State Regulators To Take Back Control Of Malibu Pathway

LOS ANGELES (CBS/AP) — Next week state regulators will move to take back control of a proposed pathway to one of California's most exclusive beaches following revelations of a controversial deal between a public access advocacy group and the Malibu homeowner fighting against opening the path.

Coastal Conservancy officials say this is the first time they will have to take such action. A nonprofit called Access for All was tasked with working to open the pathway to Carbon Beach but instead struck a deal with resident Lisette Ackerberg to help get rid of it in exchange for money and lawyer's fees to open a different pathway farther away from her home.

Ackerberg was granted permits for developing a large house, pool and tennis court and a 140-foot-long seawall. As a requirement of the permits, the property owner recorded two public access points across the party, but Coastal commission lawyers say she has developed within public access areas, making access impossible.

A judge last week upheld efforts by the state to open the original pathway, saying the public is entitled to both.

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