Save San Onofre State Beach

Statement by Elizabeth Goldstein on today's California Coastal Commission
hearing

DEL MAR, Calif., Feb. 6 /PRNewswire/ -- Seven hours into the Coastal
Commission's consideration of the Foothill South Toll Road's compliance with
the Federal Coastal Act, the Save San Onofre Coalition made its case that the
Transportation Corridor Agency's (TCA) proposed six-lane toll road would
irreparably damage one of California's most precious natural treasures, San
Onofre State Beach.
Elizabeth Goldstein, President of the California State Parks Foundation,
issued the following statement at today's California Coastal Commission
hearing on the toll road:
"Coastal Commission staff delivered a comprehensive report reiterating
that the Foothill-South Toll Road represents a serious threat to San Onofre
State Beach and violates federal law protecting our coastline. The most
dramatic moment of the morning was the strong statement by Executive Director
Peter Douglas, who concluded staff's presentation by stressing that this toll
road is the most dangerous project proposed on the California coast since the
Commission's creation in 1974.
"What was most disappointing were comments made by TCA Chief Executive
Officer Thomas E. Margro, who opined that because San Onofre State Beach has
experienced some infrastructure developments, such as the little-used
Cristianitos Road, it was already a compromised natural resource. Margro then
promoted the six-lane toll road as a means to provide greater public access to
the state beach.
"The TCA is trying to have it both ways. It's disingenuous to bash San
Onofre State Beach by calling it a state park not worth saving, and then, in
the next breath, claim that the toll road's construction will increase access
to a beautiful coastal landmark.
"San Onofre is a state park is visited by 2.4 million people per year from
all over California. This action is clearly an attempt by toll road
proponents to hijack Californians' love for the coast and twist it into an
argument to support this road. This bends the truth to the breaking point.
"The facts are clear. Toll roads through state parks are a bad idea. San
Onofre deserves to be protected and preserved for current and future
generations."
The California Commission is expected to deliberate on the Foothill South
Toll-Road late into the night. For further information or to arrange an
interview with Elizabeth Goldstein, contact Matt Klink at (310) 283-6267 or by
e-mail at matt@cerrell.com.
SOURCE California State Parks Foundation

Matt Klink, +1-310-283-6267, matt@cerrell.com, for California State Parks
Foundation