Deal addresses public access to Hollister Ranch beaches

Mounting public outrage has fueled new efforts by state officials to open a coveted stretch of California coastline in Santa Barbara County.

(Tamlorn Chase / For The Times )

Aug. 5, 2016 2:57 PM PT

The Hollister Ranch coastline, probably one of the most pristine stretches of beach in California.

(Tamlorn Chase / For The Times)

Jeff Kamer, right, of Goleta shows Debby Kamer, his visiting sister, the view of the ocean at the entrance to Hollister Ranch west of Santa Barbara.

(Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)

Sand dunes along Cuarto Beach, a surfer’s paradise on the Hollister Ranch coastline.

(Tamlorn Chase / For The Times)

The sun sets over the Santa Ynez Mountains, which form the northern boundary of Hollister Ranch.

(Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)

Vehicles drive along Hollister Ranch Road, which has a gatehouse and a guard to ensure that only designated owners and guests enter.

(Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)

The view from a kayak along the Hollister Ranch coastline inaccessible to the general public.

(Tamlorn Chase / For The Times)

A young buck scrambles into the hills along Hollister Ranch Road, the only entrance into Hollister Ranch.

(Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)

A sign warns against trespassing on Hollister Ranch Road.

(Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)

Swimmers enjoy the waters at Gaviota State Park near the entrance to Hollister Ranch.

(Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)

An Amtrak train rolls north with the Gaviota Pier in the background near Hollister Ranch in the Santa Ynez Mountains.

(Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)

The Hollister Ranch gatehouse guard ensures that only designated owners and guests enter the secluded Hollister Ranch.

(Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)