Bay Area Rancher Blocks Public Roadway, City Demands Gate Removal

UPDATE: A longstanding battle over public access to Morrison Canyon Road in Fremont has escalated dramatically as rancher Christopher George has erected a gate blocking the road, which leads to the Vargas Plateau Regional Park. This controversial move has prompted the city to demand the immediate removal of the barrier, claiming it violates public access rights.

This urgent conflict arises just weeks after the Alameda County Board of Supervisors voted to transfer control of a 0.2-mile section of the roadway to George, a decision that has ignited fierce backlash from city officials. In a letter dated November 6, 2025, Fremont’s City Attorney Rafael Alvarado Jr. accused George of illegally constructing an unpermitted gate, stating he lacks the authority to restrict public access to what has been a community right of way for over 70 years.

George, who also serves as CEO of CMG Financial, argues that the gate is necessary for safety, citing concerns over illegal activities in the area. “This provides a buffer for us of safety… it’s just unsafe,” he claimed in front of county supervisors on October 9. However, critics argue that this action could deprive the public of a vital access point to the park.

The controversy over Morrison Canyon Road has been simmering for nearly two decades. In 2008, George launched a lawsuit regarding roadway conditions, culminating in a settlement in 2012 that delayed the park’s opening while the county invested over $200,000 in improvements. Despite the park’s 1,249-acre expanse and multiple access points, the sole staging area with amenities is accessible only via this road.

George’s claims of safety concerns have been met with skepticism. Opponents, including attorney Jason Bezis, label him a “wily operator,” criticizing his decision to block public access. “You’re not allowed to decide you’re going to put up a gate and a fence across a public road,” Bezis stated.

Local residents are outraged, fearing the loss of public access to the road. “Why would the county give away this land when it’s part of the public road that many of us use and enjoy daily?” questioned resident Daphne Lin. The city plans to monitor George’s property closely, as the debate over the gate continues to unfold.

As of Wednesday evening, the gate remains in place, heightening tensions between George and the city of Fremont. The situation represents a critical flashpoint in the ongoing struggle for public access rights in the Bay Area.

Stay tuned as this story develops, with implications for local residents and public access in the region.