CGF: Take Action: Save the Coastal Commission

Protect the independence of the Coastal Commission
Posted December 3, 2002 / Updated December 3, 2002

The battle to undermine coastal protections continues. Please act now to support the independence of the California Coastal Commission and the ability of the Commissioners to cast their votes for Chair - without outside pressure and/or directives.

What's happened
The very public fight over the future of the Coastal Commission has been augmented recently by efforts by some existing Commissioners to undermine the process that keeps the Commission independent. It is this very independence that has allowed the Commission to enact strong protections for the coastline throughout the state.

The re-election for Chair of the Coastal Commission was scheduled for the November CCC meeting. In a rather dramatic turn of events, the vote was continued and re-agendized for the Wednesday, December 11th meeting in San Francisco. It has been widely reported in the press that the continuance was the result of interference by one or more of the appointing authorities (the Governor, the Speaker of the Assembly, and the Senate Rules Committee). Those allegations have been publicly denied.

What this means
This is clearly a thinly veiled attempt to unseat Sara Wan as Chair of the Commission, and to undermine the independence of the Commission. Those of us who work on behalf of local coastal protections greatly appreciate the positive impact and balance that Sara Wan has brought as chair of the Coastal Commission. She has been a steadfast and vocal supporter of the importance of public participation in the regulatory process, and has promoted scientific debate surrounding controversial development projects that threaten our coastline. Her leadership has been exemplary, and we would like to see her continue in that role.

We need an independent Coastal Commission to fend off inappropriate development, defend public access, and protect coastal resources with their decisions. The independence of the Commission - including its ability to choose its own Chair -- is integral to its continued ability to enact coastal protections

What you can do

1. Write a letter to the Coastal Commission.
Let the Coastal Commissioners know that you support an independent Coastal Commission with the ability to elect a Chair without interference from their political appointing authorities. Please let Chair Wan -- and the rest of the Commission -- know that the public supports her continued leadership of the Commission.

Please send your letters NOW -- it's important for the Commissioners to have time to read them before the December 11 hearing.

Chair Sara Wan and Commissioners
California Coastal Commission
45 Fremont Street
San Francisco, CA 94105
Fax 415-904-5400

2. Attend the Coastal Commission hearing.
The December meeting is in San Francisco, and the election of the Chair and Vice-Chair should be the first item on the agenda.

Wednesday, Dec. 11 -- 9am sharp
Hyatt Regency - Embarcadero
5 Embarcadero Center, San Francisco
(415) 788-1234

3. Support Committee for Green Foothills.
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