California State Parks Foundation Press Release
Elizabeth Goldstein, president of the California State Parks Foundation, released the following statement in response to the California Coastal Commission staff's report on construction of a 16-mile long toll road slicing through San Onofre State Beach.
"The Coastal Commission staff report is welcome news to every Californian who is concerned about protecting our state parks and beaches. Based on a comprehensive analysis, California Coastal Commission staff issued a 236-page indictment of a proposal to build a toll road through the state park at San Onofre State Beach. The report establishes that this project will not only destroy one of our most important coastal park lands, but it will also threaten the integrity of the Coastal Act itself. If approved, the toll road would eliminate irreplaceable recreation areas, reduce coastal access, fill wetlands and destroy sensitive habitat areas.
"The report's recommendation of disapproval is a critical step toward the demise of a uniquely destructive project that, more than any other in recent memory, threatens the environmental, recreational, and economic resources that belong to all Californians.
"The staff report is among the strongest I have ever seen in many years of working on state resources issues. It is balanced, objective and comprehensive. We're hopeful that the Coastal Commissioners, who are the ultimate decision makers on this issue, will concur with their staff’s
recommendation at their October 11, 2007 meeting.
"Specifically, this report concludes that the Transportation Corridor Agencies of Orange County (TCA) proposed a toll road that goes through the wrong place, is based on wrong thinking, and ultimately, is wrong for California.
The staff report indicates this proposed route for the toll road would:
* Fragment and undermine one of the last remaining intact watersheds and coastal canyon ecosystems in all of southern California.
* Have negative impacts to coastal resources that would be "permanent, irreversible and for the most part, unmitigatable."
* Set a dangerous precedent for the future protection of our state parks and beaches and land that has been set aside for conservation and recreation.
"Equally important, the Coastal Commission staff report clearly states that this toll road, contrary to assertions from its sponsors (the TCA), would result in the de-facto closure of a trail to the coast and the abandonment or severely limited use of the park's most popular campground.
"This objective review by the Coastal Commission staff should provide ample evidence that San Onofre State Beach should be saved and alternative proposals explored in more detail.
The Coastal Commission staff report specifically states that, when all impacts are taken into account, putting the toll road through this state park "is the most environmentally damaging rather than the least environmentally damaging feasible alternative..."
Elizabeth Goldstein, president of the California State Parks Foundation, released the following statement in response to the California Coastal Commission staff's report on construction of a 16-mile long toll road slicing through San Onofre State Beach.
"The Coastal Commission staff report is welcome news to every Californian who is concerned about protecting our state parks and beaches. Based on a comprehensive analysis, California Coastal Commission staff issued a 236-page indictment of a proposal to build a toll road through the state park at San Onofre State Beach. The report establishes that this project will not only destroy one of our most important coastal park lands, but it will also threaten the integrity of the Coastal Act itself. If approved, the toll road would eliminate irreplaceable recreation areas, reduce coastal access, fill wetlands and destroy sensitive habitat areas.
"The report's recommendation of disapproval is a critical step toward the demise of a uniquely destructive project that, more than any other in recent memory, threatens the environmental, recreational, and economic resources that belong to all Californians.
"The staff report is among the strongest I have ever seen in many years of working on state resources issues. It is balanced, objective and comprehensive. We're hopeful that the Coastal Commissioners, who are the ultimate decision makers on this issue, will concur with their staff’s
recommendation at their October 11, 2007 meeting.
"Specifically, this report concludes that the Transportation Corridor Agencies of Orange County (TCA) proposed a toll road that goes through the wrong place, is based on wrong thinking, and ultimately, is wrong for California.
The staff report indicates this proposed route for the toll road would:
* Fragment and undermine one of the last remaining intact watersheds and coastal canyon ecosystems in all of southern California.
* Have negative impacts to coastal resources that would be "permanent, irreversible and for the most part, unmitigatable."
* Set a dangerous precedent for the future protection of our state parks and beaches and land that has been set aside for conservation and recreation.
"Equally important, the Coastal Commission staff report clearly states that this toll road, contrary to assertions from its sponsors (the TCA), would result in the de-facto closure of a trail to the coast and the abandonment or severely limited use of the park's most popular campground.
"This objective review by the Coastal Commission staff should provide ample evidence that San Onofre State Beach should be saved and alternative proposals explored in more detail.
The Coastal Commission staff report specifically states that, when all impacts are taken into account, putting the toll road through this state park "is the most environmentally damaging rather than the least environmentally damaging feasible alternative..."
posted by SOCsurfrider at
3:39 PM
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Tuesday, September 18, 2007
San Clemente Seafest Art Fundraiser
Come out to the San Clemente Seafest Sunday, October 7 and enjoy a great fall day. The Seafest features a Killer Dana Surf Contest and Arts & Craft Show at the historic San Clemente Pier area. While you're there, be sure to stop by the Ocean Image booth and buy a copy of this beautiful poster for just $15.00ea (normally $35.00ea). $2.00 for each poster sold goes to the Surfrider Foundation!
posted by SOCsurfrider at
12:50 PM
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Wednesday, September 12, 2007
Trestles Conversation At Boost Mobile Pro
South OC's very own Rick Erkeneff and Steve Long discuss threats to Trestles and San Onofre State Beach at the 2007 Boost Mobile Pro.
posted by SOCsurfrider at
9:06 PM
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Thursday, September 6, 2007
Chapter Committee Elections - November 2007 - Date TBA
Would you like to participate on the South Orange County Chapter Executive Committee?
The Chapter's Committee is responsible for managing the month-to-month business generated from the Chapter, from making decisions related to all current environmental campaigns and programs, organizing fundraisers and events, reviewing chapter finances, and recruiting new members.
The Process: Chapters must announce and explain the election process to the entire Chapter membership two months in advance (this note was posted online on September 6, 2007.)
Nominations are taken from the floor of the general chapter meeting (or via mail / e-mail) the month before elections (October 2007) . All nominations must be seconded. All chapter members in good standing may vote (defined as a paid member who has attended at least 3 meetings or events in the past year).
Once the Committee of 7 members have been voted in, the new Committee then appoints the five Chapter officers; Chair, Vice-Chair, Treasurer, Volunteer Coordinator, Secretary. Terms for the aforementioned roles is two years, however, committee members can serve for an unlimited number of terms providing there is one year absence from the five officer positions.
For more information, to let us know you are interested in serving on the Committee, or to find out if you qualify, please contact the Chapter Chair, Rick Erkeneff.
The Chapter's Committee is responsible for managing the month-to-month business generated from the Chapter, from making decisions related to all current environmental campaigns and programs, organizing fundraisers and events, reviewing chapter finances, and recruiting new members.
The Process: Chapters must announce and explain the election process to the entire Chapter membership two months in advance (this note was posted online on September 6, 2007.)
Nominations are taken from the floor of the general chapter meeting (or via mail / e-mail) the month before elections (October 2007) . All nominations must be seconded. All chapter members in good standing may vote (defined as a paid member who has attended at least 3 meetings or events in the past year).
Once the Committee of 7 members have been voted in, the new Committee then appoints the five Chapter officers; Chair, Vice-Chair, Treasurer, Volunteer Coordinator, Secretary. Terms for the aforementioned roles is two years, however, committee members can serve for an unlimited number of terms providing there is one year absence from the five officer positions.
For more information, to let us know you are interested in serving on the Committee, or to find out if you qualify, please contact the Chapter Chair, Rick Erkeneff.
posted by SOCsurfrider at
3:55 PM
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