Is Toll Road Hearing On or Off?
Editorial staff

As reported a week ago, UCI pulled out as host of the July 25 Foothill South toll road hearing that had been scheduled at the Bren Center. Officials believed that attendance could have reached 10,000, and the facility’s capacity is less than 5,000. Those interested in the hearing are awaiting an announcement to learn if the event will be rescheduled.

The Coastal Commission in February ruled against the toll road extension, and the Irvine-based Transportation Corridor Agencies filed an appeal with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, which oversees the commission. The U.S. Commerce Secretary could overrule the commission’s decision if the appeal is successful.

Robin Everett of Friends of the Foothills sent out an email criticizing unethical tactics being used by the toll-road promoters: “The Transportation Corridor Agencies (TCA) have been up to their old tricks lately, releasing two advertisements in local San Clemente papers and one mailer that inaccurately labels San Onofre State Beach supporters as those who want to keep people away from the beach.

“In a recent mailer, the TCA states, ‘The organizers of the so-called Save Trestles campaign want to limit beach access. They want to keep a public beach available only for the privileged few at the expense of working families who use freeways.’

“Since when is a state park a private beach?  Why is it that they claim only a privileged few can access the beach?  It is the toll road that is only available for the privileged few who can afford it, while San Onofre State Beach offers inexpensive recreational and camping opportunities for working families.”

In addition to environmentalists and those who want to protect the park and beach, other opponents of the toll-road completion include South County residents who believe the proposed route won’t alleviate traffic congestion as TCA claims. Additionally, because of a non-compete clause, completion of the proposed toll-road route would prevent needed work on the I-5.