Hotel Laguna Faces Daily $11k Fine for Beach Privatization
Laguna Beach has some of the most coveted beaches in the entire state, often topping listicles of California's 'best' and leading to heavy crowds. And right, smackdab in the middle of town, at perhaps the enclave's most visited strand, Main Beach, a hotel is under fire for an attempt at privatization.
Per reports and videos from citizen activists, the iconic Hotel Laguna has constructed a sand berm, signifying exclusivity for their patrons, posted signage reading 'Laguna Beach Club,' and shooed away anyone who isn't staying at the hotel. All of this is a violation of the California Coastal Act, which ensures public access to beaches at the high tide line. And so, a beach battle has ensued.
If the issue isn't resolved by May 23rd, the California Coastal Commission can fine the hotel $11,250 per day.Speaking to the regulations regarding public access to beaches, Laguna Beach City Manager Dave Kiff said:
'Everybody should know that from the mean high tide line – which can change when the sand changes – to the water, is for the public. And you're not to impair access to the public to get to that line, even if you think that your private property goes underneath sand. I think that's the way the Coastal Commission looks at it, and that's the way we look at it too.'
Meanwhile, TikTok justice warriors are taking matters into their own hands, poking the bear, and testing the 'beach colonizers' of Hotel Laguna. One such citizen activist – see above – has repeatedly shown the situation at Hotel Laguna, breaching the berm, and when asked to leave, demanded to speak with the manager.
The drama…just in time for summer.
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Yahoo
19-05-2025
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Hotel Laguna Faces Daily $11k Fine for Beach Privatization
Laguna Beach has some of the most coveted beaches in the entire state, often topping listicles of California's 'best' and leading to heavy crowds. And right, smackdab in the middle of town, at perhaps the enclave's most visited strand, Main Beach, a hotel is under fire for an attempt at privatization. Per reports and videos from citizen activists, the iconic Hotel Laguna has constructed a sand berm, signifying exclusivity for their patrons, posted signage reading 'Laguna Beach Club,' and shooed away anyone who isn't staying at the hotel. All of this is a violation of the California Coastal Act, which ensures public access to beaches at the high tide line. And so, a beach battle has ensued. If the issue isn't resolved by May 23rd, the California Coastal Commission can fine the hotel $11,250 per to the regulations regarding public access to beaches, Laguna Beach City Manager Dave Kiff said: 'Everybody should know that from the mean high tide line – which can change when the sand changes – to the water, is for the public. And you're not to impair access to the public to get to that line, even if you think that your private property goes underneath sand. I think that's the way the Coastal Commission looks at it, and that's the way we look at it too.' Meanwhile, TikTok justice warriors are taking matters into their own hands, poking the bear, and testing the 'beach colonizers' of Hotel Laguna. One such citizen activist – see above – has repeatedly shown the situation at Hotel Laguna, breaching the berm, and when asked to leave, demanded to speak with the manager. The drama…just in time for summer.
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17-05-2025
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‘Shame on you': Upscale California hotel faces daily $11K fine for privatizing beach
A historic oceanfront hotel in Laguna Beach is under fire for setting up a private area for its guests. In violation of a California law ensuring public beach access, the upscale property faces a fine of up to $11,250 per day, according to the state. Hotel Laguna claims to be first hotel located on the famous Orange County beach, set along the Pacific Coast Highway, for over 125 years, according to its website. It also has a several years-long history of breaking the law set by the California Coastal Act, which manages conservation and the development of coastal resources while also providing "maximum public access to the coast," according to the California Coastal Commission. Most recently, the hotel has built a "berm" on the sand outside of its property line with umbrellas, beach chairs and signage, according to a letter shared with USA TODAY that was sent to the property by the commission last week. Such unpermitted developments "unlawfully discourage public access to public trust lands" by giving the impression that the beach is private, the letter continued. While private ownership on the shoreline is legal, the state owns all beaches "waterward of the mean high tide line." Feuds over ensuring access to public beaches are nothing new to California, with various battles hitting the sands of California's coast from San Diego to Malibu to Half Moon Bay. California's beaches are publicly owned on the water side of the high tide line. However, many communities have made it hard over the years for people to reach the coastline. On social media, people have posted TikToks of the hotel's employees allegedly threatening them if they don't leave. Others have left scathing comments on the hotel's Instagram posts, saying, "shame on you" and that it's "stealing" the beach. The government agency is requesting the hotel promptly remove these unpermitted developments but, due to a history of similar violations, is also considering "formal enforcement." In 2024, the commission received reports that people walking along the water's edge were being told they were trespassing private property, when it's lawfully state land. The hotel had also set up a barrier for a volleyball net, poles and other "other equipment that discourages public access." The hotel has until May 23 to provide photographic evidence that the berm and other beach equipment have been removed. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Upscale Laguna Beach hotel under fire for violating coastal access law
Yahoo
17-05-2025
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‘Shame on you': Upscale California hotel faces daily $11K fine for privatizing beach
A historic oceanfront hotel in Laguna Beach is under fire for setting up a private area for its guests. In violation of a California law ensuring public beach access, the upscale property faces a fine of up to $11,250 per day, according to the state. Hotel Laguna claims to be first hotel located on the famous Orange County beach, set along the Pacific Coast Highway, for over 125 years, according to its website. It also has a several years-long history of breaking the law set by the California Coastal Act, which manages conservation and the development of coastal resources while also providing "maximum public access to the coast," according to the California Coastal Commission. Most recently, the hotel has built a "berm" on the sand outside of its property line with umbrellas, beach chairs and signage, according to a letter shared with USA TODAY that was sent to the property by the commission last week. Such unpermitted developments "unlawfully discourage public access to public trust lands" by giving the impression that the beach is private, the letter continued. While private ownership on the shoreline is legal, the state owns all beaches "waterward of the mean high tide line." Feuds over ensuring access to public beaches are nothing new to California, with various battles hitting the sands of California's coast from San Diego to Malibu to Half Moon Bay. California's beaches are publicly owned on the water side of the high tide line. However, many communities have made it hard over the years for people to reach the coastline. On social media, people have posted TikToks of the hotel's employees allegedly threatening them if they don't leave. Others have left scathing comments on the hotel's Instagram posts, saying, "shame on you" and that it's "stealing" the beach. The government agency is requesting the hotel promptly remove these unpermitted developments but, due to a history of similar violations, is also considering "formal enforcement." In 2024, the commission received reports that people walking along the water's edge were being told they were trespassing private property, when it's lawfully state land. The hotel had also set up a barrier for a volleyball net, poles and other "other equipment that discourages public access." The hotel has until May 23 to provide photographic evidence that the berm and other beach equipment have been removed. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Upscale Laguna Beach hotel under fire for violating coastal access law
