Posted by jas on July 17, 2002 at 13:48:14:
Regardless if you live in Southern Cal, Northern Cal, Texas Gulf, etc; Know your existing rights and protect them so that they can never be taken from you and future generations. Educate yourself regarding state and local laws when it pertains to your right to enjoy the beach. I've met some really
terrific beachfront homeowners whom recognize the publics right to access the beaches their houses
sit on.
Though there are some that just don't get it. They act as if their property has been
either yanked out from under them or that full disclosure of their limited property line was not
made to them at "time of sale". Didn't they know what they were getting when they spent
all of that money? There is an arrogance about them and their quest to own the beach into the
water. What's next? Hire security in power boats to patrol their private coastline?
In California, you have a right to access the beach up to the high tide water mark. Regardless of any signs posted stating "No Trespassing, Private Property". Though I wouldn't start jumping any fences, there currently are illegal fences at certain locations on certain beaches. These fences end way past the high tide water mark. They are dangerous and a hazard to the public. I can see coming in from a day kayaking, catching a wave and smashing right into one of these when the tide is medium to high. I've seen people have to wait for the tide to go down or the water to recede after an incoming wave or set.
Don't take our word for it. Research the laws. We have an active agency called the
California Coastal Commission. They are there to help preserve and protect our rights. If you see a fence similar to the ones described above, contact the Coastal Commission and inform them of such violations.