Garamendi and the Gang to Feds: Let the Coastal Commission 241 ruling stand

by Brian Leubitz [courtesy of Calitics - Front Page]

Lite Gov. Garamendi along with some Senators (Garamendi, Steinberg, & Kehoe) are distributing a letter (PDF) to US Commerce Secretary Guttierez regarding the proposed 241 Toll Road over San Onofre state beach. The toll road was rejected 8-2 by the Coastal Commission after a marathon public comment session.

John and the Gang want the Secretary to reject the Foothill/Eastern Transportation Corridor Authority's appeal of the Coastal Commission's decision. They had some backup plans in case the Bush administration is all predictable and takes the appeal: they want another lengty public comment session in SoCal.  From the letter:

We believe that you should out of hand reject the TCA's appeal.  However, should you take it up, we urge you to hold a public hearing in Southern California and to extend the public comment period accordingly to ensure full opportunity for public participation.  We are certain that at such a public hearing you would quickly learn that Californians consider this coastal public park a treasure and that there is broad public opposition to the Toll Road.

But, this is the Bush administration, and they are way, super into building roads that can make a profit for companies instead of the public. This might be another situation where any and all delays are a good thing in the decision-making process. We desperately need a better administration in Washington that doesn't just impulsively privatize everything.