Venue Change for the Coastal Commission Hearing!

The venue for the Coastal Commission hearing has changed to the Del Mar Fairgrounds. Which is great because now hundreds (if not thousands) of Surfrider Foundation activists and opponents of the toll road can fit into the hearing room! 

When: Wednesday, February 6, 2008. Please arrive by 9am.

Where: Del Mar Fairgrounds--at Wyland. Hall 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd. Del Mar, CA 92014 - Just off the I-5 in Del Mar at Via de la Valle exit.

The Governator Is At It Again

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger issued a letter in support of the proposed 241 toll road extension. The letter was issued just two weeks before a critical vote by the California Coastal Commission to determine if the proposed extension violates the California Coastal Act. A staff report prepared by the CCC concludes that it does. "We are absolutely taken aback by this," said Surfrider Foundation CEO Jim Moriarty. "For the Governor to take this unprecedented step of interfering with the workings of an independent and non-political commission, an entity which was established by California voters and whose sole responsibility is to decide the future of California's coasts and beaches based on law and fact, is entirely inappropriate." The disappointing announcement comes just six days after the California Governor unveiled his plans to close forty-eight California State Parks. "We had hoped that Governor Schwarzenegger was insincere in his threat to close state parks and beaches," says Moriarty. "It now appears that he is absolutely intent on sacrificing our state park system and natural resources for his political objectives." The California State Parks Department has maintained that they may be forced to abandon nearly sixty percent of San Onofre State Beach Park, including the popular San Mateo Creek Campground, should the proposed extension to the 241 toll road be completed. Governor Schwarzenegger's failure to support San Onofre State Beach Park by endorsing the 241 toll road extension is in direct contrast to the efforts of his Republican predecessors, President Richard M. Nixon and then-Governor Ronald Reagan, both of whom worked to establish San Onofre State Beach as a part of their legacy; hoping that it would exist as a resource to be used and enjoyed by future generations. The Surfrider Foundation activists and other opponents to the planned toll road will be gathering in Oceanside, California on February 6th for a planned rally outside the California Coastal Commission hearing. All members of the public are invited to attend.

Please send the Governor a Letter Dear Governor Schwarzenegger: I am writing in response to your letter to the California Coastal Commission, urging them to support the Toll Road through the San Onofre State Park and Beach. I strongly oppose your decision, and the toll road that will destroy California's fifth most visited state park. Voters established the Coastal Commission to be independent and nonpolitical, and decide on the future of our coast based on the facts and the law. San Onofre State Beach gets over two million visitors to the beach portion each year, and over one hundred and sixty thousand visitors to the park's two campgrounds. There are many reasons for the popularity of this beach and park. Since it was recognized as a State Beach in 1971, San Onofre has attracted surfers with its outstanding surf, quiet, accessible inland campground (in close proximity to the beach), and an environment that offers Southern California families the opportunity to experience the coast and nature in the middle of an otherwise overwhelmingly urban area. It is disturbing that as our Governor you have decided to improperly inject politics to what should be decision based on facts and laws. I hope that in the future you will not interfere with independent and nonpolitical commissions so they can do their jobs and fairly represent California's best interest, not yours. Sincerely, Email it here: click here Be sure you use the drop down menu and pick "San Onofre Toll Road" and check "Con". Then fill in your email with the letter template Or, mail it here: Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger State Capitol Sacramento, CA 95814

Show The Coastal Commission What You Think

Big Wednesday....Save Trestles Dear Surfrider Supporter, On Wednesday, February 6th, the California Coastal Commission (CCC) will hear an application for a proposed toll road that will run through San Onofre State Park. This project threatens precious coastal open space, water quality and the surf break at Trestles, and it would set a dangerous precedent for YOUR State Park system. Join hundreds of Surfrider Foundation activists and other opponents of the toll road in Oceanside for a rally outside the CCC hearing. Come help us send a clear message that our State Parks and open spaces deserve saving! What: Crucial Vote to Save Trestles at California Coastal Commission When: Wednesday, February 6th, 2008. Please arrive by 9am. Where: Oceanside City Council Chambers-- 300 North Coast Highway Oceanside, CA 92054 (take the Mission Blvd exit, head west; park at the public parking area just past Coast Highway. Please consider carpooling and taking the train/public transit). We have some limited space on a few of our buses: contact Stefanie ASAP if you are interested in transportation and carpooling. SSekich@surfrider.org Please click here for more information.