The California Coastal Commission has a powerful new tool to go after homeowners who block access to the state's beaches—the CC can now fine such scofflaws instead of taking them to court.
"Gov. Jerry Brown signed a bill that would allow the California Coastal Commission to fine property owners who block access to beaches, whether through phony signs or putting padlocks on access gates," reports Christina Pascucci.
"Before the bill was passed, the Coastal Commission would have to take property owners to court if they did such a thing. Now, however, they can slap them with a hefty fine."
FULL STORY: Fines to Be Imposed in California for Fake Signs Blocking Beach Access

Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly
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Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

Chicago’s Ghost Rails
Just beneath the surface of the modern city lie the remnants of its expansive early 20th-century streetcar system.

Bend, Oregon Zoning Reforms Prioritize Small-Scale Housing
The city altered its zoning code to allow multi-family housing and eliminated parking mandates citywide.

Amtrak Cutting Jobs, Funding to High-Speed Rail
The agency plans to cut 10 percent of its workforce and has confirmed it will not fund new high-speed rail projects.

LA Denies Basic Services to Unhoused Residents
The city has repeatedly failed to respond to requests for trash pickup at encampment sites, and eliminated a program that provided mobile showers and toilets.
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