JACUMBA HOT SPRINGS, Calif. — Changes at a Jucumba Hot Springs resort are upsetting some of the people who live there. DeAnza Springs has long been known as a place for nudists.
But, as of October 30, clothing is now required in all areas of the 500-acre resort. It's a new rule imposed by new owners.
Luke Wasyliw, his wife, and their partner purchased Deanza Springs two and a half years ago. “We want to open it up to more and more people,” said Wasyliw.
They saw it as a real estate investment designed for future growth.
"I come from a real estate background, so part of it was always, hey, this place is only 30-35% occupancy, there's so much upside potential for it,” said Wasyliw.
Located one hour east of San Diego, Wasyliw describes the resort as special and unique, saying he envisions it being a destination for weddings, festivals and weekend getaways.
He also sees it as a good option for people to move to, given the high cost of living in other parts of the county.
But, he says attracting more people meant making some changes.
Among them - requiring clothes.
“We wanted to open it up to a larger audience and we tried. We did a lot of things to try and make it work as the clothing-optional park, but in the end, it wasn't working out and we made a business decision to transition,” said Wasyliw.
Through a county-issued permit, Deanza Springs has allowed nudity since 1999.
CBS 8 reporter Larry Himmel visited the resort back in 2000. Some of the people in that story still live there today, including William Vanderbeek, who calls himself a nudist.
“I like the idea of being out here, it's 110 degrees so having a coat on is not really neat,” said Vanderbeek.
Vanderbeek is one of several residents unhappy about the changes. Some have even left because of it.
Those staying say the freedom to be nude is why they moved here in the first place.
"Everybody who lives here on a permanent basis….there's quite a few of us, we're all going through pain," said Kyle Schwausch.
"It's a naturist resort. It's been a naturist resort for 25 years, and for the arbitrary changes to be made here, it's very difficult to take," said Rex Lowery. Lowery is a member of the HOA.
He set up a GoFundMe page to find out what their legal options are. Beyond the nudity issue, Lowery and others fear Deanza Springs is changing in more ways than one.
They've accused the owners of destroying the land, and pushing people out. They’ve expressed their anger during recent town hall meetings.
But, there are also those who don't mind the new rules.
“I've been able to have my grandchildren come up which they would not come before because of the clothing optional,” said Maggie.
As for Wasyliw, he says he understands why people are upset, but denies any wrongdoing, saying he's spent hundreds of thousands of dollars in improvements.
He tells CBS8 he sees this as an opportunity to not only help the resort grow but also the entire Jacumba area.
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