CalActive.com Activities Blog

Thank heavens for all the surfers, beachgoers, environmentalists, and other concerned individuals and organizations for standing up and being counted, for it is thanks to them, the Californian Coastal Act and brilliant organizations such as Surfrider, that Trestles and the San Mateo campground in San Diego county have been saved from destruction by the proposed 241 toll road extension, following what was referred to as a “David vs. Goliath” battle.

According to Surfrider’s Save Trestles website, surfers across the country were asked in a recent poll which surf spot they would most like to have in their own back yard. Over a quarter of those who responded said that they would choose Lower Trestles – just behind Australia’s Snapper Rocks and ahead of such legendary breaks as Pipeline and Macaroni’s. Yip, it’s that good! Check out the Save Trestles blog for all the latest news including a very thoughtprovoking article on the 10 reasons why the Foothill South Toll road extension failed.

Some of you may remember the big swell that came through SoCal last April – here are some snaps that I took, thinking that maybe it would be one of the last chances I would get. I am so very thankful that this is not the case.

Tomorrow, February 6, 2008, The California Coastal Commission will have a hearing for arguments for and against the proposal for a six land toll road that would eliminate 60% of the state park. In 1971, President Ronald Regan set aside this land specifically for recreational use and to be preserved FOREVER!!!

The Coastal Commission hearing is the last chance to stop the Toll Road through San Onofre State Park. Many argue the Toll Road will relieve traffic congestion, the park will continue to operate the same as it does today, there will be no cost to the taxpayer, and this plan is an “environmentally friendly” alternative. Personally, those arguments are BS!! I wonder how a transportation project can be “environmentally friendly” when it’s about to plow through a 16 mile stretch of undeveloped and protected space and degrade all outdoor fun within the park. In a recent poll, San Onofre is a surf spot that most would love to have in their own backyard. We want this land to be preserved forever as open space and for future generations to enjoy it as much as we have.

Surfrider Foundation will be webcasting for those who want to stay updated throughout the day. If you can’t participate in the day’s events, you can take action by sending a letter to the Commissioners asking them to Save Trestles and San Onofre by clicking here. Your voice counts!

SAVE TRESTLES!!