.”
This isn’t the first time animal abuse has led to decreased access to a public beach. Point La Jolla has been closed to the public year round since 2023, a decision made by the California Coastal Commission in order to protect its population of seals. Now, its neighbor, La Jolla Cove faces similar restrictions. After Muehl’s video, people are calling for the closure of some parts of the cove, and limiting it to water access only, while some are against any type of closure entirely.
Among those who are against the closure is the San Diego City Council President Joe LaCava, who has openly described this process as challenging. Ensuring the safety of wildlife shouldn’t be an impossible task. And year-round closures shouldn’t be the first option. Seasonal restrictions can be implemented, and safety measures can be ensured. What happened with Muehl was something that could have been avoided and could be repeated if immediate action is not taken.
If a video of a seal getting harassed and disrespected for pure entertainment is not enough to warrant immediate action from you to protect La Jolla’s Wildlife, then what will? I’m not calling for the permanent closure of La Jolla Cove. What I’m advocating for is restrictions such as seasonal closures, or water only access for parts of the cove during pupping season for La Jolla’s seals. I’m advocating for an effort to ensure the safety of La Jolla’s seals.
“Actions need to be made, if that means we’re not going to be able to see them anymore,” Zavala said. “Close off that area so they can live in peace. That might be necessary to do.”
While a San Diego City Council hearing was held on Sept. 10, no clear solution has been proposed or decided on. I fear the native wildlife is secondary to public access and tourist interests in La Jolla. The lack of direction from elected leaders does not inspire confidence, and only inspires frustration with locals.
“It is confusing, and it’s very absurd…they don’t care about the safety of our wildlife, it saddens me deeply,” said student Nico Valles, 19. “I think restrictions are completely fair, and they should be strict.”
Locals have reached a consensus that beaches should face restrictions rather than taking the extreme and having there be a permanent closure. To me, this seems like a fair conclusion.
Giddy children and excited adults, mesmerized at the sight of the La Jolla seals is a core San Diego experience. I hold them as a symbol of innocence and joy. Cutting off visual access from seals would be disappointing, losing in because of Muehl is devastating.
It is our responsibility to hold ourselves and others accountable. While Muehl’s actions jeopardized our access to La Jolla Cove, the responsibility falls onto us to keep him and others accountable.
I find it disheartening and shameful to see people my age bluntly disrespecting wildlife. To assault and harass a seal for one’s entertainment is a revolting reflection of one’s character. I urge for responsibility to be showcased. Whenever we come across wildlife in their own habitat, instead of resorting to aggression, we must be respectful and treat them with tender love and care. For at the end of the day, their home and safety are ours to preserve.
