The California Coastal Commission rotates their meeting location each month and for December they will be meeting at Ventura City Hallon December 7, 8 and 9.
We are looking for people to show up at the Coastal Commission hearing on Thursday, Dec. 8 at 8:45 a.m. to support enforcement of the Coastal Act! A precedent-setting item coming before the Commission has the potential to affect beach access throughout the state.
For the first time, the Commission's enforcement staff is recommending the levying of administrative fines due to: 1.) the severity of the violation; 2.) the unwillingness of the violators to come to agreeable terms. The ability to levy fines was granted to the Commission in 2014 and has served as a deterrent over the time since – if the threat is shown to be empty, those illegally keeping the public from accessing the beach will have little reason to stop doing so. In this particular case, the homeowner illegally keeps the only vertical access to a three-mile beach in Malibu, making money off the home as a vacation rental that features – you guessed it – "a private beach" as an amenity.
We must ensure that enforcement of the Coastal Act is serious and supported – and that those who deny the public their rights do not prevail! Talking points and signs will be provided for those who need them. Even a simple statement along the lines of, "I'm with the Surfrider Foundation and ask that you support the recommendations of your enforcement staff to protect the public's right to beach access in California," will show that this is an issue we take very seriously. If you are interested or have any questions, please email bhickman@surfrider.org
