A San Mateo County supervisor wants to force a private landowner to remove an 8-foot chain link fence that he says blocks the only public access path to Thornton State Beach in Daly City.
Supervisor David Canepa has asked the California Coastal Commission to require the property owner to get rid of the fence, which has sported a hand-drawn sign with an image of a gun warning that trespassers would be shot.
The fence was erected in the past two weeks as developers — whom Canepa didn’t identify — proposed building on the land, according to a press release Saturday.
“There is only one trail down to the beach from Olympic Way in Daly City,” Canepa said in a letter to the Coastal Commission. “This multi-use trail is a popular destination for recreation extending from the scenic bluffs and cliffs overlooking Thornton State Beach all the way down to the water.”
Canepa said the fence has also cost Daly City fire and police vehicular access to the beach to handle emergencies.
“The California Coastal Act prevents private landowners from blocking public access to the sea and if a private owner attempts to block access, they may be subject to legal action,” Canepa said in his letter to the Coastal Commission.
Under California law, the Coastal Commission can fine landowners who unlawfully prevent coastal access up to $11,250 per day.