Access to public beaches in California is fought over constantly even though it’s protected by state law. Homeowners and communities along stretches of shoreline have sometimes refused to open gates or clear pathways, or ripped down posted directions to beaches.
Now comes a spat in Malibu over three signs pointing the way to Lechuza Beach, a pristine expanse of sand and shore. The Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority, a local joint powers agency, posted them on Broad Beach Road around Memorial Day. By late June, the city of Malibu had taken them down.
Signage is so crucial to maintaining public access to the coast that it’s required by state law. And though Malibu residents have used all kinds of tricks over the years to discourage the public from finding a beach or parking near it, Malibu city officials insist that’s not the case here. In fact, they say they want access signs to the Lechuza Beach walkway, which is difficult to find, so beachgoers don’t stumble onto private property.
