save(d) trestles.

from the L.A. times:

U.S. Commerce Department rejects Foothill South toll road

The controversial Foothill South toll road, proposed to connect south Orange County with north San Diego County, was handed a major blow this morning when the U.S. Commerce Department announced it would uphold the state Coastal Commission’s rejection of the plan.

Federal officials could only override the state’s decision if the project had no alternatives or was necessary to national security, and the announcement this morning said neither of those criteria was met.

Today’s decision is another — and perhaps fatal — setback for the proposed 16-mile turnpike, which had been blasted by environmentalists for cutting through a popular beachfront state park and lauded by transportation planners as vital to easing the region’s gridlock.

The California Coastal Commission rejected plans for the road earlier this year, saying that the six-lane road — which would run from Rancho Santa Margarita to Basilone Road at Camp Pendleton — violated the state’s coastal management program.

personally, i’ve been involved in the SAVE(D) TRESTLES campaign for almost two years.

as a visitor of the beach/break for over twenty, needless to say, i am ecstatic (and, relieved.)

thank you for your interest/support in the campaign.

a special congratulations to surfrider san diego (specifically, bill, stefanie, scott, marco, belinda, marty, pat, and alan.)

i am proud to call you friends.

aloha, chris.

surfrider waterman of the year 2006.
surfrider member since 1993.