> The better question would be why do we allow ownership of a beach. Because people really want beaches, but aren't willing to pay taxes to buy back what is no

> The better question would be why do we allow ownership of a beach. Because people really want beaches, but aren't willing to pay taxes to buy back what is now private property. Fifth amendment says the gov't must pay for private property, and the California law is arguably un-constitutional. Just buy a path under eminent domain; problem solved. Honestly, this seems like an expression of resentment against a rich guy as much as anything, as evinced by others proposing to take boats to the beach and bang on drums.