Milwaukee Brewers owner Mark Attanasio has agreed to donate a $2 million oceanfront parcel to the California Coastal Commission following accusations that his construction team stole sand from a public beach to expand his Malibu property. The donated parcel is located at Big Rock Beach, approximately 14 miles from the disputed Broad Beach.
The dispute began in 2024 when Attanasio's team allegedly used excavators to remove sand from Broad Beach, transporting it to his $35 million oceanfront home. This action reportedly violated the California Coastal Act and prompted an investigation by the coastal commission.
According to the investigation, the excavation damaged sensitive habitats, including those of starfish, and partially obstructed public access to Broad Beach. As part of the resolution, Attanasio will not only donate the land but also return the sand and restore the affected beach.
The California Coastal Commission expressed enthusiasm for the agreement, noting that receiving land for public access is rare compared to monetary settlements. "This is a better way to resolve the situation than settlement money sitting in a pot somewhere," Lisa Haage, the Coastal Commission’s Chief of Enforcement, told The Los Angeles Times. "We’re very excited because we rarely have the opportunity to dedicate a whole parcel to the public."
Attanasio's new property spans over 5,000 square feet and includes 70 feet of beach access. The site previously held a three-story building that was destroyed by fire during the Palisades Fire. The donated parcel at Big Rock Beach will be preserved for recreational use.
Attanasio, who is reportedly worth nearly $2 billion, has not commented on the agreement, and his lawyer declined to comment until the sale is finalized. The Daily Mail has reached out to Attanasio's lawyer and the Coastal Commission for further comment.