Save Trestles: February 2008

Top Ten Reasons the Toll Road Failed

From OC Weekly's Alex Brant-Zawadzki

They Didn't Pave Paradise: The top 10 reasons why the Foothill South Toll Road extension failed
By ALEX BRANT-ZAWADZKI
Thursday, February 14, 2008 - 3:00 pm
On Feb. 6, the California Coastal Commission voted 8-2 to deny the Transportation Corridor Agencies' (TCA) application for a Coastal Permit to build the Foothill South (Highway 241) toll-road extension. This was no surprise, as troubles with both the road and the TCA are legion. Now, this symphony of crap may yet have its coda: The TCA has appealed the decision to the Secretary of Commerce. But for now, here are 10 major reasons behind the road's downfall:

1. DOLLA DOLLA BILL, Y'ALL. The Coastal Commission calls San Mateo Creek "one of the most, if not the most, undeveloped and pristine coastal watersheds in Southern California." Rather than consider it priceless, the TCA offered a $100 million package to the California Department of Parks and Recreation to soothe the chafing-$30 million for various good works and $70 million to extend the San Onofre State Park lease from the Department of the Navy. Two problems: 1) The lease doesn't expire until 2021, and 2) there's no reason to suspect the Navy will charge the Department of Parks and Recreation any more than the $1 they charged for the first 50-year lease. So it's really a $30 million offer to destroy a state park.

See the rest of the list over at the OC Weekly

Commissioner Blank Dressing Down the TCA

In case you missed this section of the 12 hour hearing, the questions that Commissioner Steve Blank asked forced the TCA to finally tell the truth. In four parts:

Media/Photo Recap of the Coastal Commission

Here's a long list of photos and news articles from the "Surf Media".

http://bhwatershots.com/tollroad/ Very nice photos

http://eppicsurf.com/view_session.php?id=1655 Lots of very cool photos

http://surfermag.com/av/flash/vote-save-trestles/ Video of the vote (TCA goons don’t look too comfortable)

http://www.transworldsurf.com/gallery.jsp?ID=1000009482 Short slideshow

http://www.surfingthemag.com/surfing-photo-video/surfing-photo-dept/save-trestles-020608/ Article with slideshow

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kwbDXLHlRms Short clip of the crowd

http://www.surfline.com/surfnews/article_bamp.cfm?id=13580 Article with pics

http://surfermag.com/features/onlineexclusives/ccmeetingdelmar-02-07-2008/ Article

http://www.transworldsurf.com/video.jsp?ID=1000002742 Fun commentary video through the day

http://www.transworldsurf.com/article.jsp?ID=1000020734 Brief article

Thank the Commission and Come Celebrate With Us!

We set up an online petition to thank the Commissioners for protecting Trestles. It's very important that we thank decision makers when they do the right thing!

This landslide vote was a watershed moment for the environmental movement and we need to make sure the Commissioners are positively acknowledged!It's super easy. Go here: http://www.thepetitionsite.com/petition/406462345 and sign your name. Surfrider will print up all the signatures and then hand deliver them at the next CCC hearing in So Cal.

We are having a party next Saturday (Feb 23) at the OC Tavern to celebrate our win at the Coastal Commission hearing. We have three outstanding bands lined up (Bushwalla, Anna Troy and Austin Jennings). Plus, there will be a killer raffle…..and most importantly, all your friends who have helped protect Trestles and San Onofre will be there! Pass around the invite!

When: Sat Feb 23 at 8pm

Where: OC Tavern: 2369 El Camino Real,San Clemente

Compilation of the Day

Thanks to Chay Peterson

We Did It!! The Coastal Commission rejected the Toll road!

Yesterday was a great day for the coast!! The California Coastal Commission voted 8-2 to reject the planned 241 Toll Road and to protect Trestles and San Onofre State Beach. Thousands turned out for this historic meeting in Del Mar, 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.

Photo: Branimir Kvartuk

“Our supporters have logged countless volunteer hours on this campaign over the last several years,” said Moriarty. “Last night’s decision was an incredible affirmation for their efforts, and a testament to the power of grassroots activism.”

Many of you sent letters to the Commission and to the Governor asking that this road be blocked. Many of you told the Commission on YouTube to protect our state park and beach. And many of you showed up to the meeting prepared to demonstrate to the commission and the world that our parks and coasts are not to be destroyed.

Of course Surfrider Foundation didn't do this alone. We want to thank our partners with the Sierra Club, CA State Parks Foundation, Natural Resources Defense Council, Endangered Habitats League, Sea and Sage Audubon Society, Defenders of Wildlife, WildCoast and countless others.

