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December 20, 2005
Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger
State of California
State Capitol Building
Sacramento, CA 95814Re: San Onofre Toll Road
Dear Governor Schwarzenegger,
The California State Park Rangers Association is adamantly opposed to a proposal to place a toll road through San Onofre State Beach. We urge you to pursue every means available to avert this potential disaster from occurring.
California was the first state to protect outdoor recreational and natural areas for the spiritual enhancement and health of its populace. This effort predates even the National Park System and represents one of California's most forward thinking legacies. Through the initial establishment of parks and the growth of the California State Park System, Californians have been provided with unparalleled quality of life opportunities, escapes from crime and blight, spiritual breathing room, economic stimulus, healthy exercise venues, and places of pure wonder and beauty. Parks are essential components of a healthy society. Sacrificing any of the limited supply of parklands, even for some other perceived good, would be a travesty.
Study after study has proven that parklands are economic engines. Site selection efforts for the most progressive companies include consideration of employee amenities, including park and recreation opportunities. Law enforcement professionals everywhere agree that park and recreation facilities and programs provide crime-reducing outlets for youth at risk. Surfing and hiking and other outdoor activities are clearly part of the solution to an obese populace. San Onofre State Beach is a value to this state far beyond the obvious and of much greater value as a protected resource than any road
There are other viable routes to address Orange County traffic issues that do not involve damaging a significant community asset such as San Onofre State Beach. We urge you to make your own legacy that of a visionary that understands the human need for outdoor recreation and revitalization. The alternative is to be known as the Governor that allowed myopic and short-term interests to overshadow and destroy California's health and vitality. Please exert your influence to avert this very bad plan.
Sincerely,
/S/
Ronald L. Brean
President
cc: Mike Chrisman, Secretary, Resources Agency
Ruth Coleman, Director, California Department of Parks and Recreation
Bobby Shriver, Chair, California State Park and Recreation Commission
Will Kempton, Director, California Department of Transportation
Ken Ryan, Chairman, Foothill/Eastern Transportation Corridor Agency