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California enters the legal fight over public access to Martins Beach

(Last Updated On: May 14, 2015)

Since 2010, public access to Martins Beach, located in San Mateo County, has become a heated legal battle between landowner Vinod Khosla and multiple parties including the Friends of Martins Beach. And now, it appears this battle just became even bigger. According to a report by MercuryNews.com, California State Attorney General Kamala Harris filed an amicus brief in effort to appeal a judge’s ruling that favored Khosla’s request to keep the public from having access to Martins Beach.

Prior to Khosla’s ownership, previous owners have allowed public access for a small parking fee. Khosla, who made his fortunes in Silicon Valley, bought the 89-acre beachfront property in 2008 for $32.5 million, and has since fought to prevent public access.

The concern over the judge’s favorable ruling for Khosla is that it could set a precedent for other potential battles with coastal properties versus public access. If that happens, then Californians will lose access to more beautiful coastal landscapes. No individual should own any of these coastal landscapes.

This battle does not appear to be ending anytime soon. With the state of California jumping into the fray, it’s only going to get uglier unless Khosla softens his stance.

Calexplornia is a staunch supporter for keeping California land properly maintained, preserved and accessible to the public.  If you would like to help support this cause, and prevent further closings of public access to our California coast, then check out OpenMartinsBeach.org.

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Rick

After many years of being a full time freelance writer, and a long time resident of this state, I've decided to turn my full attention toward California by exploring all that it has to offer. My goal is to inspire you to get out there and explore this amazing state. Please follow my adventures and news content by visiting Calexplornia daily or clicking on one of my Social Media accounts below.

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