Yes, you read that right. The Santaluz Men’s Grill gender restriction is still in place in 2025. At one of San Diego’s most beautiful and family-focused clubs, there is still a room where women are not allowed. We’ve received several emails about this, not only from women but also from male members who feel uncomfortable defending a policy that no longer fits the values of our community.
A Private Dining Room Closed to Half the Membership
The Santaluz Men’s Grill gender restriction means that an entire dining space at the Club remains inaccessible to female members. This restriction isn’t just outdated, it’s embarrassing. We’re in an era where women run companies, hold public office, serve on the Club’s Board, and manage households. Yet they can’t sit in a room because of a sign that says “Men’s Grill.”
Explaining the Rule to Your Daughter? Try That Without Cringing
Several members have shared how awkward and frustrating it is to explain this policy to their daughters, wives, or guests. One described the experience of walking through the Club with his teenage daughter, only to be stopped and told, “Sorry, you’re not allowed in there.” Imagine her confusion, or worse, her understanding.
Another member compared it to explaining why women couldn’t vote, except instead of the ballot box, it’s a breakfast table. It’s not the same as legally enforced segregation, of course, but the mechanics of exclusion are eerily familiar: an arbitrary line drawn for no good reason.
When everything else at Santaluz promotes family, unity, and shared experience, from kids’ camps to family-friendly racquet events, the Santaluz Men’s Grill gender restriction stands out like it belongs to another century.
Respecting Tradition Doesn’t Mean Ignoring Progress
Supporters of the restriction often cite tradition. But tradition should never be used as an excuse to hold back the evolution of a community. The Club has evolved in many ways, from technology to inclusivity in events and leadership. This is the next step.
If tradition were the only measure of progress, we’d still be lighting cigars indoors and tracking tee times on a corkboard. The Santaluz Men’s Grill gender restriction feels just as outdated.
A Club That Belongs to Its Members Should Let Them Decide
The best way to move forward is simple. Let the members vote. We’ve created a poll to put this issue directly in your hands. If we truly believe that Santaluz is a club shaped by its members, then this is the moment to live up to that belief.
Take Action: Share the Poll, Start the Conversation
Share the poll with friends. Text it. Email it. Post it on Instagram. The more voices we hear, the more representative the outcome will be. This isn’t about creating controversy. It’s about creating a club where every member feels equally respected.
Let’s Fix This Together
The Santaluz Men’s Grill gender restriction doesn’t align with the values our community claims to represent. The time to fix it is now. Let’s make Santaluz a place where tradition meets progress, not where progress gets stopped at the door.
Then maybe you should have voted for the assessment to build a new co-ed grill. Having a men’s only area where women and unaccompanied children are not allowed is not restrictive, and you joined the club with this area in place.
I did vote for the assessment to build a new co-ed grill. Did you?
I agree if the men have something the woman don’t, then the solution should be not to take something away from the men but add something that apparently the woman want.
If they do open the existing space to woman it will be interesting to see how the utilization goes. If we open it to woman and the area is all ready pretty small my guess is you will end up with both men and women being unhappy.
Maybe we should just close it to men let the ladies have it and the men can use the out door area. I just don’t see how you can double the usage of an area that is already maxed out.
As far as voting I don’t think I am allowed to vote as I am a National member. So this was the first thing i was asked my opinion on.
Just W O W Richard – real proof there are still a few Neanderthals walking. Are you also equating “women” to ” unaccompanied children”?
Lots of things were different when members joined the club up to 20 years ago too – but that one fact alone doesn’t in any way logically support why something is still appropriate to continue forward today? (But again, none of the sentences you state give any substantive reasoning for your position.)
Irrational
No where did I equate women to children. I was stating it is a restricted area and for good reasons.
Did you vote for the assessment? Yes or No?
Am I mistaken or aren’t men also banned from the ladies lounge upstairs? It seems appropriate for both sexes to have a place to casually gather in a same-sex environment. If a co-ed space is desired we should have passed the re-design for the co-ed dining area. Just my opinion!
Both men & women each have their own individual lounge/locker rooms. Only men have the Men’s grill – there is no women’s grill. Men can still gather in the men’s locker/lounge area, just as women can in their locker/lounge area. Not sure what the big deal is to open the current men’s grill to both men & women?
I’m just curious are you more upset that you don’t have a grill, or just that the men have one and you don’t?
Women are OK in grocery stores, but not in a men’s bar. They can stay home or go shopping instead. Fitness classes, nails etc.
Are you drunk?
I didn’t even know this rule existed. I thought the name was just for fun. Is it really true that women aren’t allowed in? This is ridiculous! What’s next on the discrimination list? It’s starting to feel more like a cult than a club.
It’s a men’s only area so there isn’t concern about smoking cigars, poker and jokes that women would find offensive and not appropriate for children. It was never intended to be a family area. Hence, a men’s only area with adult beverages.
However, as the number of lady golfers has increased, an area by the golfers patio with climate control and easier access to a bar has been needed.
If you did not vote for the assessment to expand and redesign the golfers patio then don’t complain.
Judy had it right with Ladies only area, men only area, but what is and was needed is funding for a co-ed area for the golfers and spa members.
Did you vote for the assessment?
Yes or No