Coastal Commission Keeps an Eye on Butterfly

The California Coastal Commission is looking into complaints that Ty Warner is “privatizing” Butterfly Beach by setting up a kiosk and attendant at the stairs across from the Biltmore leading to the ocean. The attendants have reportedly told some passers-by that “It’s Ty Warner’s beach.” There have been no allegations that the Biltmore has sought to deny or discourage non-guests from using the beach. A Warner spokesperson said it’s not uncommon for beachfront hotels to provide such amenities, adding that Warner is spending $1 million on a wheelchair ramp to increase public access to the beach.