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February 6, 2008
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It's been a week for the record books. Super Bowl Sunday rolled into Super Tuesday and finally, Big Wednesday.
Anticipating a super-sized turnout at the mid-week critical toll road hearing, the California Coastal Commission traded in the usual Oceanside City Council Chamber for a XXL lot at the Del Mar Fairgrounds. Good idea. People came out in droves. At the highest point, an estimated 2,500 Save Trestles supporters swarmed in and around the centrally located Wyland Hall, flanked with slogan-riddled t-shirts and rally signs.
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Townend was referring the significantly smaller showing of road workers who supported the 241-extension. Current WCT Pro CJ Hobgood echoed similar sentiments: "I'm really honored to be a part of the surfing family. Now, just waiting to see if this nuts presence will yield some results." It did. Just after 11pm Pacific Time, after 14 hours of presentations from members of Save Trestles campaign, the TCA, and personal testimonies from public, the Commission voted 8 - 2 against the proposed 241 Toll Road extension, stating its inconsistency with the California Coastal Act. The packed-house erupted in cheers. "Huge," said Carlsbad's Taylor Knox after the decision. "This was such a huge victory towards saving something that, once it's taken away from us, can never be put back." "This was such a huge victory towards saving something that, once it's taken away from us, can never be put back."
--Taylor Knox
The 16-mile road, if approved, would run through San Onofre, threatening scenic views, endangered species, and a world-class break. Thomas E. Margro, the TCA's chief executive officer, said he will appeal the commission's decision to the U.S. Secretary of Commerce. For now, though, the surf-spot's defenders can breathe a little easier. "The war isn't over," wrote longtime Trestles supporter Bob Mignogna in a Thursday morning email to fellow activists. "But clearly, the biggest battle, thus far, has been won." SURFLINE HOME PAGE MORE SURF NEWS |
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