Readers React: How to make Californians angry: Have a billionaire try to block access to their beaches

To the editor: As Native Californians, we are saddened by the skirmish involving a rich man in Northern California who owns property next to Martins Beach. (“With Supreme Court challenge, tech billionaire could dismantle beach access rights — and a landmark coastal law,” March 6)

When we were little girls growing up in Corona, our father took us to Corona del Mar on weekends. Beyond the majesty of the waves, the beach experience encompassed families, cheerful voices, nubby towels, umbrellas and sand between our toes.

It is selfish to purchase property that is adjacent to a public area and then to attempt to restrict access. It can be comparable to buying a house next to the Hollywood Bowl and then filing a lawsuit to stop the noise.

In other states, portions of beaches can be private areas. However, California is different. The beach is available to all. It is a scandal that one billionaire wants to change the law allowing all Californians to use this bountiful, natural resource. There are no words that can properly express our anger over this.

Rosemary W. Goodell, Baton Rouge, La., and Jennifer W. Merchant, Riverside

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To the editor: Years ago, I took a trip along California’s coast with several friends visiting from France.

After seeing Hearst Castle, we pulled our car onto a bluff overlooking the ocean. There was nothing on the beach below us except sand. We had a clear view up and down the coast as far as we could see.

Our French friends were amazed, saying that there were only a few places in France where they would have been able to see the coastline as we were doing. There, much of the coast is privately owned, and the public does not have access to it.

I became acutely aware that day how privileged we in California are and how important it is to continue working to preserve this.

John Snyder, Newbury Park

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To the editor: Income inequality becomes more stark every day. Middle and low income earners struggle to find healthcare, become homeowners, attend college and retire securely.

Now, taking a walk to the beach is for the wealthy too. How immoral, how selfish does a billionaire need to be? How short-sighted?

Today we’re sad, but soon the anger will follow.

Christina Hosmer, Laguna Niguel

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