Action Alert: Help save California's state parks

I’ve been so busy trying to stop the extension of the warrantless eavesdropping bill that I almost neglected alerting readers to the need to help preserve our state parks.

On January 24th, I attended a meeting about the proposed six lane toll road through San Onofre State Beach, posting about it here. I came away from that meeting knowing that those of us who love California can’t afford to ignore the risk to our state park system.

The Coastal Commission is meeting on February 6th to consider whether or not to approve construction of the toll road. If this project is approved, it becomes a precedent for wiping out state parks for roads, desalination plants and other infrastructure.

Here’s what you can do:
1. Write a letter to Commissioner Patrick Kruer and e-mail it to Shannon.raj@sierraclub.org. She will take it to the meeting. Here’s my short letter:

Commissioner Patrick Kruer
Chairman
California Coastal Commission
45 Fremont Street, Suite 2000
San Francisco, CA 94105

Re: Opposition to Consistency Certification for Foothill South Toll Road

Dear Chairman Kruer:

I strongly oppose the proposed Foothill-South Toll Road through San Onofre State Beach. I urge the California Coastal Commission to reject a finding that the project is consistent with the federal Coastal Zone Management Act.

Governor Schwarzenegger does not represent the people of this state when it comes to state parks. His position that the Foothill-South Toll Road won’t produce environmental damage is consistent with his belief that state parks simply don’t matter. In addition to supporting a six lane toll road through the middle of San Onofre State Park, he is proposing the closure of 48 state parks.

California’s state parks, especially those adjacent to the Pacific Ocean, are our natural jewels, attracting residents and tourists from all over the world.

As a resident of California who would rather live here than anywhere else in the world, I urge the Coastal Commission to preserve what is special about California – its state park system.

2. Go to Save San Onofre- How You Can Help.

(photo of San Onofre State Beach - Surfline.com)