SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — Gov. Jerry Brown has signed a bill into law empowering the California Coastal Commission to fine property owners who illegally block beach access to the public.

The Oakland Tribune reported Saturday (http://tinyurl.com/n27zqsa ) that the commission has been without the authority to levy fines since its creation in 1976. The commission’s new powers come amid a legal tussle between Silicon Valley billionaire Vinod Khosla and environmentalists over Khosla’s closing public access to Martins Beach in San Mateo County. A judge is deciding whether Khosla, who bought a secluded cove south of Half Moon Bay for $37.5 million in 2008, is allowed to close an access road to the beach.