Fence and armed-warning sign block access to Thornton State Beach, triggering legal and public backlash

A sudden barrier at a heavily used coastal trail

A newly installed chain-link fence has cut off the primary path used by the public to reach Thornton State Beach and its adjacent trails on the San Mateo County coast near Daly City. The fence, reported by residents in mid-January, drew immediate attention after a handwritten warning sign appeared alongside it, threatening violence against anyone who crossed onto what was described as private property. Local officials said the sign was removed by police, but the fence remained in place as of late January, with evidence that a hole had been cut into it.

The closure affects access to a long-established recreation area known for hiking and horseback riding. Local officials also raised concerns that the blockade could complicate emergency response by restricting vehicle access routes to the coastline.

Disputed authority and questions over ownership

The individual identified by police as having directed construction of the fence is Luke Brugnara, who has a prior federal conviction tied to an art fraud case. Officials said Brugnara asserted he was associated with an ownership group, while authorities indicated he does not own the land where the fence was erected. One of the property’s owners, identified by county officials as Donna Pope, reported a trespasser on the land to police and said she wanted the fence removed.

City enforcement activity also began. A Daly City code enforcement officer issued a notice of violation citing a lack of permits and potential encroachment onto public land, according to officials familiar with the case.

How California regulates coastal access disputes

California’s coastal regulatory framework generally treats unpermitted development that interferes with access—such as gates, fences, trail closures, and “no trespassing” measures—as a potential enforcement matter in the coastal zone. The state has mechanisms to investigate complaints, seek removal of unpermitted structures, and pursue penalties when public access is impaired.

Key point in dispute: whether the fence was permitted and whether it blocks public access routes that have been used for decades.

Local political response and next steps

San Mateo County Supervisor David Canepa said he visited the site after receiving constituent messages and described the barrier as inconsistent with long-standing public use of the area. He urged state coastal regulators to intervene and planned additional outreach to agencies with jurisdiction over coastal access and permitting. The issue was also expected to be discussed at a Daly City City Council meeting as local officials weighed enforcement options and interagency coordination.

Public access conflicts on the San Mateo County coast have a notable history, including years of litigation in a separate case involving restricted access to Martins Beach. The Thornton State Beach dispute now places another stretch of Bay Area coastline at the center of a recurring question: how to reconcile private property claims with the public’s practical ability to reach the shore.

• The fence blocks the primary access route used by visitors to reach trails and the beach.
• A threatening sign was removed by police; the fence remained standing in late January.
• City code enforcement cited permitting concerns and potential public-land encroachment.
• County and city officials signaled further action through hearings and agency referrals.