As some of you might know, recently it has come to light that former Supervisor Efren Carrillo is supporting and promoting a yearly marathon that will close highway 1 every year between Fort Ross and Bodega Bay on September 29th. The marathon is already accepting entry fees and is actively promoting the event.
There is great concern that this will be a quick process with minor input from public before final permits are issued. March 31st in Bodega Bay will be Efren's PR for the event. The LCP, Local Coastal Plan that was so soundly rejected last time the Supervisors tried to open the coast to tourism and development is due out soon. Will this set a precedent for more such events on our fragile coast? This massive EVENT is not appropriate and would cause safety, traffic and would pose a hardship on local businesses as the route is closed down.
This is our coast and we should have access to it, not just paying marathon customers. We will pick up the fall out in form of costs in emergency services, trash pick up, personnel and more. Please consider posting the petition, get others to sign and attend the PR attempt on March 31st, 2-4pm. Our coast is not for sale. Sample letter and all email addresses are below for your convenience.
The Coast is Not for Sale!
Please express your concern that the proposed Sonoma Coast Marathon will shut down the Sonoma Coast from Ft. Ross to Bodega Bay on September 29th 2019 and is gliding through a minimal review process without public input.
Thousands of race participants and spectators will block Highway 1, the only route to access or travel along the coast and significantly impact public access and sensitive coastal resources.
Please help save our coast from being commercially exploited by taking these 3 steps.
**This location is fully accessible and has a new sound system for better acoustics.
- Send an email ASAP to the local officials listed below (sample email & suggested talking points below)
- Attend the very important marathon meeting in Bodega Bay on Sunday March 31st 2-4 pm at the Bodega Bay Grange**
Share this information with 10 friends. Remember to include your friends from surrounding and inland areas who care about coastal protection and access to the coast.
Stephanie Rexing: [email protected]
- California Coastal Commission:
Jack Ainsworth: [email protected]
Tennis Wick: [email protected]
- Permit Sonoma:
Terry Bartles: [email protected]
- California State Parks:
Mike Lair: [email protected]
Bert Whitaker: [email protected]
- Sonoma County Regional Parks:
Melanie Parker: [email protected]
Lynda Hopkins: [email protected]
- Sonoma Coast MAC:
Brooks Rooney: [email protected]
Cathy Beck: [email protected]
Sample Email:
The Coast is Not for Sale!
TO: See contacts
RE: STEP UP REVIEW! NO RUBBER STAMP FOR THE SONOMA COAST MARATHON
I am a resident of (Graton/Sebastopol etc.) who (walks regularly at Salmon Creek beach) (hikes Bodega Head) (enjoys sunsets at the Jenner overlook) etc.
I write to (protest, express concern, ask for more review…) the proposed Sonoma Coast Marathon.
How can anyone justify blocking public access to the State and Regional public beaches and parks along the Sonoma Coast?
The Marathon would shut down Highway 1, the only road access to Bodega Bay, Jenner and all the communities north and south along the Sonoma Coast.
The Marathon would pollute the coast with trash including plastic, stress water and sewer supplies and emergency services and crowds would negatively impact our fragile coast bluffs.
How do 5,000 - 7,000 race participants who can afford to pay $150 for a full marathon and $120 for a half, plus the thousands of onlookers, take precedence over coastal residents, businesses and the general public?
I ask the Coastal Commission and County to require a Coastal Development Permit (CDP) for this event so that a full review and public comment process can occur.
It’s the least we can do to enforce our coastal legislation and protect our coastal environment.
The public must be heard!
Thank you for consideration.
Thank you for taking the time to read this letter.
Sincerely,
Signature of Sender
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