Following the Law on Beach Access

Re “A Malibu Civics Lesson: Beach Is Open,” Aug. 25: I congratulate The Times for being involved in educating the public about its public access rights. I also congratulate Sara Wan of the California Coastal Commission for her bravery and tenacity when confronted by the ignorant security guards and sheriffs who patrol Broad Beach and regularly deny beachgoers access to which they are legally entitled.

The manipulative and selfish activities of the homeowners on Broad Beach are particularly illuminated by resident and attorney Marshall Grossman’s accusation that Wan was merely “seeking a publicity stunt.” Since when is an act of publicity that educates California citizens about their rights under the law a bad thing?

Scott Grusky

Malibu

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I was relieved to read that five Los Angeles County sheriff’s deputies responded to a middle-aged woman sitting legally on the beach. If Los Angeles County can afford to provide this level of protection for sand, it makes me wonder how much is afforded the citizens of the inner city. I appreciated the truth and honesty found in the comment of Deputy Gail Sumpter. (“What do I know -- I’m just a dumb deputy.”) I can only wonder how many citizens she and her fellow deputies have improperly harassed.

Once again, if ignorance of the law is no excuse, just what is the excuse for the deputies’ actions? Or are they working for the Malibu beachfront residents instead of for all of us? How many other laws do they improperly enforce?

Michael Kersey

Corona

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What cracked me up was that a security guard could scoot down the sand on an all-terrain vehicle and quickly reappear with not one or two sheriff’s deputies -- but five. And the rich aren’t treated differently? Heh, heh ... try rounding up five sheriff’s deputies anywhere else in L.A. without firing off a gun. You’d still be waiting.

Steven Yusi

Pacific Palisades