I'm not surprised that the City was supposed to do something about this issue two decades ago and did nothing.  It's pretty easy to put up a new gate. Did the City really think just because the gate was gone that it would never be erected again?  Regarding the current issue, legally it seems like the gate shouldn't be there but I totally understand the owner's frustration at the inconsiderate beach goers who trash the property. Hard to show respect if you feel like you're being disrespected, albeit by a small minority of beach goers.