South Bay

After several months of legal maneuvering, the San Diego Unified Port District began issuing misdemeanor citations Monday to live-aboards in Emory Cove in an effort to oust the motley cluster of vessels from what has been a free anchorage for many years.

Harbor Police issued about 11 citations, a police spokesman said, and are expected to return today to ticket about a dozen remaining boats that were empty Monday. Additionally, police will continue reissuing citations each day until the boats are moved.

Live-aboards face a maximum $500 in fines and up to six months in jail regardless of the number of citations issued. The citations require the boaters to appear Sept. 3 in Chula Vista Municipal Court.

Ticketing was peaceful Monday, with several live-aboards claiming they will continue their fight in court, where some early skirmishes have been contested.