Hayden Calls for Coastal Commissioner to Quit

Assemblyman Tom Hayden (D-Santa Monica) has called for the resignation of a coastal commissioner accused of extorting $250,000 from a San Diego developer who wanted to build a seaside hotel.

Former Sen. Alan Robbins (D-Van Nuys) implicated Coastal Commissioner Mark Nathanson as the ex-lawmaker pleaded guilty in Sacramento to federal racketeering charges.

Robbins said that Nathanson had helped shake down San Diego developer Jack Naiman for $250,000. Nathanson, who has not been charged with criminal wrongdoing, has not commented on Robbins’ statements.

Hayden, whose Assembly seat is considered in jeopardy because of reapportionment, said, “We must protect the California coastline from this cloud of corruption.” He called Nathanson “the developer’s best friend on the Coastal Commission. He should resign for the good of the environment and the integrity of the Coastal Commission.”