Assemblymember Tasha Boerner Horvath (D-Encinitas) has authored legislation sponsored by the Save San Onofre Coalition to prevent a toll road from ever bisecting one of our most popular State Parks.

San Onofre State Beach is California’s fifth most popular state park receiving more than 2 million visitors each year. The park includes the world famous “Trestles” surf spot immortalized in the Beach Boys’ “Surfin’ USA”, as well as critical habitat for several endangered species. San Onofre State Beach also provides popular and affordable coastal accommodations with beach access, including the San Mateo Campground.

Representing northern San Diego County, Assemblymember Boerner Horvath took note of ongoing litigation that has created uncertainty for the settlement agreement which EHL, other members of the Save San Onofre Coalition, and State agencies reached with the Transportation Corridor Agency (TCA). This agreement prevents TCA from constructing a highway through high-value habitat and parklands. A related agreement brought CalTrans and the California Resources Agency into the same paradigm. The TCA is currently conducting a comprehensive planning process, including alternatives that serve both environmental and local community interests.

The bill, AB 1426, would memorialize the CalTrans agreement into State law and prohibit any agency – including local agencies not bound by the settlement agreement – from constructing a road through San Onofre State Beach or the nearby Richard and Donna O’Neill Conservancy.  

EHL commends Assemblymember Boerner Horvath for standing up for California’s parks and wildlife.