By Robin Everett & Stefanie Sekich

March 28, 2008

When Los Angeles or San Diego county residents need relief from the hustle and bustle of the city, they know that the San Onofre State Park offers that reprieve. Housed inside the state park is Trestles beach, located at the end of the San Mateo watershed. The walk to Trestles Beach is half the experience—to get to the beach, the visitor will meander down a mile-long path where they encounter some of the most striking scenery in Southern California; including several native plants, wildlife, the San Mateo Creek, and sweeping views of the ocean.

But this restful place could be destroyed. A six lane highway running through the state park has been proposed as a way to relieve some of the congestion on Interstate 5, but if built, would severely impact coastal open space, the water quality and the waves at Trestles, endangered species habitat, and sacred Native American sites.

The Sierra Club, Surfrider Foundation and the Save San Onofre Coalition are opposed to the construction of the proposed Foothill-South Toll Road because of the destruction the toll road would inflict upon San Onofre State Park. The road would cause the likely abandonment of nearly 60% of the Park, including the popular San Mateo Campground.

But the main concern isn’t just about the reservation itself, but what effects would be had on surrounding beaches and water quality. The waves at Trestles are partly formed by the sediment and cobbles that flow from San Mateo Creek. Because the sand would be paved over, the toll road could interrupt natural sediment flow and alter the wave formation at Trestles and nearby breaks (including Uppers, Middles, Cottons and Church).

The toll road’s impact on water quality is another concern because of thousands of automobiles releasing air pollution, motor oil, antifreeze, and litter that will filter into both the San Mateo Creek and Trestles Beach.

This road poses threats to cultural resources such as the sacred Native American burial sites within the Park as well. For hundreds of years, Acjachemen and Juaneño tribal members have been using the village of Panhe as a sacred site. Panhe is one of the remaining sites where Acjacheman can enjoy their spiritual individuality and is yet another reason why this toll road would have devastating effects.

An even larger concern is that all of the area is going to be converted into a highway for nothing. The Orange County Surfrider Transportation Authority recently concluded that Interstate 5 will remain congested despite building the toll road.

So what could be done to both relieve traffic and still preserve Trestles?

The Sierra Club believes congestion in Orange County can be mitigated by widening Interstate 5, improving arterial streets and interchanges, and by using rapid-transit.

And it seems that legislature is beginning to listen. The decade-long battle came to a head on February 6 at the California Coastal Commission (CCC) hearing. Thousands of people opposing the toll road attended the hearing and the Commission voted 8-2 to deny the toll road application.

But the fight isn’t over, and there will be deliberations as to what steps need to be taken. The CCC decision has been appealed, and is going to be taken to the Secretary of Commerce. The Sierra club believes that before a choice is made, the people in surrounding neighborhoods should get a clearer understanding of what is going on near homes. We need to understand that our state parks are not warehouses for future development, they are meant to be held in perpetuity for future generations to enjoy. If California’s 5th most popular state park can be destroyed for a pay-to-drive road, then all of California’s parks are at risk.

Our campaign is successful because of the thousands of volunteers who have dedicated their time to support us. We need you to continue to stand up for San Onofre State Park, the San Mateo campground and Trestles Beach. For more information on how you can help please contact the Sierra Club at robin.everett@sierraclub.org or 949-361-7534 or Surfrider Foundation at 1-800-743-SURF

Posted on March 28th, 2008 by hunwut
Filed under: Environment