Coastal Commission Gains Power to Levy Fines

Signed into law as part of the new state budget on June 20, the Coastal Commission can now levy administrative fines against those who violate the California Coastal Act by preventing public access to coastal resources. 

Until now the Commission’s only means to enforce Coastal Act compliance was by taking violators to court, which it has limited resources to do, leading to a huge backlog of violations.  Of almost 2,000 outstanding Coastal Act violations, most involve blocking access, removing access signs, or posting unauthorized "no parking" or "no beach access" signs. 

The commission’s new ability to levy fines is limited to public-access violations.  Penalties for other violations, such as damaging wetlands or building without permits, will still require court action.

Highway 1 Traffic & Safety Improvements – June 18 Meeting

Public input is needed on design alternatives for pedestrian crossings, highway medians, and left turns at 8 locations in the Midcoast.

Two public meetings (flyer):
Wednesday, June 18, 7:00 - 9:00PM
Farallone View Elementary School, 1100 Le Conte, Montara
AND
Early July Meeting, details TBD

The designs are based on concept plans in the Highway 1 Safety and Mobility Improvement Study, a public participatory planning effort completed in 2012.  Crossings, medians, and left turns were identified as near-term, high priority projects in the Action Plan for the Highway 1 Study. 

County project webpage has link to the design alternatives, and another to submit comments on line.  You may also submit comments by email to ncalderon@smcgov.org

UPDATE:  6/18/14 meeting VIDEO, NOTES, COMMENT CARDS.
MCC project page