Ocean Side Beach, California. Photograph: © SAF – Coastal Care.
Excerpts;
In 2014, the Legislature and Governor gave the California Coastal Commission the authority to fine property owners who intentionally block public access to the coast. That authority was included in the 2015-2016 state budget…
Previously, the Coastal Commission’s only leverage against homeowners blocking beach access was litigation, which wealthy beach house owners and coastal homeowner associations could drag out for years in court. That left beachgoers at the mercy of phony signs, padlocked gates, chains and other illegal impediments meant to mislead and intimidate people from gaining their rightful access to public beaches…
