Hello, After several months since the closure of portions of the old San Onofre State Beach access road, it is now open for some relaxing and surfing. The major erosion of the dirt road leading to San Onofre State Beach, which closed access to the popular surf spot “indefinitely” back in February. It is not nice to mess with Mother Nature and the powerful storms from the Winter into the Spring season in coastal So Cal. A 50-year lease deal between the Department of Navy and California State Parks for the use of San Onofre State Beach expired three years ago, but was given a three-year extension that sunsets on Aug. 31. With the looming deadline comes a negotiation over who will retain stewardship of the land, State Parks or the military. If the military does regain control of the area, the next question is what does that mean for the public’s access to the region, which includes not only San Onofre, but Trestles. The whole beach area could be taken back by the U.S. Govt. as part of the National Security Act. But, what national security? Other than some random skiffs landing in the middle of the night, no other incursion has been documented... Do we all need a military patrol going up and down the pristine surf spots all day and night as it was back in the late 50s-early 60s? Well, all was for naught. “The new lease between the Navy and California State Parks for San Onofre State Beach and San Mateo Campground is good for 25 years, at a cost of $90 million. Despite the price tag, no actual money will change hands, says Kevin Pearsall, a coastal superintendent for California State Parks.” Jnaki The new lease, which will maintain public access to surf beach until 2049. One can easily pay at the booth, enter a quiet, secluded surf spot and nice environment with no visual sight of the freeway. It becomes a little eerie in the morning hours. YRMV “... the U.S. Department of the Navy and the Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton today announced a new 25-year lease agreement for San Onofre State Beach and San Mateo Campground. The popular beach in San Diego County is renowned for its world-class surf breaks and diverse outdoor recreation opportunities, attracting nearly 2.5 million visitors each year.” Whew...
The Jalopy Journal
