Lawsuit Seeks Clarity on Public Access to La Jolla's Coast Walk

Residents dispute with city over property boundaries threatens permit for home remodel project

Mar. 29, 2026 at 3:00pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A lawsuit filed by a trio of limited liability companies managed by Coast Walk residents Teall and Carolyn Edds seeks a definitive ruling on where property lines begin and end and where the public right of way is along the popular La Jolla Coast Walk trail. The dispute is preventing the Eddses from obtaining a permit to remodel and add to their home and link an adjacent property they own.

Why it matters

The case highlights ongoing tensions in coastal communities over public access to beaches and trails, as well as the challenges of resolving property boundary disputes that have lingered since the 19th century. The outcome could set an important precedent for how public rights-of-way are defined and enforced in similar situations.

The details

The Eddses' legal counsel, Robin Madaffer, says the couple's position is that the public right of way is the paved area connecting Coast Walk to the Coast Walk Trail, based on an 1880s map and the fact that the city has improved and maintained the area. However, the city believes the right of way extends beyond the paved area and onto the Eddses' property, creating uncertainty about the exact property boundaries. This dispute has prevented the city from approving the Eddses' application for a coastal development permit to build on their property.

  • The lawsuit was filed against the city of San Diego in Superior Court in September 2026.
  • The La Jolla Community Planning Association narrowly supported the Eddses' proposed project in 2023.
  • Soon after, the city offered rulings unfavorable to the Eddses regarding the property boundaries.

The players

Teall and Carolyn Edds

Coast Walk residents who filed the lawsuit against the city of San Diego seeking a definitive ruling on property boundaries and public access rights.

Robin Madaffer

Legal counsel representing the Eddses in the lawsuit.

Kristin Churchill

A neighbor who filed an objection to the Eddses' proposed project, arguing it would limit public access to the area.

Melinda Merryweather

A local resident who expressed concern about signs posted by the Eddses along the paved area and trail, which she believes give the impression the area is not open to the public.

City of San Diego

The defendant in the lawsuit, which has disputed the Eddses' claims about the property boundaries and public right of way.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“The point of the lawsuit stems from the fact that there is a dispute between the city and the property owner about the exact location of the right of way and what is public vs. private. That really is the crux.”

— Robin Madaffer, Legal counsel for the Eddses

“The city believes it extends beyond the paved area and toward the Edds property. That creates an uncertainty about where the property boundaries are. The city doesn't know and the surveys are inconsistent.”

— Robin Madaffer, Legal counsel for the Eddses

“The project would limit access from Torrey Pines Road. It should be available for people to access.”

— Kristin Churchill, Neighbor

“There are signs being put on Coast Walk ... with no permit from the city that give the impression the trail is partially private.”

— Melinda Merryweather, Local resident

What’s next

A hearing date for the lawsuit has not been set, but the outcome could have significant implications for public access to the Coast Walk trail and similar coastal areas.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing challenges of balancing private property rights with public access to coastal areas, as well as the need for clear and consistent policies to resolve long-standing boundary disputes that can impact community use of shared public spaces.