You are mistaken. All beaches in California are public, up to the "mean high-tide line". The previous owner of the private land adjacent to the beach welcomed

You are mistaken. All beaches in California are public, up to the "mean high-tide line". The previous owner of the private land adjacent to the beach welcomed public access and allowed public use of his land. But the beach itself, along with the right of way providing access to it, have always been public.