Conflict between Simi Valley billionaire Vinod Khosla and those seeking public access to Martins Beach will make its way to Gov. Jerry Brown. Last week the state Senate approved Senate Bill 968 which, in essence, requires the State Land Commission to negotiate with Khosla to acquire public access to his private property.
Khosla purchased the 87 acre coastal property in 2008 and, like prior owners of the property, he allowed public access to the road which leads to Martins Beach until 2010. Since then, Khosla has advised his property manager to block the gate which leads to Martins Beach Road.
If signed by Gov. Brown, the bill, written by Sen. Jerry Hill, D-San Mateo, requires that the State Land Commission negotiate with Khosla in an attempt to purchase an easement on his property. If negotiations fail and a compromise is not reached by January 1, 2016, the bill will authorize the power of the State Land Commission to use eminent domain to acquire the easement by providing just compensation for the property.
Earlier this month the bill passed the full Assembly, then was returned to the Senate where it was passed and is now awaiting Gov. Brown’s signature. Even if signed by Governor Brown, the decision of whether to exercise eminent domain would still need to be made by Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom, State Controller John Chiang and State Finance Director Michael Cohen.
Acquisition of an easement on Khosla’s property would allow public access to Martins Beach just a few miles south of Half Moon Bay, a popular spot of surfers. So far, no comments have been made by Newsom and Cohen regarding their decision whether or not to implement the bill. A spokesman for Chiang stated that no decisions by Chiang have been made and he will take a position once all arguments are made and heard from the parties involved.
By: Glenn L. Block, Esq.
To learn more about Glenn L. Block, partner at California Eminent Domain Law Group, visit
http://www.eminentdomainlaw.net/aboutGB.php