A beach behind lock and key is turning into a fight over social justice in California

At Privates Beach, residents say they’ve been unfairly lumped together with the billionaires as the California Coastal Commission hones in on environmental justice.

(Christina House / Los Angeles Times)

July 10, 2018 5:41 PM PT

Entry to Opal Cliffs, also known as Privates Beach, is under debate. Currently, members of the public have to buy a $100 key card to access the beach, which the California Coastal Commission has declared illegal.

Flowers bloom along Opal Cliffs, also known as Privates Beach, in Santa Cruz.

(Christina House / Los Angeles Times)

A beachgoer climbs the steep steps at Opal Cliffs, also known as Privates Beach, in Santa Cruz.

(Christina House / Los Angeles Times)

A man fishes at Opal Cliffs. The area is secured by a fence and the public must buy a $100 gate card to gain access.

(Christina House / Los Angeles Times)

A few men paddle past Opal Cliffs. The California Coastal Commission is starting to use environmental justice as a reason to fight back on projects, gates and developments along California’s coastline.

(Christina House / Los Angeles Times)

A surfer bikes through the Opal Cliffs neighborhood in Santa Cruz.

(Christina House / Los Angeles Times)

All are welcome to Opal Cliffs, locals say, with a $100 gate key that can be purchased each year at a family-run surf shop. Proceeds go toward keeping the beach safe and clean.

(Christina House / Los Angeles Times)

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A beach behind lock and key is turning into a fight over social justice in California

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