1. The California Coastal Commission is scheduled to hear the proposed Toll Highway on Thursday October 11th in San Pedro. The staff at the Coastal Commission has issued a report that blasted the proposed route. The Transportation Corridor Agencies (TCA) has requested a postponement; but the Commission staff did not agree. However, the TCA may directly request that the Commission, at its October 11, 2007 meeting, grant a postponement and agree to a time extension. If this were to be granted, the hearing would not proceed as scheduled on October 11, 2007, but would be scheduled at a subsequent Commission meeting. Note: Many of the opponents of the toll highway are coming by bus to the meeting. Such a request for a postponement is a common tactic to avoid dealing with large numbers of opponents.
2. Opposed by 66% in Orange County - A recent survey of voters in Orange County revealed that 66% oppose building a toll highway through San Onofre State Park.
3. Los Angeles Times Opposes. The Los Angeles Times published an editorial strongly opposing the toll highway.
4. TCA sued by the State Attorney General's office. The Attorney General has sued the TCA because of the route's potential impacts on the American Indian archaeological site (which is still used for religious ceremonies by Jueneno Indians), damage to the park, and more. Also, TCA has been sued by the Natural Resources Defense Council.
5. San Diego City Council vote to oppose. We are still waiting for Mayor Sander's approval or veto.
6. TCA offers $100 million for state parks if TCA gets approval. $70 million would pay for the lease of Camp Pendleton Land and $30 million would go to Crystal Cove State Park. On hearing about the TCA's offer, some opponents used the word "bribe." The long-term advocate for Crystal Cove has rejected that offer.
7. TCA hints they may appeal to the Federal Government. Because federal land is involved (Camp Pendleton Marine Corps Base), the TCA may appeal to the Federal Government; probably the Commerce Department.
Question: Do Federal bureaucrats have the power to override California's environmental laws?