While this decision is likely not the death knell for the toll road we would like, there will be a major uphill battle for them to overcome. We will be there at every step to trip them up and we will need your continuing support. If you haven't, please consider joining Surfrider Foundation and getting involved in your local chapter.

Thank you for protecting the coast.

BREAKING NEWS - CCC Says Toll Road Will Impact Surf Break!

This just in… Surfrider Foundation has received a copy of an addendum that was just released by the California Coastal commission staff and submitted to the commissioners for tomorrows meeting.

It states:

“A review of the TCA’s newly submitted Runoff Management Plan reveals that it is quite probable an increase in fine sediment will occur. Additionally, the flow velocities in San Mateo Creek are likely to be reduced. Either result will impact the continued existence of the cobble delta. Therefore, the Commission concludes that the proposed toll road will likely affect the specific mix of sediments, sands and cobbles thus resulting in an impact to the surfing resources.”

The report then goes on to say

“If adverse effects occurred, they would be unmitigable and irreversible.”

Again, this is the finding of the California Coastal Commission staff – an independent and non-partisan agency whose sole responsibility is to safeguard our beaches and coastlines, by enforcing the Califirnia Coastal Act.

Don’t let Trestles be destroyed! Please attend the Coastal Commission hearing tomorrow and let your voice be heard!

Free parking for toll road hearing!

This just in....

People attending Wednesday's hearing on the San Onofre State Beach -Orange County toll road issue won't have to pay the normal $9 parking fee at the Del Mar Fairgrounds, according to an update posted on the state Coastal Commission's Web site.

Go Green to the CCC hearing--carpool

If you want to hitch a ride, we are leaving from the following locations:

Rob Field (in Ocean Beach/Point Loma--) 2525 Bacon St San Diego, CA 92107. Leaving promptly at 8:00am . This bus is full however we are setting up carpools here, so join us for a caravan!!
Moreno Street Park and Ride (in Oceanside/Carlsbad—at I-5 and Hwy 78) 1928 Moreno St., Oceanside 92054. Leaving promptly at 8:00am. This bus is full however we are setting up carpools here so join us for a caravan!!
Trestles Parking lot at leaving at promptly 7:00. We have limited space here, email Robin: robin.everett@sierraclub.org to get the last seats! But again, if the bus fills up, we will have a carpool organized.

Big Wednesday!

Trestles needs you to attend the Coastal Commission Hearing this Wednesday February 6, 2008!

This Coastal Commission hearing is our chance to stop the Toll Road through San Onofre State Park and Beach. With last week’s passage of federal legislation requiring the TCA to comply with state law, a “No” vote from the California Coastal Commission would be a killing blow to the Toll Road.

The hearing will start at 9am and will go all day. If you are not driving with our bus/carpool you can show up whenever you want. However, we'd like people there at 9am; and if you want to testify you need to turn in your speaker slip in the morning.

It's difficult to say how long the hearing will last. Our goal is to keep the venue filled with our supporters throughout the day. Even if you can only make it for part of the morning or the afternoon, that would be great!

If you are driving yourself, there is a $9 parking fee. However, thanks to the generosity of our friends at ASR and Dr. Know, we will be offering a few supporters (people who sign in at our booth) $5 in cash to help offset parking cost. This will be "on a first come, first served basis".

Is there a way to keep up with the day’s events?

Yes. The Surfrider Foundation will be webcasting updates using Twitter. Simply go to www.twitter.com/savetrestles for real-time updates throughout the day.

The Surfrider Foundation and projectBLUE will also issuing updates for those on site via cell phone using Pinger. Simply log on to www.betruetoblue.com/savetrestles to sign up for this service.

Don’t Forget…..Surfrider is also offering prizes, including two hand-shaped Rusty Preisendorfer surfboards, to attendees who show up in the most creative and original "Save Trestles" themed outfits.

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

Where: Del Mar Fairgrounds—at Wyland. Hall. There is a large whale mural on the building 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd. Del Mar, CA 92014 - Just off the I-5 in Del Mar at Via de la Valle exit.Visit http://www.sdfair.com/index.php?fuseaction=maps.home for complete directions. Park in the Main Lot – Enter through O’Brien Gate

Clint Eastwood Opposes The Toll Road!

Check out this video from Clint Eastwood

CARPOOLERS - Looking for / offering rides?

Carpooling not only saves gas, in this case it will save you money (parking at the fairgrounds is $9!)

If you are looking for or offering a ride down to the Coastal Commission hearing on Wednesday, please post your information here in the comments section.

Thanks!