Beachgoers to Benefit from Malibu Land Donation in Coastal Commission Dispute

Beachgoers may gain access to new public land due to an agreement between the California Coastal Commission and billionaire Mark Attanasio, owner of the Milwaukee Brewers. Attanasio found himself embroiled in controversy following accusations that his construction team removed sand from Broad Beach for private use in 2024. This led to a lawsuit and an investigation by the Coastal Commission.

According to the investigation, the unpermitted sand excavation caused environmental harm and obstructed public beach access. As a solution, rather than imposing a traditional penalty, Attanasio agreed to donate a $2-million oceanfront parcel for public preservation, as stated by the Coastal Commission.

The Coastal Commission will vote on this agreement on Thursday. Attorney Kenneth Ehrlich, representing Attanasio, has withheld comment until approval. Lisa Haage, Chief of Enforcement at the Coastal Commission, emphasized the significance of this opportunity. “We rarely have the chance to dedicate entire parcels to the public,” Haage stated. She highlighted the difficulties in creating public pathways along Malibu’s densely populated beaches. A photo from court documents showed an excavator at Broad Beach.

“This is a better way to resolve the situation than settlement money sitting in a pot somewhere,” Haage said, noting that property donations are rare but effective in Malibu where land is highly valued.

Attanasio’s donation involves a property near Big Rock Beach, roughly 14 miles from his Broad Beach mansion. Although Attanasio is still under contract to purchase it, he plans to donate the 5,135-square-foot parcel, which previously housed a three-unit building lost in the Palisades fire. Once the sale completes, discussions regarding recreational use will proceed with public agencies.

Robert Moddelmog, enforcement counsel for the Coastal Commission, remarked on the rarity of such acquisitions, explaining, “For decades, people have asked why public agencies can’t purchase these lots, but historically houses form a barrier.”

As part of the resolution, Attanasio agreed to return sand to restore the affected beach areas. Moddelmog detailed how an excavator left a substantial hole in the rocky zone, impacting marine life like fish and sea stars.

Preservation efforts have intensified in Broad Beach over recent years due to erosion from storms and high tides. In 2015, prominent residents such as Dustin Hoffman, Ray Romano, and Pierce Brosnan pledged $31 million for beach restoration to combat sand depletion.