A California homeowner has been hit with a massive fine after years of defying public access laws along one of the state's protected coastal zones.
According to The San Diego Union-Tribune, the California Coastal Commission voted unanimously to fine Carlsbad resident John Levy $1.4 million and ordered him to remove a locked gate that blocked public access to the Buena Vista Lagoon and the nearby beach.
The gate, built without proper authorization, stood at the entrance of Levy's driveway on Mountain View Drive — blocking a path that had been designated for public use since 1983.
Commissioners said the gate violated a long-standing easement that guarantees residents and visitors the right to reach the shoreline.
"There is a strong feeling that the gate needs to be opened almost immediately and eventually removed," said Commissioner Caryl Hart, underscoring the urgency of restoring public access.
The ruling came after nearly three decades of back-and-forth between Levy and state regulators over a series of unpermitted actions, including the construction of a pickleball court, removal of native vegetation, and installation of additional fencing on protected wetlands.
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According to the Tribune, the commission determined that Levy's activities had obstructed public recreation and disrupted local habitats.
While Levy argued that the gate wasn't on his property and that he was unaware of some of the violations, the commission said the evidence showed a consistent disregard for public access laws designed to protect California's coastline for everyone — not just private property owners.
The case highlights the broader struggle between private coastal development and public environmental stewardship. California's Coastal Act ensures public access to beaches and wetlands, protecting fragile ecosystems and preventing privatization of natural spaces.
Efforts like this are vital to keeping shorelines open and sustainable for future generations.
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No way 👎 Protecting these areas doesn't just preserve access; it safeguards critical coastal habitats threatened by erosion, sea-level rise, and overdevelopment.
The Coastal Commission's decision reaffirms that California's beaches belong to everyone — and that environmental law, when enforced, helps keep them that way.
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