San Mateo Creek is Flowing

For everyone who loves Trestles and San Mateo Creek, it's always gratifying to see the creek running back into the Pacific after taking a few seasons off. These latest El Nino storms dumped lots of rain in Southern California, bringing trash and polluted water to many beaches.


But at Trestles, the clean San Mateo runs clear and strong thanks to the lack of development throughout the watershed. When it rains this hard, the beach is also replenished with huge volumes of sand and cobbles pouring out of the Creek.

And be sure to watch for Steelhead heading back up to their spawning grounds in the upper reaches of the San Mateo.

Happy one-year anniversary of keeping the toll road out of San Onofre State Beach!

It was exactly one year ago today that the Federal government ruled to shut down the ‘highway from hell’.  This morning, the Union Tribune ran a front-page story examining some of the steps toll road developers have taken since the Dept of Commerce decision last year.

Surfrider has received several inquiries about what is transpiring.  At this point, it appears there is no “new plan”  A toll road Director is quoted as saying: “We are looking at a host of concepts. I don’t even call them options at this point”.

Regardless, Surfrider continues to keep an eye our Park and surrounding watershed.  We are steadfast in our belief that a toll road doesn’t belong in a watershed that contains a popular park, sacred Native American sites, and some of the last open space we have in Southern California!  

We continue to attend the TCA’s public board meetings and we are present at any regulatory meetings the TCA goes to. Rest assured, Surfrider and our Coalition partners (CA State Parks Foundation, NRDC, Sierra Club, Endangered Habitat League and others) will make sure our Park and watershed remains intact.

 

Read the article here and please leave comments if you have time.

Speaking of Park Protection….

For those of you who follow California politics you still might be cringing from the threat to close 80% of our State Parks and Beaches. While that death sentence didn’t fully come to fruition, California Parks and Beaches are facing some closures and major cutbacks-- and it will become painfully obvious next spring and summer when people show up at State Parks to realize half of the lifeguards are gone, Park amenities (bathroom, kiosks, etc) are shabby-shape, and a few Parks have a padlock around the gates.

The current State of our State Parks can be described like this:

"Sort of closed, sort of open." That's how Greg Retsinas, an editor at the Santa Rosa Press Democrat, summed up the cutbacks to California's state park system.  Our friends at the California State Parks Foundation are spearheading a statewide ballot measure, slated for November 2010, which would create a stable source of funding for the state park system, wildlife conservation, and to provide increased and equitable access to those resources for all Californians.

Funding would come from an annual State Park Access Pass surcharge of $18 per vehicle. The surcharge would apply California vehicles and they would receive FREE DAY USE ADMISSION throughout the year. Voters need to approve the measure.

The Surfrider Foundation has singed on as an official supporter of this effort because we believe our State Parks need protection.  If you would like to learn more about the State Park Access Pass and how you can gather signatures to qualify it for the ballot please visit 

See a recent blog post about why Surfrider is supporting this initiative (hint: 8 of the ‘top 10’ Parks are located on our coastline!!).

Thank you for your continuing support!  Surfrider is an all grassroots organization and we would not be able to do our work without your support!

Happy Holidays!

Your Pals at Surfrider

Toll Road Debate Coming up in San Clemente

Last night the SC City Council discussed the 241 toll road and a possible letter opposing any future routes through the city and supporting a route just south of San Onofre State Beach through Camp Pendleton. Watch for a possible debate at an upcoming Council meeting in January.

D.C. trip rekindles San Clemente toll-road debate

A year after the U.S. secretary of commerce killed a controversial plan to run a toll road south of San Clemente through a state park, San Clemente City Council members are concerned about the alternative suggested by the Commerce Department – a toll road through San Clemente.
On Tuesday night, council members said they expect to vote in January on a resolution opposing a toll road into San Clemente.
The topic is back on the table following a trip that now-Mayor Jim Dahl, who represents San Clemente on the Transportation Corridor Agencies – which runs Orange County's toll roads – took to Washington, D.C., with a TCA delegation two weeks ago.
Dahl's colleagues asked him Tuesday what the TCA had talked about and how federal officials responded. Dahl said there was nothing concrete – TCA delegates discussed last year's rejection of the TCA's plan to route a 16-mile extension of the 241 Toll Road from Oso Parkway to south of San Clemente. It would have merged with I-5 at Basilone Road. Dahl said the group also talked about alternative routes that would cut through San Clemente.
Read the rest at OC Register

Park Protection News: Bills Awaiting Governor's Signature and the State of State Parks

The past few weeks have been interesting for California State Parks. Two very important bills (that Surfrider actively supported during the legislative season) passed out of the Assembly and Senate and are now sitting on the Governor's desk waiting for his signature. He has until Oct 11 to sign. SB 679 (Wolk) protects Parks by setting a requirement that parklands used for “non-park purposes” must be replaced by other park lands that are of equal environmental, recreational, and fair market value.

