Continued public access to Martins Beach

Vinod Khosla, billionaire owner of the property, must now comply with the California Coastal Act and apply for a permit to close down historic access to this iconic beach, where generations have enjoyed picnicking, fishing, sunbathing and surfing.

However, this sweet victory is only round one. Khosla’s attorneys have vowed to initiate new legal challenges if the required coastal permit is denied.

Fortunately, thanks to the tireless legislative efforts of state Sen. Jerry Hill, D-San Mateo, the State Lands Commission now has a special budget account to fund the public access easement to the beach which can be obtained through the use of eminent domain.

This battle could be over very soon if the State Lands Commission takes action to initiate eminent domain. The commission should move expeditiously and avoid another protracted legal battle that could have a very different outcome, given the uber-conservative Trumpian Supreme Court majority now in place.

Lennie Roberts

Portola Valley

The letter writer is the San Mateo County Legislative Advocate, Committee for Green Foothills.