California Coastal Commission and Mark Attanasio’s Beach Dispute Resolution

Beachgoers could benefit from a dispute involving the California Coastal Commission and Mark Attanasio, owner of the Milwaukee Brewers. In 2024, Attanasio’s team faced allegations of using excavators to remove sand from Broad Beach for a beachfront development. This action led to a lawsuit and a Coastal Commission investigation.

The investigation determined that the unpermitted excavation harmed sensitive habitats and partially blocked public access to the beach. In an unusual move, rather than imposing a fine, Attanasio agreed to donate a $2-million oceanfront parcel for public use, according to the Coastal Commission.

The Coastal Commission will vote on the agreement soon. Kenneth Ehrlich, Attanasio’s attorney, stated he would comment post-approval. Lisa Haage, the Coastal Commission’s Chief of Enforcement, expressed optimism about dedicating the parcel for public access, which is challenging in densely built areas like Malibu.

An excavator photo on Broad Beach was included in court documents, highlighting the situation. Haage noted that property donations are not common in Malibu, where land value is high and residents often face fines for blocking access.

Attanasio’s mansion is in Broad Beach, while the donated property is 14 miles east near Big Rock Beach. Although under contract, Attanasio plans to donate it to a public agency upon sale completion. The 5,135-square-foot parcel with 70 feet of beachfront used to host a building destroyed by the Palisades fire. The property will be preserved for recreation, though specific plans will be determined later, according to Robert Moddelmog, Coastal Commission’s enforcement counsel.

Moddelmog noted that acquiring lots in eastern Malibu has historically been difficult due to dense housing. This agreement also includes returning sand and restoring the beach where excavation left a large hole impacting marine species.

Preservation has become increasingly important in Broad Beach, a high-profile area where residents like Dustin Hoffman, Ray Romano, and Pierce Brosnan previously invested $31 million in a sand restoration project to combat storm and tide-related erosion.