CA: Would-be bodysurfer sues to establish a beachhead
San Francisco ChroniclePosted: November 28th, 2007 by Thomas L. Knapp
“The white sand radiated in the brilliant August sunshine at Stinson Beach, where Douglas Rigg had just laid down a towel and pulled his wetsuit out of a backpack. The 43-year-old Mill Valley architect was looking forward to a day of reading, relaxing and taking an occasional swim, so he was upset when a security guard hired by local homeowners ordered him to leave. It turns out the property owners at Seadrift, a 1.5-mile-long spit on the north end of Stinson Beach, don’t like picnickers or sunbathers sullying what they consider their sand. Rigg sued the Seadrift Homeowners Association, accusing it of unlawfully banning the public. The dispute, which could end up in Marin County Superior Court early next year, has revived an ugly battle that started half a century ago and has implications around the state.” (11/27/07)
January 8th, 2008 at 8:22 am
There are Civil Rights Issues, here, that bely the need to pursue the Publics Right to Access of the Beach, privilege can not compromise, freedom of choice. The suit, has deeper implications, for all, labeling it as frivolous, is tactical. Money, has its influence in Marin County Courts & Media, there are big $ clout behind the County Superior Courts & Appellate curtailment of beach access to the public. Read the Monday Article of the Marin I. J., Jan. 7th, by Rob Rogers, try to find coverage of spokespersons for the rights of the Public Access to the Beach or of members of the Larger Stinson Beach Community outside of the Seadrift.