Vinod Khosla, the California billionaire who made news earlier this year for blocking access to a public beach, had his day in court.
A "written ruling issued by Superior Court Judge Barbara Mallach means venture capitalist Vinod Khosla must reopen the gate to popular Martins Beach, a crescent-shaped inlet 5 miles south of Half Moon Bay," reports Peter Fimrite.
Khosla, a Sun Microsystem co-founder, made news earlier this year when the Surfrider Foundation sued under the California Coastal Act, which requires public access to the state's beaches. According to Fimrite, Khosla had "closed the only public access gate in September 2010, citing the high cost of maintenance and liability insurance."
Although the ruling might seem like a victory for the general public over a selfish wealthy interest, Khosla also got off relatively easy. According to the ruling, "Khosla must apply for a coastal development permit if he wants to close the gate or make other changes to the property." And "[the] judge could have fined Khosla $15,000 a day for every day the gates were shut, but she waived all fines."
FULL STORY: Billionaire must let public access Martins Beach, judge rules
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