TRAGESER: Public deserves its hearing on saving state beach
By JIM TRAGESER - Staff Writer | ∞
So if too many people want to speak out on an issue, we have to deny them that right because of logistics?
That may not be the intended message, but should the public hearing on whether to allow a private toll-road to gut a state park not be rescheduled, that message will become reality.
After the California Coastal Commission denied an Orange County agency the necessary permits to run the toll road through San Onofre State Beach, the Foothill/Eastern Transportation Corridor Agency (a name only a bureaucrat could love) filed an appeal with the U.S. Commerce Department. As the proposed route, and the state park, both sit on Camp Pendleton, the feds get the final say.
But before considering overruling the state, Commerce folks wanted to hold another public hearing so that those of us who actually live here can let the hired help know what we think about the proposed ruination of the last stretch of undeveloped coastal land the public has access to between Ventura and the Mexican border.
And so a hearing was set for July 25 at UC Irvine, a hearing where the Orange County planners could explain why they should be allowed to run a strip of concrete through a state park that lies within San Diego County, and the rest of us, who live in a place called reality, could explain why this was an idiotic idea.
After UC Irvine staff began fielding calls and queries that added up to some 10,000 people likely to attend the hearing, they announced that the campus did not have the facilities to host such a large event.
Which means that, as of today, there is no hearing scheduled.
While the folks at the Foothill/Eastern Transportation Corridor Agency (can we just call it FETCA?) said all the right things in expressing their disappointment over the hearing's cancellation, you have to figure they're actually pretty delighted. When the state held a similar hearing in February at the Del Mar Fairgrounds, some 3,000-plus folks showed up ---- most of whom were there to express their vehement opposition to the road's planned route through a wilderness area enjoyed by campers, hikers, school outings, etc.; the fifth most-popular state park in a state with dozens of such parks.
Still, the public may yet have its say. Attorney General Jerry Brown has asked Commerce to reschedule the hearing for early September, back at the Fairgrounds once the racing season is over. The FETCA folks are on record preferring an Orange County location because, they say, commuters who would be helped by the proposed road could more easily attend.
But it says here that if you're asking permission to build a road through a state park in San Diego County, you hold the public hearings in San Diego County.
The Fairgrounds is a good location; near enough to Orange County that all those OC types who want a new freeway to park on every morning and afternoon can attend, large enough to accommodate all who want to speak out. If too many show up to fit in the exhibition halls, we can even move the hearing to the grandstand.
The Commerce types are considering the idea; dropping a line to the offices of Reps. Brian Bilbray (who is, after all, a lifelong surfer) and Darrell Issa might help them make that decision quickly.
Contact Jim Trageser at jtrageser@nctimes.com or (760) 740-5408.
Advertisement
Mike wrote on Jul 20, 2008 2:25 PM:Despite those disappointed faces the TCA put on, remember that they originally pushed Commerce to skip having a hearing all together. They want this decision made behind closed doors, because they realize the more it sees the light of day, the more their plan stinks.
According to the TCA's own data, improvements to I-5 and OC arterials would gain much more traffic relief than their state park-destroying toll road for the rich. This road will only make things worse for San Diego by actually preventing those needed improvements to I-5. Caltrans signed a 'non-compete' agreement saying they wouldn't make any improvements that might negatively impact the TCA's profits.
We're being taken for a ride!!
Richard wrote on Jul 21, 2008 7:33 PM:Just what we need additional southbound I-5 traffic comming into San Diego County where traffice is already beyond capacity!
The_TCA_sucks wrote on Jul 22, 2008 6:05 PM:Great editorial!
San Onofre belongs to the citizens of CA. And we have every right to have a say in what happens to our state parks! It's clear to the TCA that the vast majority of residents here don't want to trade our great state parks and precious open spaces for another one of their asphalt money pits. That's why they are scared to death of this hearing. And that's why it needs to be held.
Mark wrote on Jul 22, 2008 7:41 PM:I live in LA county and go to school at UCI. I think it's an advantage to have the meeting in the OC, because lets be honest, people that surf lowers travel there all the way from as far north as santa barbara and as far south as the mexi border. last time at del mar fairgrounds it was an hour away from my apartment, gas is expensive, let the location be more centralized!!
Save tresltles!!
Greg wrote on Jul 24, 2008 9:36 AM:We're coming from Yucca Valley and Palm Desert,CA. We were at Del Mar for the last hearing. The reality is we travel from all over this state to enjoy our beautiful State Parks and Beaches,at a great cost now a days I might ad!! You would think I would be in favor of the toll road. Here is another example of ignorance for the sake of money. Destruction of one of the last undeveloped stretches of pristine Beach and Park areas to charge us a fee to save time ??? Comon sense apparently is no longer a part of business. Gosh enough is enough !! You could have the hearing in France we'll be there.
"Save the TCA from ignorance !!"
Cindy wrote on Jul 28, 2008 11:26 PM:TCA's traffic relief claims are false...how would a road running through about 16 miles of wilderness relieve traffic? Widen the I5 is the real solution. We need more state parks/beaches and campgrounds, not to develop them! Try getting a campsite at San O -- good luck! If anything we need to expand the campground and forget the toll road! The area is beautiful, for anyone who does not believe see my pictures ... Feds don't waste this for a useless toll road!
Cindy wrote on Aug 25, 2008 9:07 PM:If you have not heard, finally the moment we have been waiting for!!!! New hearing is scheduled for Sept 22nd, 2008, please attend and speak out to save our state beach!!! Thx!
First name only. Comments including last names, contact addresses, e-mail addresses or phone numbers will be deleted. Attempts to misrepresent your identity or impersonate any person will not be approved. All comments are screened before they appear online, so please keep them brief. Comments reflect the views of those commenting and not necessarily those of the North County Times or its staff writers. Click here to view additional comment policies.
Today's Stories
Advertisement