A new twist has surfaced after a landowner allegedly fenced off a public beach and threatened visitors. Turns out, he has a history of legal trouble.
Let's take a look at what happened. A stretch of coastal bluff in Daly City was suddenly blocked off with an eight-foot chain-link fence. The obstruction popped up on a popular trail that many used to reach Thornton State Beach. The fence appeared seemingly overnight, blocking access to the beach.
CBS News Bay Area reported that the fence cut off access to the beach to hikers, horseback riders, dog walkers, and more. But it was the note that rattled people the most. A handwritten message warned, "TRESSPASORS WILL BE SHOT!!" The message also claimed the owner was armed with a 9mm.
"This has been an area that, again, has been used by literally thousands of people for decades," said Annie Ellicott, co-founder of the Thornton Beach Bluff Preserve, an organization seeking to preserve the area. "It's (visited) by locals. By visitors to San Francisco, international visitors come to this area. It's very popular because it's very scenic and it's near the city ... It's just too bad that this person decided to fence it all in."
Fence Blocks Beach
According to neighbors, authorities later forced the removal of the sign but not the fence. San Mateo County Supervisor David Canepa said he's visited the area for years. He was "absolutely appalled" by the presence of the blockade. He noted the beach has "only one trail down...from Olympic Way."
"They can't believe their recreation area, within two weeks, has become San Quentin," he said. "Its amazing how he's just put these fences up and said, 'Sorry, no access for you.'"
Now more info has surfaced about who allegedly built the fence. According to the San Francisco Chronicle, Luke Brugnara is the one behind the fence. It turns out allegedly that Luke Brugnara doesn't even own the property. Canepa said, "It was egregious if he was the owner, but now we have a squatter."
According to the New York Post, Brugnara has a history of trouble with the law. He was previously convicted of fraud and related crimes in an $11 million art scheme. He served seven years in prison.
The fence, if he did indeed build it, may get Brugnara back in trouble. This includes multiple violations such as building without permits, possible encroachment onto public land or right of way, and obstruction of a public/equestrian trail. They could fine him up to $11,250 per day.
