Billionaire Sues Brewers Owner for Stealing Beach Sand

In a high-profile legal dispute, Milwaukee Brewers owner Mark Attanasio is facing accusations from his neighbor, James Kohlberg, of illegally removing sand from Broad Beach, a public California shoreline. The lawsuit, reported by the Los Angeles Times, claims that Attanasio has been using sand from the beach to enhance his Malibu mansion, which is valued at nearly $30 million. Kohlberg's legal action highlights concerns over the appropriation of a public natural resource for private use, describing Attanasio's actions as a "private property owner using a public beach as their own personal sandbox." The conflict escalated after Attanasio secured permits in March for repairs to a damaged seawall on his property. However, Kohlberg alleges that Attanasio has violated these permits by using heavy machinery in the tidal zone and removing sand from the beach, actions that are explicitly prohibited. The lawsuit includes photographic evidence of excavators operating along the shoreline, allegedly leaving behind significant damage and environmental concerns, including gasoline residue. Kohlberg's lawsuit accuses Attanasio of public nuisance, private nuisance, and violations of the California Coastal Act, prompting an investigation by the California Coastal Commission. Despite the serious allegations, no work stoppage order has been issued against Attanasio's construction crew. In response, Attanasio maintains that he is fully compliant with all necessary permits and is undertaking emergency repairs to protect his property from ocean damage. Kohlberg is seeking financial penalties against Attanasio and a court order to restore the sand that has been removed, intensifying the legal battle over this contentious issue.