SB 372 (Kehoe) simply requires the Legislature to make a final decision about allowing any non-park use in a state park system (i.e. the Legislature finally has a say in horrible projects like a toll road through a state park). Please take a minute and urge the Governor to sign the bills:

Finally, as you may have heard last week, the Governor released a statement saying the State would avoid permanently closing several state parks. In the statement, he also proposed major changes to the state park system in order to “close some of the budget gap”. While it’s fantastic news parks will not be permanently closed, some parks will be partially or seasonally closed. He also proposed major reductions in seasonal staff, reductions in hours of operation at most state parks, and reduced maintenance.

This all means having fewer lifeguards on state beaches, poorly maintained facilities (i.e. restrooms, kiosks, etc), that will inevitably impact the health and safety of our parks. Our friends at the California State Parks Foundation say it best:

“We all want to see our state parks open, and it’s been the efforts of advocates that have kept the Governor’s feet to the fire since late May. But California State Parks Foundation isn’t fully celebrating this news yet. While the Governor has found a clever way to get political cover on this issue, it’s not clear that this plan won’t actually leave Californians with just as limited access to their state parks as if they had been fully closed”.

Review their statement for more news on park closures.

Toll Road Update: Rancho Santa Margarita City Council STILL wants the Road!

Photo: RSM City. The Mayor who Hearts the Toll Road

Yep, you read it right. Rancho Santa Margarita still wants the road and the Mayor wishes the Park would go away....!



This week Surfirder had an interesting experience sitting through a City Council meeting where the Mayor and City Council of Rancho Santa Margarita doted over the toll road! They actually had an agenda item to: “discuss the status of the 241 and consider all means to ensure the project is moved forward in a timely manner”.

Surfirder was there to set the record straight in public testimony. We politely reminded them the project is inconsistent with both state and federal law and that the City should be considering some of the creative measures the Orange County Transportation Authority put forward in their Major Investment Study to relieve traffic.

Here is an article from the Orange County Register.

During the meeting, the Mayor flippantly said: “there is a high chance THAT Park will go away very soon” (meaning the Camp Pendleton will not renew the Park lease)….then, he continued to rant about the need for the road and essentially blamed “the Trestles and State Parks people” for making such a stink about the project and subsequently bringing undue public attention/scrutiny to the project .

So, congratulations to YOU, you “Trestles and Parks People” for raising awareness about the horrible impacts of this road and ultimately halting the project from going forward!! If you live in Rancho Santa Margarita, please take a moment to send a very polite, nicely worded, email to the Mayor reminding him that the road doesn’t stand up under state and federal law….AND that as a citizen of Rancho Santa Margarita you are disappointed they wasting City time talking about a dead project.

Here’s the City email list….

In other News….Come and Explore Maps of Marine Protected Areas with the Surfrider Foundation!

After a year of ‘map-making’ and planning, the Marine Life Protection Act (MLPA) process is in the home stretch. Local stakeholders are putting final touches on the maps and will come up with three different proposals. The three proposals will ultimately be forwarded to the Fish and Game Commission where they will vote on one map they think will work best for southern California.

This is one of your last chances to give meaningful input on where marine protected areas should be located! Please join Surfrider to learn more about the Marine Life Protection Act and to discuss the proposed maps. After the community forums, Surfrider will compile all constructive comments into a letter that will be sent to decision makers before the final vote. We need to hear from you!

Agenda:

• 7:00-7:10—Welcome and brief overview.
• 7:10-7:20—Summary of Surfrider’s outreach efforts over the past year and what we learned from local communities and Surfrider supporters.
• 7:20-7:40—Overview and discussion of each map.
• 7:40-8:00—Questions & Answers.

Community Forum Information:

WHEN: Four different forums will be held in the following areas: Orange County, Santa Barbara, Los Angeles and San Diego. All forums will be from 7-8pm.

WHERE:

Sept 23. San Clemente Senior Center: 242 Avenida Del Mar. San Clemente, CA 92672.

Sept 24. Watershed Resource Center: 2981 Cliff Drive. Santa Barbara, CA 93109

Sept 29. Santa Monica Library--Ocean Park Branch: 2601 Main St. Santa Monica, CA 90405

Sept 30. Encinitas Community Center: 1140 Oakcrest Park Drive. Encinitas, CA 92024

About the Marine Life Protection Act

The MLPA is a law that requires the state to establish a “network” of marine protected areas from Oregon to the Mexican border. The goals of the MLPA are to: ‘set aside’ areas of the ocean to increase fish populations, enhance marine habitat, and to improve recreational and educational opportunities. Over the past year, Surfrider has been working with diverse groups of people including recreationalists, fishermen, environmentalists, and Chapter activists to ensure the law is effectively implemented. To learn more go here: http://mlpasurfrider.blogspot.com/ or email Ssekich@surfrider.org

Surfrider Continuing Park Protection Efforts

Yesterday was an interesting day for State Parks.  In case you haven't heard, the Legislature's Budget Conference Committee voted to eliminate funding for our state parks.  

