On his way to achieving the American dream of entrepreneurial success, San Luis Obispo County businessman Franco DeCicco, a first-generation immigrant, has faced a lot of challenges. But none quite like the threat he is now confronting from a government agency with a callous indifference to property owners’ rights, a ravenous appetite to expand its power—and seemingly bottomless pockets to finance its imperial ambitions.

You guessed it: Mr. DeCicco is the latest California property owner to find his dreams under assault by the notorious California Coastal Commission.

An Italian immigrant who arrived in America with less than $80 in his pocket, Mr. DeCicco worked most of his adult life in the auto repair business.  He saved up enough money to buy a piece of property in San Luis Obispo County, with a lifelong goal in mind: to put up a family-run motel, with four homes for his kids.

The plan is well-considered and responsible, and the county has OK’d it. But the Coastal Commission is now trying to second-guess that decision, playing words games with state law to try to rationalize butting in.

PLF is poised to fight for Mr. DeCicco’s rights, and we’ll keep you posted as that effort moves forward.   In the meantime, listen to my recent interview with Mr. DeCicco:

Damien M. Schiff
PLF Attorney