This is the coastal access way next door to David Geffen's house.
David Geffen fought the California Coastal Commission for a long, long time (and spent lots of money) because he didn't want to allow the unwashed masses like you and me access to the beach - an area that, according to California state law, can't be walled off from the populace.
The California Coastal Commission stood up to Geffen's army of immaculately dressed corporate drones and won.
So - I'm pleased to announce that the court mandated coastal access is now open, next door to David Geffen's 'estate' at 22132 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu (also known as Carbon Beach).
I didn't bring my camera onto Carbon Beach itself (salt water + sand + electronics = bad), but I can assure you that it's gorgeous, and well worth the litigation. It's a natural small bay so the waves aren't to crazy if you want to swim, the water is crystal clear and not nearly as cold as Zuma (the other white beach), and there's a conspicuous absence of the floating trash that's become a part of the Santa Monica Bay experience. As I was being given the bum's rush at closing time, dolphins cavorted just beyond the breakers, backlit by LA's amazing golden late-afternoon sunlight.
Heaven. Pure heaven. I highly recommend the lot of us descend upon our court mandated community accessible beach. It's open from 9 am until 6 pm SEVEN days a week.
If you're not familiar with the area, may I suggest Mapquest.
Once again, that's 22132 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu, California. It's north (by quite a ways) of Topanga Canyon Blvd and south of Pepperdine University.
Buzzle.com article about this particular battle in the coastal access war
6 comments:
Of course she made "Defamer". Peggy is a brilliant, brilliant woman and I plan on taking my unwashed ass to Geffen's lil slice 'o heaven as soon as possible. Way to stick it to 'The Man', Peggy. Or in this case, David Geffen.
Saw this on Defamer, too. Thank you so much for passing on this information! The other weekend by Topanga Canyon beach the surf washed up something that looked like a bloated Christmas Ham. I'm looking foward to swiming with dolphins instead.
OMG! I about crapped when I saw the "Defamer" post!
Thanks for the luv, Oh Mighty Bitter and Very Funny God of the Internets.
I'll see all of you in Biggie D's backyard! It's my new favorite beach!
I'm definitely there -- with my boombox, Indian take-out food, and my neighbor's three bratty, crying children so I can help give Carbon Beach some "authentic" Southern California beach flavor.
I think this topic raises so many interesting issues. First, I sort of like the philosophy of keeping the beaches open to everyone. The native americans believed in this long before the Spaniards articulated it. There are real paradoxes between the American notion of pure freedom and the values which promote individual rights of ownership. I think we often go too far in advocating what rights we have in regards to our personal property, as opposed to considering a greater societal good. The horrible, ugly sprawl that now comprises most of America is a far cry from how our towns and cities were planned and built in the past.
There is definitely a class element here and the emotion that goes with it. Part of us always hates to see exactly what is beyond our reach. But given access to the same amount of money we'd probably surely do the same. Still, many people in the world don't have access to clean drinking water (and in fact about ten million people around the world will die this year because of it) let alone $15 million beach houses with breathtaking views and full of beautiful things. I like luxuries as much as the next person and I'm not one to judge what anyone deserves to do with the money they rightfully earned. But on some level you have to look at such luxury for what it is when many people in this world go without basic things we take for granted everyday. The fact that our society has the time and energy to waste on our culture of materialism and celebrity is in itself a great luxury. Most of the people in the world live very short, very violent lives. We should stop a bit more often and consider how fortunate we are to have had the good fortune to be born in the time and place we were. Maybe then we'd live more responsibly.
Then there are the environmental considerations of people who build residences on the coast. In most places, this takes a severe toll on wildlife habitats and increases pollution even with the most green building techniques. Coastlines are constantly migrating and eroding and in many communities taxpayers must foot the bill for the lucky few who are able to afford waterfront/beach property.
Conversely, there are some arguments that favor Mr. Geffen's side. The general public makes a huge mess. Many people are careless. Increasing beach traffic only guarantees the amount of trash and cigarette butts that will litter it. As social customs and conventions have relaxed over the past few decades, people have lost sight of the best parts of codes of conduct. We have become in large part a loud, aggressive society, largely inconsiderate of others. We do not respect the property and privacy of others. Sure, there are many who do. But many more spoil it for the rest of us. I once lived in private historic house in which tourists were known to open the door and walk right in. Anywhere there are people there will be garbage, noise and a loss of privacy.
Peggy, thanks for representing your opinion and generating dialogue. Your blog has become a must-read.
What a treat. thank you so much for the information.
I went over this morning, walked right in and pee'd in the ocean while facing the house.
I figure the gay elf has pissed on so many people, i needed to mark my territory.
Iiis a public beach now, biotch!
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