Tucked off a turn on Highway 101, down an unmarked fork in the road, the elusive gates of Hollister Ranch swung open to a 14,500-acre oasis — described by many as the last vestige of the old California coast.

Coastal officials knew decades ago it would take money to open Hollister Ranch to the public.

After more than three decades of stops and stalls, the state this week made clear the fight for beach access at Hollister Ranch is far from over.

Let it be known that on Aug. 20, 2018, surfing became California’s official state sport.

Gov. Jerry Brown signed legislation Monday that enshrines surfing in the state’s code.

As a member of the Gaviota Coast Planning Advisory Committee appointed by the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors, I am familiar with the challenges of balancing public access, private property rights, agriculture, and natural and cultural resources along the Gaviota coast as mandated by the California Coastal Act.

VEHICLES DRIVE along Hollister Ranch Road, a private access way into the property, which has 8.5 miles of beaches and 136 parcels.

The priciest home on Malibu's famed Billionaire's Beach has found a bona fide billionaire buyer.