BUT, the good news is that the committee also voted to enact the State Park Access Pass; which would allow Californians free day-use access to state parks Californians (and generate much-needed State revenues) by instituting a surcharge on vehicle license fees of non-commercial vehicles.

In exchange for paying the fee, residents driving into state parks with a California license plate would receive free day-use entrance into state parks.

This is good news, but it's only one step toward a final budget victory.  Since the vote was divided, this proposal still has a high hurdle to overcome, in order to be enacted. Please take action and send a message to your legislator supporting the State Park Access Pass and urging the Legislature to Save Our State Parks!  Our friends at the State Park Foundation set up this action alert.

Also, this weekend hit one of the many International Surfing Day Beach Cleanups sponsored by Surfrider ... and then demonstrate your support for our State Parks by visiting your favorite state park--here is a list of informal gathering areas and what else you an do to support State Parks.

Speaking of Parks...Underwater Parks... The Surfirder Foundation is working the Marine Life Protection Act (MLPA) and we just launched a new blog so that you can stay updated, but sure to check out the FAQ sheet.  If you are interested in MLPA contact Stefanie:  Ssekich@surfrider.org  

 

Urgent! Contactyour legislators. Tell them not to cut Park funding

Trestles/San Onofre State Park Supporter,  The good news is the park protection bills Surfrider has been following are moving through their respective committees and will soon make it to a full  vote on the senate floor. If you need a refresher on the bills, visit www.savetrestles.org . Once they get to the floor, we will set up an action alert…we want to make sure these bills pass so the chances of a horrible proposal (i.e. like a toll road through a state park) will be down right impossible in other state parks!  The bad news is that the Governor announced this week to eliminate General Fund support for state parks. Bad, bad, move….Mr. Governator!  But as you know, one person can make a difference by pressuring decision makers! And we need you to act fast! There is a budget hearing on the proposal next Tuesday, June 2 and your legislators need to hear from you.  Our friends at the State Parks Foundation have set up this online action alert:  http://www.calparks.org/stopclosures  Please send a message to your legislators. There is a great fact sheet listed below about what the budget cut means to us and our State Park system.  We also want to keep you updated about our efforts on the Marine Life Protection Act. The State is on a timeline to implement the MLPA by establishing a network of protected areas that will help restore our impaired ocean. It's critical the State hears from the public about how important marine protected areas are to you and you local community. Surfrider will soon host MLPA trainings where you can learn more about our efforts and get trained on how you can be part of the MLPA process. There are upcoming MLPA meetings this summer and fall where we need your voices! To learn more about MLPA and how you can get involved, contact Stefanie at: SSekich@Surfrider.org Go here to learnmore about: http://www.surfrider.org/policy_mpa.asp and www.dfg.ca.gov/mlpa  As always, thanks for your continuing support. We appreciate you taking the time out of your busy schedules to reach out to your elected officials.  For the ocean, beaches and waves,  Your pals at Surfrider

May2009_SOS%20Fact%20sheet.pdf

Legislation to protect state parks clears first hurdle

California Chronicle

April 29, 2009

SACRAMENTO— Senate Natural Resources Committee voted today to approve legislation by Senator Lois Wolk (D-Davis) to protect the beauty and integrity of California´s state parks by preventing their conversion for private or corporate use. "Increasing development throughout the state has put considerable pressure on California´s state park system," Wolk said. "State parks are looked at as the path of least resistance for development projects, which pose significant threats to these diverse natural, historic and recreational resources." Wolk´s Senate Bill 679 prohibits the use of state park lands for non-park purposes without legislative approval.

Even with legislative approval, the bill would not allow a project to move forward unless the use of the park land was compensated for with a parks´ designation for land with equal environmental and fair market value. The bill is being sponsored by the California State Parks Foundation, which conducted a survey in 2007 that identified 122 threats to 73 state parks. High-profile examples include proposals to run a toll road through the heart of San Onofre State Beach and build two mega-dairies approximately a mile from Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park, the site of California´s only historic community founded and governed by African Americans.

Among those testifying in support of the measure was Traci Verardo-Torres, Legislative & Policy Director for the California State Parks Foundation, the bill´s sponsors. "SB 679 builds on the Legislature´s existing responsibility to protect our state parks system, by ensuring that the legislature is given the right to review projects that would alter or modify that park for non-park purposes," Verardo-Torres said. "This measure helps ensure that our state parks system, which is an asset that provides this state with economic, recreation, and education value, is maintained in perpetuity." "We are privileged in California to have the largest state park system in the world, and the state´s voters have voted consistently to support improvements for these resources.

