Outlook

The Coastal Trail Project Is Under Way!

Legislation passed in fall 2001 calls for the preparation of an inventory map of the California Coastal Trail, and this planning project, called the Coastal Trail Project, has begun. It does not include funds for land acquisition or trail construction, but it is a promising start. Read more about the project, and find out how you might become involved.

Recent Events
March 5, 2002 California voters pass Proposition 40, the "California Clean Water, Clean Air, Safe Neighborhood Parks, and Coastal Protection Act of 2002," providing an opportunity for the acquisition of parklands, improvement of parks, and protection of the environment!

September 14, 2001 State Legislature Passes Coastal Trail Bills
SACRAMENTO - The California Legislature has made official a dream long held by many Californians, the creation of the 1200-mile long California Coastal Trail (CCT).
Senate Bill 908, passed out of the Senate and Assembly by large majorities, makes the CCT an official state trail, and calls for an implementation study. The bill, introduced by Wesley Chesbro (D-Arcata) and Betty Karnette (D-Long Beach), is headed for Governor Davis's desk, where it is expected to be signed into law.
Assembly Concurrent Resolution 20, introduced by Assembly Member Fran Pavley (D-Woodland Hills) and co-sponsored by Senator Shiela Kuehl (D-Los Angeles), passed out of the Assembly on May 29 by a 50 to 14 vote, and the Senate on August 28 on a 21 to 9 vote. The resolution also supports the creation of the CCT, and urges the Coastal Conservancy, the Coastal Commission and State Parks to work towards its completion.
Senator Chesbro said, "SB 908 helps ensure coastal access and also recognizes the natural beauty and economic importance of the states coastline."
Assembly member Pavley stated, "I hope that this official state designation will enable this wonderful vision to become a reality".
A state long Coastal Trail, a continuous trail connecting cities and towns with historic sites and natural areas, has been on the agenda of coastal activists for 20 years. The bills are the culmination of years of education and advocacy work by the non-profit group Coastwalk.
"These measures taken together are a strong signal that the people of California and their elected officials care about the health of the coast and about public access to it," said Richard Nichols, Executive Director of Coastwalk. He praised the authors for their vision in carrying the bills.

August 29, 2001 Another milestone in the completion of the CCT

April 4, 2001 SB 908 This bill would require the [State Coastal] Conservancy, to the extent feasible, to take action to link the California Coastal Trail to inland trail systems, particularly in urban areas that do not have significant open space and parklands, and to develop a system of public accessways to, and along, the state's coastline, provide assistance to public agencies and nonprofit organizations to establish and expand inland trail systems that may be linked to the California Coastal Trail.
Documents associated with SB 908 in the 2001-2002 Session

December 7, 2000 The California Coastal Conservancy authorizes $600,000 to Coastwalk to develop detailed plans and maps of the California Coastal Trail including links to other trails, and to develop a logo for the trail.

March 8, 2000--CCT receives grant from American Express Company
January 11, 2000--Clinton creates the California Coastal National Monument along the state's rocky, winding shore.
January 27, 2000--The March 7, 2000 California ballot
November 24, 1999--Public Denied Access to Beach at Hollister Ranch
September 3, 1999--Park Bonds Update
September 2, 1999--CCT Gains National Recognition

CCT receives grant from American Express Company
March 8, 2000-- Washington, D.C. The California Coastal Trail, a newly minted Millennium Legacy Trail, today was awarded a $10,000 grant from American Express Company.
American Express Company grants of $10,000 will be going to a Millennium Legacy Trail in each of twelve states. American Express is also contributing a $20,000 grant to each of the 16 National Millennium Trails. Trail groups can use these awards to fund outreach programs, conduct trail studies and strategic planning, improve trail infrastructure and maintenance or provide initiatives to attract new trail users.
Full text of news release

The March 7, 2000 California Ballot

YES on Proposition 12!

Safe Neighborhood Parks, Clean Water, Clean Air, and Coastal Protection Bond Act of 2000
Excerpts from Protecting California's Coast: California is famous throughout the U.S. and throughout the world for its breathtaking coastline. Lovers of natural beauty and unique coastal wildlife, tourists, and many others have grown to appreciate California's protection of the spectacular places where ocean and land meet. However, our ability to continue to protect that coast is in serious jeopardy, as money provided by Park Bonds from 1988 and earlier has dried up.
The Safe Neighborhood Parks, Clean Water, Clean Air, and Coastal Protection Bond Act of 2000 would provide OVER A QUARTER OF A BILLION DOLLARS for protecting California's coast. Money is made available to purchase coastal lands from willing sellers in order to preserve that land from development. Funds are provided to conserve fish and wildlife up and down the coast, and specifically for habitat for salmon. Programs receive substantial dollars to fight beach erosion, and including $5,000,000 to complete the Coastal Trail.
To many, California's coast symbolizes the American dream. Almost every Californian has a favorite stretch of sandy beach or craggy rock that they think of when someone mentions the California coast. The Safe Neighborhood Parks, Clean Water, Clean Air, and Coastal Protection Bond Act of 2000 ensures the financial resources are available to preserve our coast for years to come.

