City Council not commenting on Laguna Beach access issue

This article was originally on a blog post platform and may be missing photos, graphics or links. See About archive blog posts.

The Laguna Beach City Council accepted petitions that supported public beach access through private property at Rockledge in Laguna Beach, but refrained from making any comments on the emotionally charged issue.

City Manager John Pietig advised the council to button its lips because of a lawsuit filed by a Rockledge resident against his neighboring property owner, Mark Towfiq, and the city. He argues those who go through the property are trespassing.

‘This property has always been protected by a gate at the ocean and an iron gate in front of the property,’ Towfiq said. ‘If you are the public, you have been trespassing if you are going to use this property to get to the ocean. There is no other way around it.’

The issue of public access through Towfiq’s property was raised at the July 12 meeting, according to the Coastline Pilot.

ALSO:

Climate change and health: How vulnerable is your city?

Study ranks air pollution from coal and oil-fired power plants

California bill would reveal chemicals used in ‘fracking’ process

--Barbara Diamond, Times Community News