The integrity and independence of the Coastal Commission are under attack. There is a behind-the-scenes effort by developer-friendly Coastal Commissioners to fire Executive Director Dr. Charles Lester. Rather than quietly resign, Dr. Lester has asked for a public hearing, which will be held February 10 at the Coastal Commission’s meeting in Morro Bay. 

The coast belongs to all the people. All Californians need to speak up for the coast, and defend the Coastal Act and the Coastal Commission’s independent staff. As Peter Douglas, the former Executive Director of the Coastal Commission said, “The Coast is never saved, it is always being saved.”

The MCC supports the continuation of Dr. Charles Lester as the California Coastal Commission’s Executive Director. 

What you can do: 

1. Email the Governor here and send copies to your state senator & assemblymember (find your representatives here)

2. Email the Coastal Commissioners:  (StatusOfExecutiveDirector@coastal.ca.gov)

3. Attend the Coastal Commission meeting Wednesday, Feb. 10, 10am
Agenda item #8 links to comments received & media coverage
Executive Director Charles Lester memo
Group letter from 153 current Coastal Commission staff
Act Coastal has help with logistics in traveling to the meeting

As of Feb 5: over 20,000 letters/emails support retaining executive director. 
Group letter from 35 former Coastal Commissioners 
Group letter from 16 State Legislators
Group letter from 93 environmental organizations
Group letter from 5 marine/estuary sanctuary foundations
Letter from Committee for Green Foothills
OpEd by Huey D. Johnson, former Secretary for Natural Resources
OpEd by Steve Blank, former Coastal Commissioner
Sierra Club page "Don't Let Developers Control The Coastal Commission"

Capitol Weekly Jan 19: CCC executive director under fire
Coastal Commission 2015 Vote Summary