OXNARD, Calif. — A few weeks ago, hundreds of sea lions appeared on Oxnard’s Kiddie Beach. And they’ve stayed.

“There are normally tons of people from one end (of the beach) to the other,” said Sherrie Feger, who lives a block from the beach that — as the name suggests — is reserved for children.

Now, there are tons of marine mammals. And until they leave, humans are prohibited, by law, from getting near the giant sea creatures. This has stirred a debate in the local waters.

Some residents accept the sea lions. Others complain about the sea lions’ constant “barking” and their smell.