Simmering frustration over limited access to Haskell's Beach has boiled over, prompting the Goleta City Council to consider measures as drastic as grabbing a portion of Bacara Resort & Spa's land through eminent domain.
Signaling that they might move beyond efforts to negotiate a resolution to the eight-month dispute between beach-goers and the resort, council members are also considering enlisting the help of the state Coastal Commission or seeking a right of way through the resort's property.
The council discussed the alternatives at a public hearing Monday where residents criticized Bacara management, with some alleging that intimidating security guards are being used to drive non-guest beach-goers from the picturesque stretch near Sandpiper Golf Course.
For more ont he Haskell's Beach Access Dispute click here