My intent in authoring this bill is to protect the taxpayer´s investment for the enjoyment of future generations of Californians with clear, commonsense legal protection," Wolk concluded. The bill, which will next be heard in the Senate Appropriations Committee, is also supported by Audubon California, California Council of Land Trusts, California Wilderness Coalition, Natural Resources Defense Council, Trust for Public Land, and the Surfrider Foundation.

http://www.californiachronicle.com/articles/view/100511

Contact Your Senator to Protect State Parks

Right now there are two critical bills going before the State Senate and we need you to contact your Senator and tell them to support SB 372 and SB 679. These bills have been introduced to establish much-needed processes and policies that protect our parks--so that ill conceived proposals (like toll roads through parks) will be impossible in the future. See below for a sample letter you can use when contacting your Senator.

Next week, the Surfrider Foundation will be down at Trestles for the Nike Pro surf competition educating the public about our efforts to Save Trestles and to thank the community for all the support we have received over the years to stop this toll road.

Come down and say hi! click here for more info.

Thanks for your continued support!

For the Ocean,

Surfrider
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Contact Your Senator

Copy and paste this website: http://192.234.213.69/smapsearch/framepage.asp

Enter your address and zip code to find your Senator. Then simply go to their website and click on the form that says "contact me" to send the email. You are welcome to use the sample email below.

Sample Letter:

Subject: Please support SB 372 and SB 679.

Dear Senator:

I am writing to urge your support for Senate Bill (SB) 372 (Kehoe) and SB 679 (Wolk). State parks were created to offer Californians recreational opportunities, protect natural resources, and showcase some of the most unique cultural and historic features of the Golden State. Voters repeatedly support improvements and additions to the state park system through approval of bonds and, in some cases, through gifts of land donations.

Unfortunately, however, state parks are increasingly looked at as the path of least resistance for placing infrastructure and other development projects. These proposals have significant impacts to sensitive natural, cultural and historic resources in the state park system. Instituting clear statutory protection to safeguard state parks is consistent with upholding the will of the California public and ensuring these resources remain part of the public trust. SB 372 establishes an appropriate process for protecting state parks.

It requires that alterations or modifications that are inconsistent with state parks be enacted only upon an act of the Legislature, preceded by a recommendation from the state Park and Recreation Commission. SB 679 will further protect California's state park system. The bill requires that lands specifically acquired for the purpose of a state park cannot be used for non-park purposes unless the Legislature takes an affirmative action to allow that non-park use and replacement lands of equivalent value are provided.

Together, these two bills create a thorough, transparent process where state-level decision makers have the final say in deciding whether to impact a state resource. As a strong supporter of our state parks and California's environment, I urge you to value the investments in our state park system and cast an AYE vote for SB 372 and SB 679.

Sincerely,
Name
Address

Surfrider Foundation hits the state Capitol in full force!

We recently participated in Park Advocacy Day where we met with elected officials to advocate for the protection and enhancement of our State park system. The Save Trestles campaign was featured as a key issue; and Surfrider was pleased to showcase our work on this campaign in order to provide legislators with a tangible example of why protecting parks is so important. Keeping in line with our Park protection efforts, we were also an expert witness at the Senate Natural Resources and Water Committee where we testified in support of SB 4 (the smoking ban on State Parks and Beaches). The bill passed committee! Click here to learn more and take action.

What's Up with Toll Road Developers, you ask?

Well, we still aren't sure ourselves. Regardless of what they are doing, Surfrider is maintaining our outreach efforts and will continue to pressure the TCA to do the right thing and stay out of San Onofre State Beach. We are attending their Board of Directors meeting this week, so hopefully we will learn more. Stay tuned….

In the meantime, catch up on other issues outside of the Save Trestles campaign. We need folks in Southern California to take a survey about Marine Protected Areas. Go here to learn more about Surfrider's Marine Protected Areas efforts and share your thoughts. click here

If you like big public hearings (and we know you do since you probably attended one of the Save Trestles hearings over the years) then we have something you will love! US Secretary of the Interior, Ken Salazar, is holding public meetings to talk about the federal government's plans for new offshore drilling. These hearings will help determine what actions the Obama Administration will be taking this fall with regard to allowing new offshore oil and gas drilling in our most sensitive coastal waters, and for approval of renewable energy industry proposals off of our coast. We need people to attend the hearing in San Francisco on April 16, go here to learn more: click here

Thanks for your continuing support.

For the ocean, beaches and waves,

Surfrider

The Toll Road is Dead, OC Needs to Move On!

Great piece in the LA Times today.. the TCA remains in the way of real solutions..

OC's Road Test

Rejection of the Foothill South toll road is a chance for a new path.
By Bobby Shriver and Joel Reynolds

March 10, 2009

It was a bad idea that deserved to die: the six-lane Foothill South toll road through a popular Orange County/San Diego County state park. It violated the principle that parkland is permanently protected. The California State Park and Recreation Commission and the California Coastal Commission rejected the toll road through San Onofre State Beach -- no surprise there. But when the Bush administration also said no, the project's fate was all but sealed.

Now what?

There are real traffic problems in Orange County that the Foothill South toll road was meant to solve. But there are other ways to cure the congestion, alternatives that won't destroy our quality of life or our natural resources.

