Important Martin's Beach meeting re: public access

Greetings,

I'm writing to let you know of an important opportunity to speak out on behalf of public access to Martins Beach, south of Half Moon Bay.

The California State Lands Commission will be accepting public comment during its meeting this coming Tuesday to inform the decision on whether or not to pursue eminent domain. It's critical that commissioners hear directly from Peninsula residents about the importance of public access to this coastal treasure and beaches throughout the state. Please consider joining me in Sacramento to urge that California take steps to ensure public access to Martins Beach. Here is information about the meeting:

CALIFORNIA STATE LANDS COMMISSION
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2016 - 10:00 A.M.
1020 11TH STREET - 2nd FLOOR, SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA 95814

The agenda is here: http://www.slc.ca.gov/Meetings/12-06-16/Agenda.htm and the State Lands Commission staff report can be found here: http://www.slc.ca.gov/Meetings/12-06-16/Items_and_Exhibits/65.pdf


Excerpt from the State Lands Commission staff report:

Public Resources Code section 6213.5 authorizes the Commission to use its existing eminent domain authority to acquire a public right-of-way or easement if the Commission is unable to reach an agreement to acquire a right-of-way or easement, or the owners do not voluntarily provide public access by January 1, 2016. A decision by the Commission whether to initiate a condemnation proceeding is tantamount to a decision whether to initiate litigation. Pursuant to Government Code section 11126, the Commission may meet in a session closed to the public to consider pending and possible litigation. Based on advice from the Attorney General's Office, the Commission will meet in closed session to determine whether to use its eminent domain authority in this circumstance at this time. However, the Commission and staff understand and appreciate the significant public interest in securing public access to Martins Beach. The Commission therefore encourages and invites public testimony during consideration of this staff report to inform the discussion in closed session.

Excerpts of recent news articles on efforts to preserve public access to Martins Beach can be found here on my website: http://sd13.senate.ca.gov/news/in-the-news

For more information, please don't hesitate to contact my Capitol Office at 916-651-4013.

Sincerely,

Jerry Hill
State Senator, 13th District