Wealthy homeowners in Malibu have commissioned public access to the beach

Wealthy residents whose homes block an exclusive beach in Malibu have been ordered to spend millions and build public access and a parking lot, ending a decades-long struggle.

After a 40-year effort, the California Coastal Commission and California State Coastal Conservancy have teamed up to open access to Escondido Beach.

Last week, the commission approved an agreement with former movie magnate Frank Mancuso and the heirs of defunct Bally Total Fitness founder Don Wildman, who died in 2018, to rectify the violations that prevent people from accessing the exclusive beach along the Pacific Coast Highway.

Mancuso must remove a driveway and pay a $600,000 fine, while the Wildmans will build a path to the beach, parking lot and other modifications at an estimated $3 million.

Former movie magnate Frank Mancuso (left) and the heirs of defunct Bally Total Fitness founder Don Wildman, who died in 2018, (right) will have to right the violations that prevent people from accessing the exclusive beach along the Pacific Coast Highway

Getting to Escondido Beach has historically been difficult after former homeowners put up obstacles starting in the 1980s, according to SFgate.

A report obtained by the outlet said ‘an unauthorized modification of the lot line’, as well as metal fencing, dense vegetation and paved driveways across the easement have prevented access.

Mancuso and Wildman both sued the conservancy in separate lawsuits in the late 1990s and 2000s as the battle for public access continued.

Both argued in the 1990s and 2000s that the public access road should be moved elsewhere because of the difficulties in building on and improving the registered easement area, the report said.

To access the beach, the public either had to pay an entrance fee to park a quarter of a mile away or visit a nearby restaurant half a mile away.

According to the Los Angeles Times lawyers for Wildman and Mancuso claimed they “inherited” the violations that were not disclosed to them at the time of purchase.

Wildman bought his property in the mid-1980s and Mancuso in 1991.

“The Mancuso family never did anything about the property, they bought it as it is, but they understand the law and they worked out an agreement and they hope the commission will approve it,” Alan Block, a lawyer for Mancuso, said. said to the outlet.

Susan Hori, a lawyer for the Wildman family, shared a similar sentiment.

According to the Los Angeles Times, attorneys for Wildman and Mancuso claimed they “inherited” the violations that were not disclosed to them at the time of purchase. Mancuso Sr. (left) pictured with his son (right)

After a 40-year effort, the California Coastal Commission and California State Coastal Conservancy teamed up to open access to Escondido Beach

“We are very pleased that the committee supported and approved the resolution,” Hori said.

“And we’re very grateful for the time the staff took to come and work with us on that solution.”

The violations extend to the early 1980s, when previous owners Ken and Jeannette Chiate and Marilyn and Roger Wolk misrecorded the easement’s location.

In California, the coastline up to the high tide mark is considered public land.

“It’s so hard for us to get new coastal access, and new vertical access roads are like unicorns, they just don’t exist, especially in Malibu,” said Coastal Commission chief enforcement Lisa Haage.

“Resolving this case without a lawsuit is huge. This is like flying to the moon or something.’

Haage said Malibu is synonymous with “going to the beach” and called the deal a major win for the public.

“When you say the word ‘Malibu’ to anyone in the world, they think of going to the beach, they think of surfing and beach life and picnics and everything else that comes with the California coast,” Haage said.

“It’s just so ironic that there are so few access points, and we’ve had to fight and fight and fight for every one of them.”

Nearby neighbors include billionaire David Saperstein, Jay-Z and Beyoncé, and was home to Tom Petty whose house there went on the market last year for $9.85 million

The easement could open to the public in 2024 pending permitting and construction

At this time, to access the beach, the public either had to pay an entrance fee to park a quarter of a mile away or visit a nearby restaurant half a mile away

Escondido Beach, which overlooks Point Dume, is home to many wealthy locals who have long had access to the secluded spot.

Nearby neighbors include billionaire David Saperstein, Jay-Z and Beyoncé, and was home to Tom Petty whose home there went on the market for $9.85 million last year.

“Escondido Beach means ‘hidden beach’ in Spanish, and the lack of public access here kept it hidden from many people who couldn’t find a nearby public path to the beach or even a public parking spot,” committee officials wrote prior to the decision. Wednesday.

The easement could open to the public as early as 2024, pending permit and construction.