CGF seeking support for Whaler’s Cove trails

Next week, the California Coastal Commission will consider a permit for four walking trails near the Pigeon Point Lighthouse.  We reported a couple of weeks ago that this plan had run into opposition from local farmers. Since then, the farmers, Peninsula Open Space Trust, and San Mateo County have come to an agreement—with the exception of one indvidual who has appealed the plan to the commission.

GGF is asking people to write to the commission this week in support of the plan. Click "read more" to see their call to action.

Dear Friends,

Next week, the California Coastal Commission will be considering an appeal of the coastal development permit granted by San Mateo County for four walking trails, an information kiosk, a seating area, and an overlook deck on the bluffs next to the Pigeon Point Lighthouse on the San Mateo Coast.

If the Commission votes as recommended by its staff, the long tradition of historic public access will be restored to Whaler’s Cove, a beautiful small beach below the Pigeon Point Lighthouse.  Please email or fax the Coastal Commission this week and ask them to vote for the Mel’s Lane Coastal Access Project at Whaler’s Cove.

Background

Just south of Pescadero, the Pigeon Point Lighthouse and Hostel are world renowned landmarks that overlook historic Whaler’s Cove, known for its tidepools and diverse bird population.

In 1997, San Mateo County approved a nine-unit motel on the site, over the vociferous objections of CGF.  The owner at that time had posted the site with "No Trespassing" signs, fenced off the historic access trail to the beach, and eliminated public access to the bluffs and beach.  Thanks to Peninsula Open Space Trust’s intervention to purchase and restore the property, the half-built motel was demolished and the site has now been transferred to California State Parks.

What’s happening

POST has been working to restore public access to the small sandy beach and build new blufftop trails for the public to enjoy the area’s stunning views.  Named Mel’s Lane for coastal hero and first chairman of the Coastal Commission Melvin B. Lane, these public trails and overlook will complement the historic lighthouse and hostel next door.

Potential conflicts between agricultural use of the field across Pigeon Point Road and trail users have been worked out in an agreement between POST and the Farm Bureau, and the San Mateo County Planning Commission and Board of Supervisors have unanimously approved the project.

However, an individual has appealed this decision to the Coastal Commission.  Committee for Green Foothills agrees with the Coastal Commission staff that the appeal raises "No Substantial Issue" and the approval of Mel’s Lane Coastal Access should stand.

What you can do

Please ask the Coastal Commission to follow their Staff finding that Appeal Number A-2-05-009 raises "No Substantial Issue" so that the public trails and beach access at Whaler’s Cove can be built as soon as possible.

Time is short:  please get your letter or email to the Coastal Commission by this Friday, August 5.

Write to:
California Coastal Commissioners
c/o Chris Kern
45 Fremont Street, Suite 2000
San Francisco CA 94105
Fax 415-904-5400
Email [email protected]

Subject: Appeal A-2-05-9
Be sure to include reference to Appeal Number A-2-05-009; Applicant: Peninsula Open Space Trust; Appellant: Ron Sturgeon.

Please send a copy of your message to CGF so we can track our efforts on this issue:  fax: 650-968-8431 or email: [email protected]