Sara Wan, a California Coastal Commissioner, said community character was not the reason she voted against the gates. Public access is the number one issue. I have a very strong, positive bent towards the public and the public's rights. I believe my responsibility is to protect those rights. Exclusivity has negative connotations.
Security has negative connotations.
Coastal managers involved in the decision making process have to look at the existing standards and policies and make their decisions on those, and not on their personal preferences. Wan said the Commission cut the number of homes that could be developed in Sand Pointe because of concern over how the view would be impacted. Coastal views is an important issue in California. People from other states are often impressed that you don't have to own part of the beach to even be able to see it when you drive by. It's positive for our state and helps our tourism.