Venture capitalist Vinod Khosla has been battling to restrict access to Martins Beach, a popular surfing spot near San Francisco, for 15 years. He recently suffered a setback when a California state judge ruled against him, denying his bid to throw out a lawsuit that says he cannot limit access to the beach. Khosla bought a home near the beach in 2008 and built a gate to block public access to the cove, sparking a legal battle that reached the U.S. Supreme Court in 2018. The court declined to take up Khosla’s appeal, letting a lower ruling in favor of the Surfrider Foundation stand.
The State Lands Commission is also trying to prevent Khosla from closing off the beach to the public, arguing that the public has access rights to the land based on state law and historical use. The agency filed a case in 2020 supported by enough evidence to proceed, according to the recent ruling by Superior Court Judge Raymond Swope. Khosla may ask for a reconsideration of the decision at a hearing on Monday. Beach access issues in California are contentious, with battles between homeowners and the public often lasting for decades. Last year, access was restored to Escondido Beach in Malibu after a 40-year fight, illustrating the importance of public access to California’s coastline.
The dispute over Martins Beach has been ongoing for more than a decade and may continue depending on Khosla’s next steps. The public could face further delays in accessing the beach if Khosla chooses to prolong the legal battle. Beach access issues are significant in California, where public access to the coastline is highly valued. Battles between homeowners and the public have been a common occurrence, highlighting the importance of preserving access to beaches and coastal areas for all Californians. Despite the setbacks suffered by Khosla in his efforts to restrict access to Martins Beach, the fight for public access to this popular spot near San Francisco continues.
