Fremont Roadblock Sparks Urgent Battle Over Public Access

UPDATE: A heated dispute over public access to a key roadway in Fremont has escalated dramatically after rancher Christopher George erected a gate on Morrison Canyon Road, prompting immediate backlash from city officials. This conflict, rooted in a decades-long struggle for access to the Vargas Plateau Regional Park, has reached a critical juncture that could redefine public access rights in the area.

Just weeks ago, on October 9, the Alameda County Board of Supervisors voted to transfer a 0.2-mile segment of Morrison Canyon Road to George, who claimed the road was a safety hazard for his family and the community. However, the City of Fremont swiftly responded, asserting its jurisdiction over the roadway and demanding the removal of the gate, which they deemed illegally constructed.

In a letter dated November 6, City Attorney Rafael Alvarado Jr. stated that George has “no legal authority” to obstruct a public road, emphasizing that the roadway has been used by the public for over 70 years. Alvarado’s warning to George’s legal team indicates that the city will actively monitor the situation until the gate is taken down.

The contentious road has been at the center of disputes since 2008, when George and a neighbor filed a lawsuit that resulted in a costly settlement for the East Bay Regional Park District and the city. The road leading to the 1,249-acre Vargas Plateau has only one staging area for public access, making this stretch critical for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts.

George, who is also CEO of CMG Financial, defended his actions, citing safety concerns related to illegal activities along the road. He claimed that the gate provides a necessary buffer for his family. “This provides safety for my wife, who is often home alone,” he told supervisors. “The area is unsafe for pedestrians, cyclists, and families.”

Despite these assertions, community advocates and Fremont residents have expressed outrage over the gate. Jason Bezis, an attorney representing residents opposed to George’s claim, described the installation as “brazen” and highlighted the legal implications of obstructing a public road. “You’re not allowed to decide to put a gate across a public road,” Bezis asserted.

Local resident Daphne Lin echoed this sentiment, questioning the county’s decision to relinquish public land to benefit a single property owner. “Why would the county give away this land when so many of us use it daily?” she asked during public comments.

As of now, the gate remains in place, and the city continues to assert its claim over Morrison Canyon Road. The situation is developing rapidly, with city officials poised to take action if the barrier is not removed promptly.

The community watches closely as this legal and political battle unfolds, with implications for public access rights that could resonate beyond Fremont. The urgency of this situation underscores the importance of public spaces and the fight to maintain them against private interests.

Next steps: Residents and officials are expected to meet in the coming days to discuss the future of Morrison Canyon Road, with public hearings likely to draw significant community interest. The outcome of this dispute could have lasting effects on public access in the Bay Area.

Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops.