Urgent: Fremont City Demands Removal of Roadblock on Public Access

UPDATE: Just moments ago, the city of Fremont has escalated a tense public-access battle by demanding the immediate removal of a gate blocking Morrison Canyon Road, a vital route to Vargas Plateau Regional Park. This move comes after rancher Christopher George was granted control of a 0.2-mile stretch of the roadway by the Alameda County Board of Supervisors last month.

The situation has reached a critical juncture, with Fremont officials asserting that George’s gate, erected just weeks after the county’s decision, is illegal and obstructs public access. In a letter dated November 6, 2025, City Attorney Rafael Alvarado Jr. declared the gate “unpermitted,” emphasizing that the roadway has been a public right of way for over 70 years.

The conflict centers on the 1,249-acre Vargas Plateau Regional Park, which has only one access point with essential facilities like restrooms and drinking water. George, who also serves as the CEO of CMG Financial, has claimed that the road has become a hotspot for illegal activities and has raised safety concerns for his family. He argued for control of the roadway, asserting it would provide a buffer and enhance safety for both his family and the community.

“Cars, cyclists, and pedestrians frequently struggle for space on this road,” George told county supervisors during an October 9 session. “This provides a buffer for us of safety.”

However, the city of Fremont is pushing back. Alvarado warned that the city will monitor the situation closely until the gate is removed. Residents have expressed outrage over the potential loss of public access, with some stating, “Why would the county give away this land when it’s part of the public road that many of us use and enjoy daily?”

The Alameda County Public Works Director, Daniel Woldesenbet, indicated that the county has invested over $200,000 in road maintenance over the past five years, but noted the road’s deteriorating condition and asserted that it effectively serves as a private driveway for George’s property.

As tensions escalate, community members and local advocates are rallying to challenge George’s claim. Attorney Jason Bezis, representing residents opposing the gate installation, described George as a “wily operator” and criticized the act as “brazen.”

The city’s actions and the community’s fervor underscore the urgency of the situation. As the public remains locked out, the future of this critical access point hangs in the balance.

With the gate still standing as of this evening, the next steps are crucial. Will Fremont enforce its demand, or will George’s claim to the roadway prevail? The community watches closely as this evolving story unfolds.

Stay tuned for further updates on this pressing issue.