Hollister Ranch sues California for signing law opening coastline to public

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. - Hollister Ranch Homeowners filed a lawsuit to challenge Assembly Bill 1680 and Coastline Access on Thursday.

Assembly Bill 1680 lays the groundwork for developing meaningful, safe, equitable and environmentally sustainable public access to the coast at Hollister Ranch.

In October, Governor Newsom signed a bill that amended The California Coastal Act of 1976 to require a public access plan be developed by April of 2021 for the beaches along Hollister Ranch. The Ranch itself must be accessible to the public by April 2022.

However, Hollister Ranch Homeowners are pushing back by saying many of the provisions are an overreach of the state's authority.

Assemblymember Monique Limón responded to the lawsuit and said, "I am not surprised by the lawsuit regarding AB 1680. Access to the public beaches in this area have been litigated for almost four decades and it was time for someone accountable to the constituents of this area to bring stakeholders to the table to find a solution. I am confident the State will succeed in defending the right of all people to access and enjoy California beaches."

In 1982, California Legislature directed the Coastal Commission to design an access program for Hollister Ranch beaches, but the program was never implemented due to multiple barriers, including resistance from ranch owners.

You can read Assembly Bill 1680 here.