CA law: Need lawyerly advice on neighbors accessing my property

[Catherine Decker]

Well - let's hope this isn't too complicated.

I just acquired a large parcel in Sacramento, CA that is adjacent to several houses in a subdivision. Many of the houses have gates in their fences that open onto my property. Earlier this week, I caught a neighbor actually cutting down trees on my property! He has clearly done it several times before. The trees weren't diseased, he just didn't like them. Of course, I asked him to stop. My property has been badly neglected for several years, so neighbors probably are used to coming and going (it's 3 acres), but I would like this to stop. There are no fewer than 11 gates that open onto my property. (Don't worry, the trees were big oleander bushes and not the fabulous heritage oaks, but still....)

Would like any lawyerly advice on this topic. I know I need to act quickly. I have only owned the property for 4 weeks, so this is a new issue and I don't want to sit on it. I also don't want the neighbors doing any more damage nor do I want them to be accessing my property.

Any advice from attys in California or those familiar with situations like this?