Daly City officials remove controversial fence at Thornton State Beach
DALY CITY, Calif. (KGO) -- A controversial fence that aimed to block public access to Thornton State Beach in Daly City has been removed by the city.
A couple who says they are part owners of the property put it up, to try to block public paths to Thornton State Beach.
It had been partially torn down at least three times by people who oppose it.
Daly City delayed taking down the fence because the couple asked for an emergency restraining order and because they wanted to get permission from other property owners.
But now, it's gone.
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"I'm hopefully confident that this will send a clear message," said Daly City Mayor Glenn Sylvester. "You just can't erect a barrier of any sort to prevent the public from access to a beautiful public area."
We have footage showing the couple, Yitong Emily Wen and Luke Brugnara, arguing with people about their fence.
Brugnara or "Lucky Luke," as he's known, put it up in early January.
Daly City police arrested him after allegedly threatening to shoot and kill a couple walking near the fence in late January.
Brugnara's legal troubles span decades.
San Mateo County Supervisor David Canepa says there are multiple property owners who have made it clear they wanted the fence removed.
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"Today Lucky Luke's luck, make no mistake about it, has run out," Canepa said. "No one is above the law. You just can't go to a beach and erect fences."
Daly City City Attorney Rose Zimmerman said the fence was illegally put up, saying it's in violation of the coastal code.
Now, many community members are applauding the move to take it down.
"I think it's great," said Daly City resident Davin Chan. "It's been up for long enough. Everyone in the community has kind of been against it so it's great that the city is taking action."
Zimmerman said the city kept up a portion of the fence on private property because there's still a dispute over who owns it.
But ABC7 Eyewitness News was told some community members took matters into their own hands and already took down that portion on their own.
If you're on the ABC7 News app, click here to watch live
