This past Monday, our Legislative Advocate, Lennie Roberts joined State Senator Jerry Hill along with San Mateo County Supervisor Don Horsley, members of the Surfrider Foundation, Martin’s 5, and Coastside residents- at a news conference announcing Hill’s legislation to reopen the public a road that leads to Martin’s Beach.
Senator Hill’s legislation, Senate Bill 968, will require the State Lands Commission to enter into negotiations with billionaire venture capitalist Vinod Khosla to purchase all or a portion of the property for a public access road. If a deal is not struck within a year, the bill would require the commission to acquire all or a portion of the property by eminent domain to create a public access road.
Lennie also spoke at the event. After thanking Senator Hill on behalf of CGF for this important legislation, she reminded everyone that “The California Constitution guarantees the right of people to access our beaches and other waters of the State. In 1972, voters approved Proposition 20, the Coastal Initiative, precursor to the California Coastal Act of 1976. One of the strongest precepts of the Coastal Act is public access. SB 968 will help ensure that access is restored to Martin’s Beach.”
The event received a lot of media attention, both locall y and nationally. Here are a couple highlights from NBC Bay Area and KQED.
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