Beach access in California is another hot issue. In general, beaches (defined as the strip of sand between the water and the high-tide line) are supposed to be open to the public all along the California coast (with exceptions, like military bases).

But just because you are allowed to play and picnic on the beach, does not mean you can get to it. In a host of notable beach locations, the owners of rows of houses along the beach have used all kinds of shady or illegal tactics to keep people from getting to the beach.

You may be aware of all this, but here is a starting point: http://www.latimes.com/local/westside/la-me-lopez-malibu-acc...