There is also a roadblock to those alternatives: the Orange County Transportation Corridor Agencies, which dreamed up Foothill South and hasn't yet publicly abandoned it.

...Lots more here

Keeping our Eye on the TCA and State Parks....

The Surfrider Foundation has not stopped monitoring the TCA. We still attend (and film) their Board of Directors meetings… AND we are waiting with bated breath to see what they actually mean when they say: "The TCA will reach out to stakeholders and seek common ground for traffic solutions…" While we are waiting... and they are attempting to reach out to stakeholders, it seems they are finally backing away from the toll road alignment that would have ruined San Onofre State Beach (which is officially illegal under both state and Federal law). Just this week, the TCA officially withdrew their application to the Regional Water Quality Control Board for a permit to build the toll road as planned. Dare we applaud them now, but it seems the TCA realizes the particular alignment through a State Park is dead! In fact, the Surfrider Foundation calls upon the TCA to make a public statement promising to give up on a route through the Park. We'll keep you posted. In the meantime, revisit the mischievous ways of the TCA. The OC Progressive (a newly formed blog) is uncovering the missteps of the TCA. The authors (Former Huntington Beach Planning Commissioner Joe Shaw, Former Fountain Valley Mayor Gus Ayer, and Heather Pritchard) have a keen insight into Orange County politics and expose interesting TCA shenanigans. click here

Speaking of State Parks…. The Surfrider Foundation is heading to our state Capitol for Park Advocacy Day in March. Park Advocacy Day is an event that brings together park supporters from throughout California to advocate for the protection and enhancement of State parks. Participants meet with policymakers to discuss the important issues facing state parks throughout California. These meetings make a great impact in legislators' support for key park policies and issues. We are pleased to be part of the event because we believe our work on the Save Trestles campaign can help raise awareness about the importance of protecting our State Parks. If you are interested in attending or learning more about Park Advocacy Day, go here: click here

And in Other State Park News... The Surfrider Foundation is following, and supporting, newly introduced legislation that would ban smoking at State parks and beaches. For the past 15 years, our campaign "Hold Onto Your Butt" has focused on the major problems associated with cigarette litter. Not only will this legislation make our State parks and beaches more enjoyable, but it will help decrease litter harming wildlife and creating wild fires. In the near future we will have specific actions on how you can support this effort, but until then, please visit Senator Oropeza’s website to learn more about the bill she has introduced and why it’s so important. click here

For the ocean, beaches and waves,

Surfrider

Help us Celebrate a Victory for Trestles and San Onofre State Beach

Now that we have had time to let our victory sink in, and allow the busy holiday season to pass…it’s time to celebrate again!

The Surfrider Foundation South Orange County Chapter is hosting a Trestles victory party on Friday, February 6, 2009, to celebrate the Federal government denying the proposed toll road through San Onofre State Beach. The party is being held on February 6th to mark the one year anniversary of our most gratifying victory when the California Coastal Commission voted to strike down the toll road.

Come help us celebrate two victories in one night!

Location: O.C. Tavern2369 S El Camino RealSan Clemente, CA 92672 US View Map

When: Friday, February 6, 8:30PM

What: Celebration! Doors at 8:30. Entertainment includes: Micah Wolf, Sli Dawg, Blues Offenders, The Jive Kings and some very special surprise guests!

Please note: First come, first served. We need to respect the fire code, so if we reach capacity, you might have to wait for others to leave before you can enter.

In Other News…. We attended the recent TCA board meeting to learn toll road developers have decided not to currently pursue litigation against the Federal government for the Secretary of Commerce decision. TCA Board of Directors indicated they will reach out to "stakeholders" to work on finding traffic solutions. This is very interesting news….check out their press release. click here

Surfrider and our coalition partners will continue to monitor any/all efforts by the TCA and we will keep you informed as we go along.

In the meantime, let’s celebrate! Hope to see you on Feb 6th!

Your pals at Surfrider.

News Flash: Trestles Prevails with the Federal Government

Get Ready for an Early Holiday Present!

The Department of Commerce announced today that it would uphold the California Coastal Commission's decision! The egregious project to build a toll road through San Onofre State Beach is officially illegal under state and Federal law! In a release issued from the Department of Commerce, they "determined that there is at least one reasonable alternative to the project and that the project is not necessary in the interest of national security.

While the decision is a fatal blow to the project, the fight to build the toll road is not over. We still need opponents of the toll road to continue writing letters and communicating with their local elected officials to let them know we are happy with the results and we stand behind the Department of Commerce's decision. In the coming days, we will have specific action items, but in the meantime, take some time to CELEBRATE this wonderful victory! Of course, Surfrider and our Coalition members will be planning a great celebration party, so stay tuned for that.

This victory would not have been possible if it was not for the activists who showed up by the thousands at the California Coastal Commission and Secretary of Commerce hearings or wrote letters to voice their opposition to the toll road.

