During the recent City Council meeting in Carlsbad, residents voiced urgent concerns regarding public access to the city’s beaches, particularly at a site near Buena Vista Lagoon. Longtime resident Paige Desino highlighted ongoing issues with a property owned by John Levy and Jim Kelly, which has an unpermitted gate that restricts beach access. Desino emphasized that this situation has persisted for over eight years, despite mandates from the California Coastal Commission aimed at ensuring public access to coastal areas.

Desino pointed out that the property is ideally situated for accessibility, especially for individuals with disabilities, as it features flat terrain. She urged the city to support public access and hold the landowners accountable for their failure to comply with coastal access regulations. The Coastal Commission is set to meet next month to discuss potential remedies for this situation, and Desino expressed hope that the city would advocate for public interests rather than allowing privileged landowners to disregard established access rights.

Diane Nygaard, another resident, echoed Desino's sentiments, reminding the council of the California Coastal Act, which mandates access to the coast for all residents, not just the affluent. Nygaard stressed the importance of this access for families, seniors, and individuals with mobility challenges, noting that the current access routes often involve steep stairs that are not suitable for everyone.

Both residents called on the city council to revisit the permit issues related to the Levy property and take action to protect coastal access for the community. The discussions reflect a growing concern among Carlsbad residents about equitable access to public beaches, underscoring the need for the city to prioritize community interests in its decision-making processes.