Quick Take
Lookout photojournalist Kevin Painchaud caught up with beachfront homeowners, renters and nearby residents to chat about a Rio Del Mar homeowners association's decision to put up a large fence blocking access to a walkway along Seacliff State Beach.
After the California Coastal Commission slapped a Rio Del Mar homeowners association with a fine nearing $5 million in December for turning a public walkway along Seacliff State Beach into private patios, the homeowners association decided to take it a step further.
Rather than restore public access, the association replaced its previous barrier — which consisted of temporary traffic medians, chain-link fencing and wooden planks — with an even bigger fence.
In the weeks following, the move has polarized locals. Lookout photojournalist Kevin Painchaud caught up with some of beachfront homeowners, short-term renters and neighbors.
Some told Lookout they are frustrated that the fence blocked their access, while others are shrugging it off as a minor inconvenience.
Vivian Neasham, who is one of the only residents living on Beach Drive year-round, said she’d be fine with people walking in the area, but nothing else. That includes skateboarding, e-biking or kicking back along the path for extended periods of time. Her husband built one of the houses along the road and says that the area has never been closed off.
“This whole thing has been really a sad situation,” said Aptos resident TJ Paganini, adding that the distance members of the public can walk along the beach has been severely limited. “It’s appalling to me that this [fence] is still standing and that nothing has been done.”
Rio Del Mar resident Scott Russo said it was easier to walk his dogs without the fence, but added that he also doesn’t mind the fence: “It’s not a big deal to me.”
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