We continue to engage on critical issues that threaten our coastal resources that come before the California Coastal Commission and state other agencies. This work is important to protect what we love in our coastal communities like public access, recreation, the marine environment, and land resources as outlined in the California Coastal Act, Chapter 3.

EAC engages on issues pertaining to coastal resource protection and public access related to West Marin which come before the California Coastal Commission and other state agencies. In February, the Dillon Beach Resort’s coastal development permit came before the California Coastal Commission. EAC submitted comments in advance and spoke at the hearing, generally supporting the staff recommendation.

We focused on the importance of broad and equitable public access for all, wide public participation in the development of a traffic management plan, low cost visitor services, and the protection of coastal resources. We also raised concerns about after-the-fact permitting and the bad precedent that this sets for future compliance. The applicant had placed a septic system in an environmentally sensitive habitat area without a coastal development permit. Removal of the septic lines and restoration was required by the permit, which was approved with conditions at the February meeting. The majority of the California Coastal Act violations were resolved with the permit.

We are working with partners to monitor compliance with the permit. Safe and equitable public access to this well loved beach is critical to the local community and beyond.

We have also been supportive of introduced legislation which supports the California Coastal Commission’s enforcement authority under the California Coastal Act, helping to preserve our coastal resources and public access for all. The 1976 Act protects public access, sensitive habitat, low-cost recreation, and natural resources along the state’s 1,200-mile coastline. We signed on to a letter in support of SB 433, which is moving forward. This bill will improve the Commission’s authority to swiftly and efficiently handle violations of the Act.

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