Coastal Commission coup would endanger state treasure

Were you relieved that PG&E wasn’t allowed to harm a significant amount of ocean wildlife with its sonic seismic surveys along our coastline last year? That the fences were removed from the glorious hike up Ontario Ridge? Can you easily access the beach? Ever thought why?

For 40 years, the California Coastal Commission has been involved in these things, on the side of the public, sea life and environmental quality. It’s payback time.

Pro-development real estate interests, with huge coastal projects such as Newport’s Banning Ranch coming up for review, are staging a leadership coup hoping to replace the executive director, Charles Lester, with someone more amenable to privatizing and developing our California coastline.

This is the world’s most valuable real estate. Why isn’t it Waikiki or the Jersey Shore?

If you’re grateful to this agency’s independence and protection from special interests, you can protect it from being weakened.

Typically, the decision to oust the director takes place in a quiet meeting venue away from the glare of urban publicity and media. On Feb. 10 in Morro Bay, the 12 commissioners will vote to replace the executive director, as noted in The Tribune on Jan. 21. If you feel a sense of solidarity with coastal protection and access, show up, speak up, keep the Coastal Commission protecting our wonderful state’s most treasured resource.

This story was originally published February 1, 2016 at 3:28 PM with the headline "Coastal Commission coup would endanger state treasure."