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Who Wants to Camp Under a Toll Road? A Bad Idea for California’s Parks

Tents sprouted on the Capitol lawn to make a point about the proposed Foothill-South Toll road.

By Robin Everett
Conservation Organizer
Sierra Club
Friends of the Foothills

“A toll road through a state park? You’ve got to be kidding me!” This was the statement heard over and over again by volunteers for Sierra Club, Surfrider Foundation, the Save San Onofre Coalition and myself as we assembled on the steps of the State Capitol to speak out against the proposed Foothill-South Toll Road through San Onofre State Beach.

Campers, surfers and environmentalists made a big scene at the Capitol Tuesday when we littered the North Lawn with 161 little red tents, representing campsites that would likely be abandoned due to the harm the toll road would have on the San Mateo Campground. The Foothill-South Toll Road, if built, would run through the heart of San Onofre State Beach, affecting a popular campground, pristine watershed, and possibly the famous waves at Trestles Beach.

Last week, Governor Schwarzenegger voiced his approval of plans to destroy a state park for a toll road stating that “this project is essential to protect our environment and the quality of life for everyone in Southern California.” Since when does destroying a state park improve our environment and quality of life?

Californian’s need places to enjoy and explore nature. Our state parks are not warehouses for future development, they are meant to be held in perpetuity for future generations to enjoy. This road will 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.

Next month, the proposed toll road will be considered by the California Coastal Commission. The Commission’s staff has released a scathing report stating that the project is inconsistent with the Coastal Act.

"It's difficult to imagine a more environmentally damaging alternative location," the commission's staff concluded. "No measures exist that would enable the proposed alignment to be found consistent with the California Coastal Act."

The Sierra Club and the Save San Onofre Coalition agree that nothing could compensate for the loss of such an incredible resource. If we allow this road to be built we will lose nearly 60% of San Onofre State Beach, including the loss of San Mateo Campground, which is one of the few places left where working families can vacation affordably on the coast.

Additionally, we are gambling with the last pristine watershed we have left in Southern California. In an age of beach closures and illness due to swimming in our oceans, Trestles Beach is a bastion for ocean lovers where worries of sickness are dashed, and the best wave in North America can be enjoyed.

The Coastal Commission will meet on this issue on Wednesday, February 6th at the Oceanside City Council Chambers. To voice your opinion attend the meeting or write a letter to the Coastal Commission.

Send letters to:
California Coastal Commission
Attn: Patrick Kruer, Chair
45 Fremont Street Suite 2000
San Francisco, CA 94105.

For more information contact Robin Everett at robin.everett@sierraclub.org or call 949-361-7534.

Posted on January 24, 2008

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