Without a doubt, this victory belongs to the all dedicated individuals who have followed this campaign for several years. The ruling proves decision-makers listen when thousands of people speak out against ill-conceived projects.

Surfrider is calling upon the TCA and Orange County elected officials to embrace alternative transportation strategies that will better address the county's traffic issues without jeopardizing our environmental, recreational and economic resources.

We challenge the TCA to stop wasting money on lawyers and lobbying and to work with regional stakeholders to find better traffic solutions.

Should the TCA choose to appeal the Department of Commerce's decision, the Surfrider Foundation and its coalition partners are prepared to fight that battle as well.

On behalf of the Surfrider Foundation thank you for your continuing support! Our flagship campaign would not be possible without!

For Trestles,
Your pals at Surfrider

Seasons Greetings and Reminder the Federal Gov’t will Rule Soon on Toll Road…

Happy Holidays from the Surfrider Foundation!

As we enter into the busy holiday season, we want to remind you that the Secretary of Commerce will soon be making his decision regarding the appeal of the California Coastal Commission ruling. He has until Jan 7, 2009 to decide.

If the Secretary of Commerce upholds the Coastal Commission's decision, then we are one huge step closer to stopping this project, protecting San Onofre State Park and SAVING TRESTLES! If the Secretary rules in favor of the toll road developers, then it means that our federal officials can be bought off by big business...

Regardless of the decision, Surfrider needs you to stay engaged--no matter what the decision is, there will be work for us to do!

We'll need to continue writing letters and communicating with elected officials. And, either way, we'll need YOUR continued support to apply endless pressure so we can effectively stop this horrific project! Once the Secretary makes his decision, we will have specific action items for you. In the meantime, take a look at this blog posted on the LA Times regarding the Secretary of Commerce decision. We need favorable comments on the blog--so fire away! click here

Thanks again for all your effort and support!

Trestles Featured in National Geographic

Destination Watch: Trestles Beach, California

In the October Issue of Traveler, our Destination Watch department looked into the ongoing controversy surrounding Trestles Beach in southern California, a shore made famous in the Beach Boys' classic "Surfin' U.S.A." National Geographic magazine Production Coordinator Jeff DiNunzio recently visited the beach and sends us this update.

Just below San Diego’s northern border with Orange County sits San Onofre State Beach, or San O. The park includes three distinct areas, the Bluffs, San Onofre Surf Beach, and San Mateo Campground, and over the past year, San O has become a battleground between supporters of highway infrastructure development and challengers who favor fewer cars and preserving the park.

The Transportation Corridor Agencies (TCA) want to extend the Foothill Toll Road—Route 241—and link coastal Orange County with its expansion eastward. In order to deal with the estimated 60 percent traffic increase expected in south Orange County in the next quarter-century, the TCA believes the six-lane, 16-mile extension will be a vital accommodation. The road in question falls under the California highway system but is operated by the TCA, which is funded by the sale of bonds to both private individuals and institutional investors. The extension boasts a list of supporters and research on congestion-induced environmental hazards.
The addition, however, would cut through a patch of well-maintained terrain in San O, and opponents fear it would threaten the operation of its campgrounds (eliminating all of San Mateo’s 161 sites).

Furthermore, it would diminish water and wildlife quality (San Mateo Watershed purportedly contains six rare or endangered species) and adversely affect the waves at Trestles Beach, which draws surfers from around the world. The assertion that new roads will mitigate, rather than worsen, congestion has met persistent skepticism. Organizations like Save San Onofre, the Surfrider Foundation, and United Coalition to Protect Panhe are campaigning to counter the TCA’s lobbying efforts for approval, boosting press coverage to rouse public support.

The surf break, known as Trestles, hosts the only Association of Surfing Professionals’ World Championship Tour (WCT) contest on the mainland United States. Each September, thousands of spectators crowd San O’s shores—already the fifth-most-visited of California’s roughly 270 state parks. So, on Friday, September 12th, I went. But the contest was over and the pros had skipped town. (WCT events have about a two-week waiting period so they can be held in the best waves; thus, end dates fluctuate.) A blessing perhaps. People travel far to attend the contest. But on a normal day, it’s mostly local surfers and beach-goers hiking to the beach. Rather than watch surfers and talk to out-of-towners, I surfed and spoke with the locals.

“It’s pretty amazing that sandwiched in the middle of San Diego and that whole L.A. mess is a relatively pristine natural habitat,” said Kyle McGee, a skinny, curly-haired San Diegan who frequently surfs Trestles. “You were out there. You saw how clear the water is. And the white wash from the waves—where else in California have you seen anything that blue?” Nowhere, in fact, except the sky.

Surfer and science teacher Nick Ritchie has been camping at Trestles since he moved to Los Angeles five years ago. “Just look at this place. North and south are all paved—stores, houses, parking lots, freeways. I don’t think saving the park for its own sake is a bad reason for denying the Toll Road. There are mountain lions in the hills and steelheads in the creek. And those waves... There’s a reason the contest is held here and not anywhere else on the West Coast.” It's a valid point. “Here’s what I don’t get: how can the government override the Coastal Commission’s decision against the construction? I understand the right to appeal, but at some point the feds have to concede that the local community knows what’s best for itself.”

