Homeowner fined $1.4 million by Coastal Commission opens gate to California beach and lagoon

"A Carlsbad homeowner fined $1.4 million over coastal access and environmental issues last week has opened the driveway gate at the heart of his violations. The gate provides the only access to John Levy's custom-built home along the Buena Vista Lagoon, just south of the Oceanside border. It's also the entrance for a trail to Carlsbad's North Beach and a connection to a short nature trail along the lagoon."

"The requirement to have the gate open is a condition of the cease-and-desist order issued by the California Coastal Commission, said Amy Ventetuolo, Carlsbad's communication and engagement director. As such, the Coastal Commission will be the agency responsible for enforcing that requirement, not the city of Carlsbad, Ventetuolo said. We're still in the process of reviewing the Coastal Commission's recent decision and will be meeting with their staff to better understand their position. With the gate open, anyone can drive onto the public easement."

John Levy, a Carlsbad homeowner fined $1.4 million for coastal access and environmental violations, opened the driveway gate that blocked public access to trails and the beach. The gate provides sole access to his custom-built home along Buena Vista Lagoon and also serves as entrance to a trail to North Beach and a lagoon nature trail. The California Coastal Commission ordered Levy to open the gate permanently within three days and to remove it within 120 days as a condition of a cease-and-desist order. With the gate open, the public can access the easement but parking remains prohibited and vehicle access to the beach is blocked by a chained barrier.

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