Huge Victory for Beaches

Some good news for beaches and beach go-ers! On Wednesday, February 6th, the California Coastal Commission voted 8-2 to reject the planned 241 Toll Road, (which would have been located about halfway between LA and San Diego), and protected the internationally-known surfing spot, Trestles, and San Onofre State Beach. Thousands turned out for this historic meeting in nearby Del Mar, CA, making it clear to the commissioners that the destruction of state parks and coastal resources is unacceptable.

The record-breaking crowd was comprised of a diverse cross-section of beach users including surfers, students, families, seniors, fishermen as well as a large number of Native American tribal representatives. Also on hand was a massive contingent from the surf industry, including various manufacturers, shapers, media representatives and pro athletes.

Supporters of the Foothill South testified that the road was needed to accommodate development in southern Orange County and take some of the burden off I-5, the heaviest traveled corridor between Los Angeles and San Diego.

Opponents countered that the road would destroy habitat for half a dozen threatened or endangered species, including the Pacific pocket mouse. They also said it would degrade a popular campground and create a concrete eyesore in the center of the park, which stretches from coastal bluffs to inland canyons.

Surfers worried that the road could block erosion from the San Mateo Creek watershed, which they believe contributes to the world-class surfing conditions at Trestles, a venue for major contests.

Mark Delaplaine, who directed the commission's staff analysis, said the highway would violate provisions of the Coastal Act related to endangered species, wetlands, public access, recreation, surfing, Indian sites and greenhouse gas emissions.

While Wildlands CPR's work mainly concerns public land roads, all roads have impacts, and this 16 mile stretch, which would have cost $875 million dollars (that's $54.6 million/mile!), would have affected the beaches and surrounding areas in numerous ways, as Delaplaine, above, stated.

Having surfed at San Onofre a few times with my two sons, I can vouch for this slice of California coast that is still relatively clean, habitat-rich (great whites have been spotted there), and evokes the mellow, surfing, family spirit of southern California culture thought long gone.