Marlene Alvarado

The session included procedural announcements regarding virtual meeting conduct, public comment guidelines, and speaker request submission. Agenda changes involved moving several items (including University of California of Santa Barbara Notice of Impending Development, related LRDP minor amendment, and CDP applications by California Department of State Parks, 1338 LLC, and Red Roondo 100 LLC) to consent, and postponing an appeal related to a Southern California Edison project. Public comments addressed concerns over proposed development at Carpanderia Salt Marsh, the Rewild Mission Bay project emphasizing wetland restoration benefits for endangered species like the lightfooted Ridgeways Rail, and opposition to a Plan Top Golf driving range on Harbor Island due to bird entanglement risks and lighting impacts. Additionally, speakers voiced concerns regarding the degradation of San Diego Bay habitat from existing and proposed developments, including issues with SeaWorld fireworks impacts on nesting birds, and the replacement of turf/running tracks at Palisades High School with materials releasing microplastics. A citizen from Grover Beach urgently requested an appeal be initiated regarding a large condo tower development, citing violations of public access and LCP standards.

The session began with roll call establishing a quorum, followed by a detailed explanation of virtual and in-person public comment procedures, including time limits for speakers. The agenda included five proposed changes moved to the consent calendar, such as LCP amendments for Humble County and time extensions for Sonteo County. Public comments focused heavily on issues related to the Port of San Diego's management of the Embaradero area, citing concerns about public access conversion to commercial use, violations of the public trust doctrine, and specific issues with the Hilton Bayfront public pier. Other public comments addressed the need for San Luis Obispo County to review and amend its LCP regarding OVUs following a court ruling, and concerns regarding noise and public access impacts from fireworks events in Ventura Harbor.

This report from the California Coastal Commission details progress and future priorities in advancing environmental justice. It focuses on implementing the 2019 Environmental Justice Policy by enhancing engagement with affected communities, building staff capacity, integrating environmental justice into coastal development and review, improving public participation, and embedding environmental justice principles into the Commission's strategic plans. The report aims to ensure equitable coastal protection and access, and sets a roadmap for continued action through 2025 and into the 2026-2030 Strategic Plan.

This Strategic Plan serves as a roadmap outlining the California Coastal Commission's direction for the next five years, focused on protecting and enhancing California's coast and ocean for present and future generations. The plan is structured around five overarching goals: ensuring coastal access for all, planning for resilient communities, improving external engagement and coordination, protecting coastal resources, and building and maintaining a resilient organization. It emphasizes proactive planning, environmental sustainability, public participation, and adaptation to challenges such as climate change and equitable access.

This Statewide Strategy provides a guiding framework for offshore wind development in California, focusing on the coexistence of fishing communities and offshore wind energy. It outlines best practices for communication, site surveys, data collection, and impact avoidance and minimization. The strategy also includes methodologies for socioeconomic analysis of project-level impacts, a framework for compensatory mitigation, and unique considerations for tribal fisheries, aiming to promote coexistence, support fishing activities, and enhance the long-term vitality and resilience of California's coastal communities.