California Just Got a Brand New Beach

A stretch of beach along the California coast that’s been in private hands for more than 100 years will soon be made public once again.

Late last week, the California Coastal Commission, which supervises coastal development, agreed to create a mile of public beach on century-old ranchland as part of a deal reached with the landowner.

Altogether, 36 acres of ranch land is being transferred to Santa Barbara County, the Associated Press reported.

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In addition, property owners will repair damage to the land, which they developed without permission.

The news is particularly noteworthy because the public has been shut out of the land for so long, said Susan Jordan, executive director of the California Coastal Protection Network.

“You’re getting over a mile of additional coastline (in) one of the richest and most diverse areas in California,” Jordan said, according to the Associated Press.

The beach is located about 150 miles northwest of Los Angeles near remote Jalama Beach. It is between the south end of Vandenberg Air Force Base and Point Conception.

The property in question was once part of the Bixby Ranch, which belonged to a famous California ranching family. Today it's part of the Cojo Jalama Ranches, which cover more than 37 miles, including 11 miles of coastline.

The settlement reached with the Coastal Commission requires that dozens of water wells installed on the land without permission be removed, among other repairs.

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In addition, there will be a $500,000 payment to cover public access and environmental projects, the Associated Press reported.

The newly public section of coastline will be used to extend a public park at Jalama Beach, about one hour from Santa Barbara. The isolated park is already known for surfing, whale-watching, birdwatching and being home to many protected native plants.

Exactly when the additional portion of beach will be reopened to the public has not been announced.

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