Yesterday, February 6, the California Coastal Commission (CCC) voted down, in decisive fashion, a proposal to extend the 241-toll road through San Onofre State Park, a project that would perhaps ease traffic but would also endanger a world-class surf spot (Trestles) and destroy a large chunk of the park. Associated Press reports that the CCC voted 8-2 against the project.

Peter Douglas, the Commission’s executive director had this to say: "Since the passage of the Coastal Act in 1976, I know of no other coastal development project so demonstrably inconsistent with the law that has come this far in the regulatory review process. This toll road project is precisely the kind of project the Coastal Act was intended to prevent." [source: 10news.com ]

This is no doubt a big win for those hoping to preserve Trestles and its environs. But the battle is not over yet. The Transportation Corridor Agency (TCA) can still appeal to the U.S. Secretary of Commerce, and that is just what they mean to do: “We've spent $20 million and six years on this,” said Lance MacLean of the TCA, “and we still believe firmly that our project as proposed provides the best traffic relief in the most environmentally sound way.”

In short, due to the CCC’s rejection of the toll road project, the future of Trestles is markedly brighter today than it was yesterday. Nevertheless, the legal battle rages on. The TCA means to contest the decision and try once again to pave their way through San Onofre.