Kehoe Opposes Del Mar Fair Expansion, So Does Surfrider

Senator Christine Kehoe has come out in opposition of the proposed Del Mar Fairgrounds expansion according to the San Diego Union Tribune in this article. Read Senator Kehoe's 11 page letter here. We agree. Surfrider Foundation San Diego Chapter, along with other leading environmental groups, also opposes this environmentally destructive plan. The urbanization and overdevelopment would have lasting and devastating affects to the pristine wetlands adjacent to the Fairgrounds.

Destructive Desal To Be Reconsidered, Need You There

Coastal Commission Hearing on February 10 in Oceanside:
Poseidon-Carlsbad Ocean desalination proposal

Please join us at the Coastal Commission hearing in Oceanside and support the efforts of Surfrider Foundation, San Diego Coastkeeper, Coastal Environmental Rights Foundation, and a host of other environmental groups who are working to ensure the proposed Poseidon-Carlsbad ocean desalination project does not result in exacerbating climate change and all the adverse impacts it will cause to our coast and ocean.

The permit issued by the Coastal Commission required this project to be “carbon neutral.” However, the calculations used to ensure this energy-intensive project did not add greenhouse gases to the environment, during a time when California is trying to reduce these emissions, was based on false information and assumptions.

The true facts about Poseidon’s proposed greenhouse gas mitigation were not made available to the Commission until long after the permit was approved. This means the permit must either be voluntarily amended by Poseidon or revoked by the Commission. Either way is fine with us. We just want the error in the permit corrected.

Please add your voice to our efforts with a simple statement to the Coastal Commission: “We want Poseidon to fully comply with the condition in their permit that assures the project will actually be carbon neutral.”

We hope to see you at the hearing!

WHEN: The issue is first on the agenda, so please show up by 9am.
WHERE: Oceanside City Council Chambers, 300 N Coast Hwy, Oceanside, 92054

Port Commisioner Called You a "Nego."

Are you a "nego?" Unified Port of San Diego Commissioner Steve Cushman seems to think you are. He recently characterized those who oppose Port projects as "negos," according to this Union Tribune article, Commissioner Cushman did so at a San Diego City Council. Those of us, from all walks of life and political parties, wcare about the environment and the democratic process should be concerned about an appointed official resorting to childish name calling. Many of these "nego's" are driving around in Commissioner Cushman's former "Cush Automotive Group" cars.

Please take a moment and let the Port Commissioners know that is it not a "positivo," for a Commissioner of a body charged with managing San Diego Bay and surrounding wetlands, to refer to active and concerned citizens as "negos."

E-mail the Port Commissioners

State Parks Being Held for Ransom?

Our last blog post explored new efforts to protect our State Parks (the "State Park Access Pass" ballot initiative)...and (unfortunately) this blog post explores another haphazard plan by the Governor to hold our Parks for ransom.

The Governor released a new budget scheme to fund parks through revenues generated by offshore oil drilling near Santa Barbara, CA.  Never mind that the oil drilling project has been rejected twice (once by the State Lands Commission and then again in the legislative budget process).

Assemblyman Huffman summarizes the situation best:  "Blackmail might be a better term for it," said Assemblyman Jared Huffman, D-San Rafael, who chairs the Water, Parks and Wildlife Committee.  "He's saying I'll fund the parks if you'll open up the coast to new oil drilling."

The Governor's plan rubs Surfrider wrong for many reasons.  First, we are partnering with other organizations to protect our state park system--aside from fighting to keep a six-lane toll road out of San Onofre State Beach, we are working to safeguard our underfunded "park system" so our members can enjoy safe and clean state beaches.  Secondly, we think this 'new plan' is especially appalling because California's ocean, waves and beaches are vital recreational, economic and ecological treasures that will be polluted by increased oil drilling.

Surfrider launched a campaign: "Not the Answer".  The campaign asks the fundamental question: why are decision-makers stilladvocating for environmentally harmful ways to meet oil needs, when they should be seeking a comprehensive and environmentally sustainable plan that includes conservation and alternative energy?

The answer to this question certianly doesn't reside in the Governors new plan to hold our parks ransom.

 Take action and tell your elected officials the Governor's plan is not the answer!

Click here to read Surfrider's official response to the swindle.