(1) Existing law establishes the State Lands Commission in the Natural Resources Agency and prescribes the functions and duties of the commission. Under existing law, the commission has jurisdiction over various state lands, including coastal lands. Existing law authorizes the commission to acquire a right-of-way or easement across private land in certain circumstances by purchase, lease, gift, exchange, or condemnation.
This bill would require the commission to consult, and enter into any necessary negotiations, with the owners of a specified property known as the Martins Beach property, as described, in the unincorporated area of the County of San Mateo, to acquire a right-of-way or easement for the creation of a specified public access route to and along the shoreline, including the sandy beach. If the commission is
unable to reach an agreement to acquire that right-of-way or easement or the owners do not voluntarily provide public access by January 1, 2016, the bill would authorize the commission to acquire a right-of-way or easement for the creation of that public access route to and along the shoreline, including the sandy beach, at Martins Beach, as prescribed. The bill would require the commission to consult and enter into negotiations with local stakeholders, as described, to address the ongoing management and operation of any property acquired pursuant to these provisions.
(2) The bill would declare that due to the unique circumstances and features of the Martins Beach property, a general statute within the meaning of specified provisions of the California Constitution cannot be made applicable and a special statute is necessary.