By Eniola Amadu
Residents of Olive Dell Ranch in Southern California have sued the resort’s owners after the once-renowned nudist community banned nudity, fell into disrepair, and began evicting long-time occupants.
More than 50 current and former members accuse management of violating civil rights, engaging in unfair business practices, committing financial elder abuse, and creating unlivable conditions while raising rents.
The lawsuit, first reported by KTLA, alleges the owners are deliberately forcing out residents — many elderly, disabled, or veterans — to boost the property’s value.
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“This at its heart is an anti-discrimination case,” said Frances M. Campbell, attorney for the residents, who argues the changes amount to harassment and forced displacement.
Founded in 1952 as a naturist community, Olive Dell was once regarded as one of Southern California’s most welcoming nudist resorts, with affordable rents, hiking trails, and shared facilities including a pool, clubhouse, and restaurant.
Residents say conditions deteriorated after new owners — Mark Glasier, Brian Cleland, and Tina Coffelt — bought the property in 2019.
Despite initial promises to preserve the nudist tradition, management announced in late 2024 that Olive Dell would become a “textile park,” requiring clothing at all times. One owner allegedly described nudists as “nasty people.”
Beyond the nudity ban, residents accuse the owners of neglecting basic upkeep. The lawsuit cites failing water systems, roads, and rubbish services, rising electricity costs, and shuttered facilities such as the pool, sauna, and restaurant. Community events were cancelled, while fire-prevention landscaping was abandoned.
The property also drew notoriety last year when a resident was charged with murdering two elderly neighbours. Residents allege the owners refused to clean the crime scene, leaving infestations and grim reminders of the killings.
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Despite these challenges, members have pooled their own money and labour to restore facilities such as the pool and roads.
“They are basically making the place as nice as they can with their own money and labour and hoping this lawsuit changes something,” Campbell said.