YES on Proposition 13!

The Safe Drinking Water, Clean Water, Watershed Protection, and Flood Protection Act
Some benefits of Proposition 13: While California's rivers, streams, and coastal waters have become cleaner over the past few decades, a great deal remains to be done. Swimmers often become sick after entering coastal waters in many parts of California; many rivers and streams still do not meet the goals of being safe to swim in, and the fish are often not safe to eat. Pollution in many forms contaminates these waters, and Proposition 13 will go a long way in cleaning up and preventing this pollution.
Coastal Salmon Restoration Funds seek to restore salmon in virtually any watershed in the state, including in the Central Valley.
For further information: California Park and Recreation Society

Public Denied Access to Beach at Hollister Ranch
November 24, 1999--The right of public access to the beaches and ocean in California has been dealt a stunning blow. State efforts to open up beach access at Hollister Ranch remain unsuccessful.
Background The Hollister Ranch, one of the last stretches of pristine beach in Southern California, is in private hands and will remain that way by court order unless appealed. No public roads run through the ranch, making it nearly impossible for outsiders to visit its beaches. The sands on Hollister Ranch (or any other beach) are public up to the "mean high-tide line." Without access to the ranch's private roads, the only way to get to those beaches is from the ocean side. Surfers use dinghies, Jet Skis and other small craft to sail from Gaviota along the coast to the best surfing spots.
The 1976 Coastal Act mandated that there be public access to the eight-mile stretch of beach between Gaviota and Point Conception. The Coastal Commission doesn't question the owners' right to use the land and live there, but says that it is a public treasure belongs to the public and there should be access. The Coastal Commission has received reports of people being chased off the beach.
Recent Court Decision On November 24, 1999, Judge McLafferty of the Santa Barbara Superior Court ruled against the public's right of access to the beach and ocean at the famed Hollister Ranch in Santa Barbara County. The Court found that Section 30610.8 of the California Public Resources Code created no mandatory duty for the State Coastal Conservancy and the State Public Works Board to implement public access to the beaches and ocean at Hollister Ranch.
The Court also found the Hollister Ranch Owners Association owed no duty to provide public access, to the otherwise inaccessible, beaches and world famous surf spots.
From the Los Angeles Times Sunday, November 29, 1998, Page A-42, by Hector Tobar and SurferMag.COM's "Industry News"

Park Bonds Update
September 3, 1999--$5 Million for CCT!! Congratulations to everyone for a very successful effort on the largest park bond in California's history. Thanks to your support, the $2.1 billion Park and Open Space Bond Act (AB 18--Villaraigosa-Keeley) passed out of the Legislature today and is on its way to the Governor's desk. Thanks to your grassroots support, this bill has bi-partisan support.
Senate Vote: 31 - 3
Assembly Vote: 57 - 15
As you know, the last voter approved park bond was in 1988. This bond will help reinvest in protecting California's environment by making park, coastal, river and wildlife funding a priority for the state. The preservation of California's open space directly benefits each Californian and our economy. General obligation bonds have been indispensable to our State Park system during the past three decades. Accelerating land values in that period would have put many significant land acquisition opportunities beyond the state's reach were it not for the voters' repeated willingness to authorize bond financing. Bond financing is a way of assuring that the State Park system expands to meet demands created by California's population growth.
This is the largest park bond to pass out of the legislature and will greatly benefit the health of California's environment. If signed by the Governor, the bond act will be before the voters March 7, 2000.
from the Planning and Conservation League

CCT Gains National Recognition
September 2, 1999--After years of hard work by the Coastwalk Board, volunteers and staff, the Coastal Trail has attained national recognition as the official representative for California as a Millennium Legacy Trail. The Millennium designation recognizes 12 important National Trails, whereas Legacy Trails recognize one trail in each of the 50 states to represent the essence and spirit of that state. Community Trails are those that have strong positive impacts on the communities they serve.
The Coastwalk Board of Directors, supported by State Parks, the Coastal Conservancy and Coastal Commission, nominated the California Coastal Trail as the state's representative. On September 2nd Governor Davis picked the CCT to represent California as the Millennium Legacy Trail.
To celebrate the Millennium, the White House, under First Lady Hillary Clinton, created a series of cultural events to take place through the year 2000. Millennium Trails will recognize the value of trails, their contributions to America's history, and the legacies they create for future generations.
To celebrate this wonderful recognition for the CCT, Coastwalk will sponsor a variety of special events during the coming year.
by Richard Nichols, Coastwalk Executive Director

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