Photo: Ed Grant
The issue surrounding public access to Martin’s Beach near Half Moon Bay is gaining traction and possible decision-making by the California Coastal Commission in the next month or so. Here are some updates to our original In the Green Room article by Mike Wallace.
1) Following several compelling presentations on the behalf of the Surfrider Foundation at the California Coastal Commission meeting in Watsonville last Thursday, August 11, 2011, staff there confirmed that “Enforcement staff members are actively investigating the issue after a request by San Mateo County for enforcement action.” Surfrider understands that this process could take about a month and at this critical time when the Commission is considering bringing their resources to bear on the Martin’s beach access issue a letter-writing campaign could prove crucial. And there’s a very simple way…
From: Cen Cal Surfrider
Martin’s Beach Friends- You all have such wonderful memories and experiences to share. Please take a moment to share your stories with the California Coastal Commission, as this agency is in a position to consider taking action and open the door for considering the loss of access to Martin’s Beach. Now is as an important a time as ever to speak up. If you send a letter via this link, it will help our loose coalition track the number of letters that are sent. If you so choose, you can also send letters directly to the Commission via Deputy Director Charles Lester (his email address is [first initial][last name]@coastal.ca.gov). Martin’s Beach is a very special place to a lot of people. Please share with the Commission why you care about Martin’s, what kinds of things you do when you visit, and that you would like the Commission to take action to address this loss of access. Thanks for your help!
http://action.surfrider.org/p/dia/action/public/?action_KEY=4566
2) Congressional interest in public access to Martin’s Beach
From the Half Moon Bay Review:
“During a July phone conversation with the Half Moon Bay Review, U.S. Rep. Anna Eshoo said she, too, was interested in learning more about the plans of Martin’s Beach’s new owners. The once-popular local destination has been largely closed to visitors since the land changed hands last year.
What’s more, ownership has been shrouded in secrecy. There is even a Facebook page dedicated to re-opening the picturesque spot on the San Mateo County coast.
True to her word, Eshoo wrote a letter, expressing her concern, to California Coastal Commission Executive Director Pete Douglas. The Coastal Commission has since responded.
Here are their letters.
- Clay Lambert”
3) The mysterious, secretive owner of the land is rumored to be a Sand Hill VC.
Related posts:
http://www.mercurynews.com/san-mateo-county/ci_18793218
My friends and family have enjoyed fishing and frolicking at Martins beach since 1975. Thousands of others have been enjoying the beach as well. I am saddened to hear that the current owners wish to privatize the beach. This is wrong. There is enough there for everyone. Also, consider the 40 or so leaseholders who will be disenfranchised as a result of these actions. To our elected representatives and authoratative commitees and comissions; please stand up for public interests and shun the attempts of the current owners to develop the beach in any manner. You must hold them accountable for their actions and make clear that the price they pay for what they want would be prohibitive…even in their Mega-million dollar world of excess. Had I an extra $38 million kicking around, I would certainly open the beach and concessions for all to enjoy. Shame on the new owners… Who do they think they are?
My family had been going to Martins beach for Easter since before I was born and I am 40 now. We have lots of fond memories of years spent at Martin’s. I remember the feel of the wood floors on my bare feet in the store when i was little going in there to get a sucker, and hearing stories from the owner. I loved seeing family that we only saw at the beach and playing all day no matter the weather. I hoped to have my kids enjoy Martin’s with their kids but it don’t look like this will happen.
Both my Mother’s and Father’s ashes have been scattered at the rock at Martin’s Beach.
I was raised on that beach and stayed in those cabins since I was 6 years old.
Now at the age of 62 I cannot even go and pay my respects to my parents, because someone has decided to close the beach off to public access. And from what I understand the person who owns that property knows absolutely NOTHING about that beach and it’s history.
I have always thought that the ocean belongs to the public and cannot be closed down.
The land may be owned by a person but the ocean and sand belong to GOD and the people who love it.
anyone notice it’s been over a year since any action with this, hopefully the county will stand up and commit it’s resources to correct this injustice. July 22,2011, Anna Eshoo wrote the Coastal Commision about Martins Beach , The Coastal Commision responded on July 28,2011, with a very generic response. State law requires all public beaches be Accessable not Privatized, After all, public access to public beaches is guaranteed by the California Constitution and Coastal Act, and State Law. Al Robinson, Pescadero, Ca.
To whom it may concern,
My family and I ran Martin’s Beach for many years and we always welcomed everyone to this special place.
Sadly a person of low value to human life has gained ownership of the land …but never the ocean or it’s access ! Someone needs to show this Indian slimeball some of his own medicine………………