After Legal Fight, Public Path to 'Billionaires Beach' Open

MALIBU, Calif. (AP) — It may be called "Billionaires' Beach," but the pristine views along one of Malibu's most exclusive coastlines are now easily accessible to anyone.

After a legal fight that pitted public access advocates against a wealthy homeowner who refused to build a path, the California Coastal Commission is officially opening a third access way along the 1.5-mile Carbon Beach on Tuesday.

The lengthy legal quarrel over beach access dates back to the 1980s.

The state's Coastal Commission issued Lisette and Norman Ackerberg building permits in exchange for providing a public access way beside their house. But they resisted building it. A California appeals court later ruled in favor of the agency.

In 2013, the commission approved a $1.1 million settlement.

The Carbon Beach West pathway will open between sunrise and sunset.

(Story by: Linda S. Zhang, The Associated Press)