Urgent Update: Fremont Roadway Controversy Escalates with New Gate

UPDATE: In a dramatic twist to a long-fought public access battle, rancher Christopher George has erected a gate on Morrison Canyon Road, igniting fierce backlash from the city of Fremont. The gate blocks access to a critical stretch leading to Vargas Plateau Regional Park, which has been a public right-of-way for over 70 years.

Just weeks ago, on November 6, 2025, the Alameda County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to transfer responsibility for the 0.2-mile road segment to George, citing safety concerns and maintenance issues. However, the city swiftly responded, asserting that the roadway has been part of its jurisdiction since its incorporation in 1956.

In a letter to George’s attorney, City Attorney Rafael Alvarado Jr. condemned the unauthorized construction of the gate, declaring it “illegal” and stating that George lacks the legal authority to obstruct public access to land that has historically been used by the community. Alvarado emphasized, “The public has used and enjoyed the roadway as a public right of way… open, notorious, continuous and adverse to any purported private interest.”

The controversy surrounding this stretch of road has been escalating for nearly two decades, marked by lawsuits and community discontent. In 2008, George and a neighbor filed a lawsuit concerning traffic issues, culminating in a costly settlement in 2012 that delayed the park’s opening and required extensive road improvements, costing taxpayers hundreds of thousands of dollars.

The park, encompassing 1,249 acres, is accessible via several routes, but the only staging area with essential amenities such as restrooms and drinking water lies at the end of Morrison Canyon Road. Residents have expressed outrage over George’s gate, fearing it will limit access to this valuable public resource.

“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 local resident Daphne Lin. Others have voiced concerns that George’s actions prioritize his interests over community access, with advocates like Kelly Abreu stressing the importance of preserving public spaces.

George, who also serves as CEO of CMG Financial, argues that the gate provides a necessary buffer for his family’s safety against illegal activities reported in the area. During a meeting on October 9, he cited threats to his family and community safety as justification for the gate’s installation.

County Public Works Director Daniel Woldesenbet supported the supervisors’ decision, stating the road functions as a private driveway and has fallen into disrepair, costing the county over $200,000 in maintenance over the last five years.

As of the latest reports, the gate remains in place, and the city of Fremont has vowed to monitor the situation closely. The stakes are high, with community members and officials alike eager to see how this ongoing conflict will unfold. The fate of Morrison Canyon Road, a vital link to the park and a shared public space, hangs in the balance.

Stay tuned for updates as this developing story progresses.