Upon learning that the Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Area (ODSVRA) will be closed until Oct. 1, dozens of off-roaders attended the California Coastal Commission (CCC) meeting on July 9. They argued that they are being denied enjoyment of the beach that they pay for with Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Division money—their money, for their park and the conservation measures it needs. They argued that they are low-income families deserving cheap camping on the beach, that disabled people can’t access the beach but in a vehicle.
In truth, people don’t need to drive on the dunes and beach to enjoy them and have a good family time.
Without thousands of vehicles destroying the beach and dunes, we wouldn’t need conservation measures. The Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Division receives 70 percent of its funds from the gasoline tax, which we all pay. State Parks has beach wheelchairs for special needs citizens. An electric vehicle, boardwalks to the wet sand, and a boardwalk through the dunes would allow special needs people to reach them. Middle income families (making more than $50,000 a year) participate in off-roading at higher rates (23 to 27 percent) than the lowest income class (12 percent).
Finally, an off-roader announced there are thousands of them who can storm the beach. She then asked whether thousands could be arrested. State Parks claimed that it reached out to Oceano for input and feedback on the management plan for the ODSVRA’s future. When questioned by a commissioner for details, State Parks admitted it never reached out to Oceano.
Lucia Casalinuovo
Oceano
This article appears in Best of SLO County 2020.
Do tell so the State Parks administrators are bold faced liars. That is nothing new for San Luis Obispo County, I won a judgement against the San Luis Obispo Sheriff’s Department for stealing by conversion of property. This was all brought on by a Cal Poly Police Officer who went onto retire. God, when will these people learn?
A small section of beach for off road use and you still bitch go to Shell or Avila or Morro Bay your going to ruin this economy at a time we can’t afford more of this
Closing effects local business big time. Dont be selfish just because it’s not your interest. The birds are fine, the dust remains unchanged, quit jeopardizing the working class in the community. It’s not taking money from your pocket so leave it alone.
Please see our documentaries “What We Need to Know about Oceano Beach and Dunes” at http://www.safebeachanddunes.org.
I grew up in Venice beach. Our house had a sand front yare. We got tar on our feet playing close to my fathers’ life guard tower.
Live near the ocean? You will have sand and dust.
Do not try to tell me the dust from the dunes – an entirely natural effect regardless of any pubic use of the dunes – is not known to prospective buyer up on the Mesa. They have to have known sand dust invades just as the fog rolls in there and leaves my home in the sunshine. It a wind thing.
We care more for the views and the clean, dust free, non odorous air than we do our local economy.
@Gail Katherine Lightfoot You did not grow up where vehicles were allowed on the beach. Your comment is about a delightful childhood at a time that is now past. They have nothing to do with the petrochemicals that have saturated the Oceano Dunes and are defended by people who love to life with danger as their so-called right. I live in Oceano. These miscreants do not significantly improve our economy. They bring both gas and food from their homes and only a a few businesses get anything from them. Mostly locals bring in the money that keeps both Oceano and Nipomo alive. Get a grip on reality. While you had a great childhood, it is irrelevant to this thread. You look like a very privileged person who voted for Trump who now has Brown Shirts invading American cities. Heii Trump, Hitler’s reincarnation.
@Dan Hartness The economy ]n this area is supported by the locals. And, it is no small section. You creeps already destroyed the Arroyo Grande Thistle. The response from the irresponsible California agency in charge was to allow you cretins to use the area you had destroyed. Most of you purchase your gas and food from out of town and don’t spend enough to keep a tit mouse alive. You are just a bunch of losers and should be banned from San Luis Obispo County. Those who come and stay in local establishments are the rare exceptions and do not as reported support anyone but yourselves. Why not fo to an off road facility somewhere else? The sand a detritus are filled with petro-chemicals for years of your abuse and you are literally killing many locals with respiratory illnesses you are causing. Get a life somewhere else.