The decision Ritchie referred to was made by the California Coastal Commission (CCC) last February to deny the TCA’s request to build the extension. The CCC is an independent, quasi-judicial state agency charged with planning and monitoring the use of land and water in the coastal zone in coordination with the California Coastal Act of 1976. How does the CCC view the controversy? They voted 8-2 against the toll road. At the February hearing, Executive Director Peter M. Douglas said, “this is the most significant project to come before this commission since the San Onofre nuclear power plant in 1974. I know of no other coastal development project so demonstrably inconsistent with the law that has come this far in the regulatory review process.”

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, part of the U.S. Commerce Department, reviewed the TCA’s appeal at a public hearing on September 22 in Del Mar, California. A decision by Commerce Secretary Carlos Gutierrez is expected by January 7th, 2009. If the appeal is won, and the newest extremity of Route 241 approved, there will still be a reason to visit San O’s campsites, trails, and beaches: legal and logistical delays. The implications of the road are debatable; the status of the park is not. For now, it's open for all to enjoy. So, as Orange County wave-rider Alex Knost suggests in the 2007 film One California Day, “enjoy it while it’s here and quit complaining.”

http://blogs.nationalgeographic.com/blogs/intelligenttravel/2008/09/destination-watch-trestles-bea.html

Quick Updates about Trestles Campaign.

We still haven't heard any word about how the Federal government will rule regarding the appeal of the California Coastal Commission decision. Remember, the Secretary of Commerce must decide between Oct 24, 2008 and - Jan 7, 2009. Therefore a decision will be made before Obama takes office.

While we're waiting, we are far from idle… the Surfrider Foundation is continuing our public outreach. This weekend (Nov 7-9) we will be down at the Oxbow World Longboarding Tour at San Onofre State Beach educating the public about the proposal to build a toll road through this precious park. This surfing competition brings the world's 48 best longboarders together. Come check out the surfing and stop by our booth to say hi!

We will also continue the annual tradition with the South Orange County Chapter of Surfrider by hosting another holiday party to raise awareness and funds for the Trestles campaign (more details to come soon).

Finally, the Save Trestles campaign will receive a Recognition Award from Convicted Artists at their Extreme Sports & Artist Charity Event. Over the summer, the Trestles campaign also received a Special Recognition Award from Surf Industry Manufacturers Association for our work to stop the toll road. We are extremely honored to receive such accolades!

The Extreme Sports & Artist Charity Event will take place Dec 13 in Irvine; and will feature several high profile athletes, a silent auction, a skateboard competition, a comedy show, and the Master of ceremonies will be Brooke Jena Lewis, the talented comedian, who has shared the stage with countless acclaimed actors and comedians. For event and ticket information contact: Steven Arredondo sarredondo@convictedartist.com

Thanks for your continuing support of the Trestles campaign. Your Pals at Surfrider,

SPY OPTIC’S MIKE LOSNESS’ SAVE TRESTLES PAINTING AT THE CALIFORNIA SURF MUSEUM

Media Contact:
Valerie Gee
Spy Optic
(760) 804-8420 x1174
vgee@spyoptic.com


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Carlsbad, CA - October 23, 2008 - Spy Optic is pleased to announce its continued efforts to raise funds for the Save Trestles Surfrider Foundation campaign through Spy Optic’s partnership with Spy team rider Mike Losness.

For the month of November, Losness’ 48 x 36" mixed media canvas painting of Trestles will be on display at the California Surf Museum in Oceanside, California, and to kick off the First Annual California Surf Festival Celebrating Bruce Brown’s 50th Anniversary November 7-9th, 2008.

Donations to the Surfrider Foundation’s Save Trestles campaign will be accepted online through Spy Optic’s website until November 30th, 2008. Each five-dollar donation will enter you in a chance to win Losness’ painting and prize packs from Mike’s sponsors: Spy Optic, Body Glove, Adio and GFH Boards.

Mike’s painting tour this past summer throughout Southern California collected raffle ticket donations from local retail stops at Sun Diego, K-Five, Becker, Spyder, Surfside and ZJ Boarding House. All proceeds from the tour and through the end of November will be donated to the Surfrider Foundation.

California Surf Museum President Daryl Dick says, “The California Surf Museum is pleased to host the painting and give the public an opportunity to view this unique work of art dedicated to the preservation of a historical surfing landmark.”

Spy Optic is proud to be a part of the Help Save Trestles movement with the Surfrider Foundation, collaboratively working with the California Surf Museum to help preserve and protect our oceans and keep intact surfing communities and culture for the next generation of surfers.

