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Comment by komali2 | Hacker News Reader

Eh, I'd rather just drive out to the gate and cut the lock.

Where is it exactly? I'll do it next week.

You'll likely need an angle grinder with a metal cutoff blade (bolt cutters can't handle a good lock, though if it's on a chain, the chain might be a weak link).

The article said there's security on the premises, so be prepared for that sort of trouble (make sure you've got an emergency number and people who know what's going on in case you're arrested). Though, I have a hard time seeing how restoring legal public access could be considered a crime. Maybe just bringing witnesses and cameras will be enough to protect you from security.

You want one of the portable battery powered high speed die grinders and some metal cut off discs, you cut most locks and heavy duty chains with them in seconds. There are numerous youtube videos demonstrating them. Couple hundred dollars at home depot and no larger than a cordless drill.

Not endorsing this action, but for everyone's sake, treat these tools with the same respect you would if you had grown up around them. They can be very dangerous if misused.

Power Hand Tool Safety - Die Grinder Use

https://www.jlab.org/ehs/toolbox_files/GrindingTools.pdf

Exactly this. Be very very careful approaching some rich asshole's security with a a tool mike this. If it's on the beach itself just grab some shovels and dig under/ over. Make fences pointless!

This is perfect actually because I needed to buy something like this anyway, I've locked my bike to my fence with a ulock and lost the key lol.

So, i should advise you that the most likely outcome here is that you'll be arrested.

If security causes you to be arrested and imprisoned, you, and everyone else file civil lawsuits against Khosla.

The more interesting question is whether you'll be prosecuted. If I was the DA, i wouldn't bring charges against anyone who did this (which would be completely within my discretion). This would result in Khosla having to be forced to file civil lawsuits for trespass or something (which he'd lose). It would also mean the police would likely stop arresting you.

But i don't know whether the DA in Khosla's part of town is in favor of the billionaires or the beach access folks.

Is there /any/ place in the US where the legal system sides with surfers, not billionaires?

California? It says in the article that the decision is expected soon

The Facebook group dedicated to the beach is full of surfers and others who regularly visit the beach.

San Mateo Sheriff in late 2015: no citations for trespassing will be issued at Martins Beach.

http://www.montarafog.com/2015/01/sheriff-we-wont-cite-anyon...

Here's the Facebook group:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/friendsofmartinsbeach/

Someone should facebook organize some sort of protest there where we all march across the gates.

There is definitely a need for organization here. Probably a Google spreadsheet with location and "most recent lock cut" date.

Please set up a gofundme so we can fund your adventure!

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