This story is free to read because readers choose to support LAist. If you find value in independent local reporting, make a donation to power our newsroom today.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
Popular Malibu Beach Will No Longer Ban Surfing Or Charge Admission
The pier at Paradise Cove, Malibu (Photo by Cat via the LAist Featured Photos pool on Flickr)
Facing a daily fine of over $11,000, the owners of Paradise Cove will no longer charge walk-in admission fees or ban surfing from the popular Malibu beach.Using the power of a new law Governor Jerry Brown signed earlier this year, the Coastal Commission threatened heavy fines on the company that ran the Paradise Cove property. According to the California Constitution, the public owns the shoreline up to the mean high tide line. Prior to the bill signed by Governor Brown, the only way to fight private property owners over beach access was suing through a backlogged court system. Using their new powers, the Coastal Commission threatened the Kissel Company with a daily fine of $11,250, according to the L.A. Times.
"This is a triumph for public access and proof that the threat of fines is a very effective enforcement tool. We've never seen a violation of this magnitude resolved so quickly," Coastal Commission Chairman Steve Kinsey told the Times. The state agency sent letters to the property management company dating back to late October, and the newspaper reported on Thursday that the matter had been resolved.
Under the agreement, Paradise Cove will no longer charge a $20 walk-in fee and signs that read "No Surfboards" will be taken down. The gate to the pier will also be unlocked to the public, but the company will still be allowed to charge $40 for parking. Prior to the agreement, only residents of the adjacent mobile home park and their guests were allowed to surf at the beach. Visiting surfers to Paradise Cove were previously harassed and threatened with fines and charges.
For the Coastal Commission, the deal is a victory for public beach access. "Christmas came early for the coast this year," Kinsey added.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
