A coalition of environmental and social justice organizations will hold a press conference before the start of the Coastal Commission hearings on Wednesday, March 9th at 8:30 AM outside the Civic Auditorium in Santa Monica. In addition to the press conference, advocates will also attend the hearing and provide testimony about replacing Dr. Lester. A Sierra Club representative will speak on behalf of the Club.
Plan to Attend!
A good turnout for the hearings will show the Commissioners that the public is watching how they move forward after the unfortunate firing of the Executive Director. Plan to attend the press conference and hearing. The hearings will be held in the East Wing of the Civic Auditorium at 1855 Main Street in Santa Monica. There is plenty of parking in the auditorium lot and a parking structure next door, if you arrive early. Parking is $1.00 per hour or $5.00 per day, and the fee collection machine takes credit cards. Carpooling is advised, using the HOV lanes really helps get through the morning traffic. You may also get to the hearings by public transit (see details below).
Can’t Attend? Submit Comments!
Two agenda items, 5.1 and 5.2, have been added to consider and possibly act on hiring an interim ED, and the process for hiring a new Executive Director. You may submit comments on these items using a form on the Current Agenda page of the Commission web site: http://www.coastal.ca.gov/mtgcurr.html. For suggested talking points, see Act Coastal.
Getting There
By car
Driving through Los Angeles during morning rush hour is not advised. It is 134 Miles from San Diego. Under ideal traffic conditions, the trip takes a little over two hours. If conditions are not ideal, it can take 4 hours or more. From intermediate locations in San Diego or Orange County, the same cautions apply. For a low-stress trip, go up on Tuesday and stay overnight.
By transit
There are no good options for an early morning trip from San Diego. Either go up on Tuesday or drive to Oceanside and catch the first Metrolink train at 4:32 AM. From Orange County, catching that same train is not too bad (5 AM in San Clemente or 6 AM in Buena Park).
From Union Station in Los Angeles, you have two choices: you can ride the Purple line, the Expo line, and the 534 bus, or you can catch Big Blue Bus Rapid 10 directly to Santa Monica.
There are a variety of hotels within walking distance of the auditorium, but they tend to be expensive. More reasonably priced places are a little far to walk, but OK if you have a car. There are plenty of restaurants nearby in all price ranges.
Links
Coastal Committee Web Site
http://www.ca4c.org/
Coastal Commission Agenda
http://www.coastal.ca.gov/mtgcurr.html
Parking in Santa Monica
http://www.downtownsm.com/parking
Metrolink Rail
http://www.metrolinktrains.com/routes/
Metro
http://media.metro.net/riding_metro/maps/images/system_map.pdf
and
http://media.metro.net/riding_metro/maps/images/rail_map.pdf
Bus from LA to Santa Monica
http://www.bigbluebus.com/Routes-and-Schedules/PdfHandler.ashx/R10/little-blue-book.pdf?preview=20160221
Civic Auditorium
http://www.smgov.net/departments/ccs/civicauditorium/content.aspx?id=46225