Save Trestles & San Mateo Creek...STOP THE 241 TOL...

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Author: Bob Schmelter

Started: December 22, 2006, 8:18:20 pm

Target: OC&SDCOUNTYTRANSPORTATIONAGENCIES

Category: Environment

Supporters:

403

Goal:

100,000

Goal Progress:

Status

Active

We oppose ANY further extension of the 241 Foothill Toll Road. Currently ending at OSO Parkway, beyond it is a thriving wildlife environment and then, near its proposed end where it would intersect with the I-5 is the beautiful blue Pacific Ocean. This toll road (expected to cost the wary consumer taxpayer up to $12.00 each way) would totally devastate the local environment. Rather than alleviate traffic on the I-5 as proponents have claimed, new studies(see L.A. Times article, November 14th, 06') suggest just the opposite, increasing traffic!! Resulting in the permanent closure of 60% of the San Onofre Beach Park, which was set aside for future generations by Ronald Reagan in 1971, the loss of 161 excellent campsites at the San Mateo Creek Campground would also occur and the road will be within 400 feet of the campground! Ever camped next to a freeway? Not enjoyable, NOT why we go camping... Also affected would be seven (known) archaeological sites, including one Native American site, which would be lost forever or suffer irreparable damage. The associated pollution factors are revoltingly astonishing as well, in particular near the ocean. The road runoff effects of heavy metal toxins such as lead, zinc, cadmium and nickel will do permanent damage as they seep into the ground and are carried to the nearby ocean, to eventually trickle into the food chain. That is only a SMALL part of the never ending effects that also include noise pollution, ambient light pollution, loss of endangered species (11 identified federally endangered or threatened species are located there, including the Southern Steelhead Trout in the San Mateo Creek) and lands and waterways that will be lost forever. There is also the premier surfing spot called Trestles (so named because of a railroad crossing we currently walk under from the campgrounds), which hosts many surfing events and is a most beautiful spot with fantastic breaks. Mentioned in the Beach Boys "Surfin' USA", anyone who has ever gone there will not forget the joy and delight it brings to be at such a breathtaking Pacific Ocean spot - wonderfully, one of Southern California's better places to visit and enjoy. As Citizen of this Planet Earth, your signature is important to preserving this currently pristine and undisturbed area. Stop the 241Toll Road! Please sign this petition and forward it to everyone!