Bill to restore public access to Martin's Beach clears big hurdle

SAN MATEO COUNTY, Calif. (KGO) -- On Tuesday, the public won a skirmish in the battle over a beach in San Mateo County.

A bill to restore public access at Martin's Beach cleared a big legislative hurdle in Sacramento.

The State Assembly agreed to ask the State Lands Commission to consider using its powers of eminent domain to purchase access to the secluded beach if owner Vinod Khosla does not provide it voluntarily.

Lobbyists for the high-tech billionaire fought hard to deny that, but they failed.

The measure has already been approved by the State Senate.