LAGUNA BEACH, Calif. — The issue of digging at Aliso Beach in Laguna Beach has been going on for decades.

One side, including the wave riding community, claims digging berms can be beneficial to properties and pedestrian access, among other reasons. The pro-digging group also says a unique standing wave created by digging out the sand, which has been ridden by skimboarders, surfers and bodyboarders for decades, is just a bonus.

Those against digging berms at the beach, including the Laguna Bluebelt Coalition, Orange County Coastkeepers and others, argue the area is a Marine Protected Area and digging is illegal. Environmentalists also claim digging a berm or channel out to allow water to flow can introduce pollution to the ocean.

Outspoken local and content creator Greg Viviani supports digging berms, for example, while Orange County Coastkeeper’s Ray Heimstra is against it.