California Nudist Resort Owners Cut Power to Residents Over Clothing Dispute

Residents sue owners for violating civil rights by forcing them to wear clothes in public areas

Feb. 6, 2026 at 9:31pm

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Residents of the Olive Dell Ranch nudist resort near Riverside, California are experiencing power outages after the property owners demanded they wear clothes in public areas. The residents sued the owners, alleging their civil rights were violated by restricting their freedom to be nude. The owners have been accused of letting the resort fall into disrepair and trying to force the nudist residents out.

Why it matters

This dispute highlights the tensions that can arise when private property owners try to change the long-standing culture and practices of a community, especially one centered around personal freedoms and self-expression. The case also raises questions about discrimination protections for those who consider nudity a core part of their identity and lifestyle.

The details

The owners of Olive Dell Ranch, which has operated as a nudist resort since 1952, recently enacted a 'textile' policy requiring residents to wear clothes in public areas. The residents sued, alleging this violated their civil rights. In response, the owners allegedly cut power to the resort, leaving many elderly and disabled residents without electricity to power necessary medical equipment. The owners are accused of letting the resort fall into disrepair in an effort to force the nudist residents out.

  • The owners enacted the 'textile' policy requiring clothing several months ago.
  • The residents sued the owners shortly after the new clothing policy was implemented.
  • The owners allegedly cut power to the resort in early February 2026.

The players

Olive Dell Ranch

A nudist resort that has operated in Riverside, California since 1952.

Penny Ogg

A resident of Olive Dell Ranch who says she hasn't been sleeping well since the power was cut off, as she relies on electricity for a nebulizer to help with her asthma and allergies.

Chevy Nelson

A resident of Olive Dell Ranch who says the community is incredibly united and looks out for its neighbors.

Frances Campbell

The attorney representing the nudist residents, who says the owners are threatening the lives of her clients by cutting off their power.

Jim Cramer

A resident who says he has a pacemaker that needs to be monitored by a hospital, but can't do so without electricity.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

“The reason it's against the law, is the civil rights act prohibits any business from discriminating against anyone based on their characteristics.”

— Frances Campbell, Nudist residents' attorney

“What she (the owner) didn't realize is that as a the type of community that we are in the culture we are. We're incredibly united. We look out for our neighbors.”

— Chevy Nelson, Olive Dell Ranch resident

“I haven't been sleeping very good at all or very much. I need a nebulizer to breathe because I have asthma and allergies, and I can't use that because [that's electricity].”

— Penny Ogg, Olive Dell Ranch resident

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide in the coming weeks whether the owners must restore power to the resort.

The takeaway

This dispute highlights the complex issues that can arise when private property owners try to change the long-standing culture and practices of a community, especially one centered around personal freedoms and self-expression. The case raises important questions about discrimination protections for those who consider nudity a core part of their identity and lifestyle.