For more information about the First Annual California Surf Festival, please visit www.californiasurffestival.com

For more information on Mike’s painting giveaway, please visit www.spyoptic.com/mikesart

For more information on the Surfrider Foundation and the Save Trestles campaign, please visit http://www.surfrider.org/


About Spy Optic
Spy Optic designs, develops and markets premium products for the action sports and youth lifestyle markets. Spy’s principal products, sunglasses and goggles, target the action sports market, including surfing, skateboarding, snowboarding, motocross, wakeboarding and skiing, and the youth lifestyle market within fashion, music, and entertainment. Spy’s innovative proprietary products utilize high-quality materials, handcrafted manufacturing processes and engineered optical lens technology to convey premium quality, contemporary style, and progressive design. Spy is a wholly owned subsidiary of Orange 21, Inc. (NASDAQ:ORNG).

About The Surfrider FoundationThe Surfrider Foundation is a non-profit grassroots organization dedicated to the protection and enjoyment of our world's oceans, waves and beaches. Founded in 1984 by a handful of visionary surfers in Malibu, California, the Surfrider Foundation now maintains over 50,000 members and 80 chapters worldwide.

About the California Surf Museum
Funds raised from the FUEL TV presents the First Annual California Surf Festival will assist the California Surf Museum in its growth. The new CSM location at 312 Pier View Way in Oceanside will expand exhibit area, add educational opportunities and increase archival space. The CSM Mission Statement is to serve as an international repository and resource center on the lifestyle sport of surfing through capturing, preserving and chronicling its art, culture and heritage for the education and enjoyment of future generations. CSM is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization located at 223 North Coast Highway, Oceanside, CA 92054; phone (760) 721-6876 or email csm@surfmuseum.org. Open daily 10-4; free admission. Please visit the website at http://www.surfmuseum.org/.


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Tis the Season!... Ready for Another Taxpayer Bailout?

Well, that's what toll road developers are asking the Federal Government for. The Transportation Corridor Systems' (TCS) recently requested funds under the Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (TIFIA). In a nut shell, toll road developers applied for a Federal loan that would ultimately bailout the financially struggling agency--at YOUR expense. Remember how the TCS has been saying for decades it will not use "public funds"? Oops! Looks like a fib! The loan application is now pending at the U.S. Department of Transportation. The loan would:

1.) Pay for the "consolidation" of toll road agencies (the San Joaquin Hills Transportation Corridor Agency which operates State Route 73 and the Foothill/Eastern Transportation Corridor Agency which operates Routes 241, 261 and 133). The two underperforming agencies would use the loan to "consolidate" their $4.6 billion in existing debt.

2.) The $1.1 billion loan, if approved, would be the largest in the TIFIA program's 10-year history, would consume roughly half of the annual loan capacity for the program and would divert funding from other projects here in California and throughout the nation that are a high priority for producing new transportation infrastructure and jobs.

3.) The TCS has mislead the public regarding its toll roads by claiming that they would support themselves financially, and that taxpayers would never be asked to assume the risk of their failure. Now it is clear that the toll roads are falling far short of projected usage and revenues. TCS has responded by seeking a massive federal bailout that would put more than a billion dollars of taxpayer money at risk.

Surfrider and our Coalition partners are not the only people concerned about this massive bailout. Important decision makers are weighing in as well. Senator Barbra Boxer recently wrote a letter to the Department of Transportation saying: "It is my understanding that the funding provided by this loan would be used to stabilize the finances of the TCS's existing toll roads, a purpose that was not originally intended by the TIFIA loan program".


Now It's Your Turn to Weigh in! We Need You to Write Letters to the Editor and Post Blog Comments.

Talking Points and Themes to Consider:

****Why is the public being asked to help an agency who said they would never use taxpayer funds?

****Why is this loan being requested? If TCS is unable to manage its current finances, why are some politicians supporting TCS's plan to spend more than $1.6 billion on the proposed Foothill-South – a toll road to nowhere?

****Congress needs to ask – What have we learned from the current financial crisis about putting taxpayers at risk? In this time of scarce transportation funds and pressing economic priorities, why would the Federal Government even consider a massive bailout for a project that has already been built?

****Bottom Line: Taxpayer money should not be spent bailing out a haphazard agency. To read a fact sheet and more background information about this bailout click here

Who and Where to Write:

In addition to writing a letter, please post blog comments (using the article links below).
Send Letters To:

• Washington Post: letters@washpost.com
• Sacramento Bee: opinion@sacbee.com
• Los Angels Times: ocletters@latimes.com
• San Diego Union Tribune: letters@uniontrib.com
• Orange County Register: letters@ocregister.com
• North County Times: letters@nctimes.com.

Read Articles and Post Blogs here:

LA Times: click here
OC Register: click here
North County Times: click here
LA Times Opinion Blog: click here
OC Weekly: click here

Remember, the most effective Letters to the Editor is usually under 150 words. If you would like help crafting a letter, please email Stefanie: SSekich@surfrider.org

Annual Save Trestles from the Nightmare