The California Coastal Commission unanimously supported a Surfrider Foundation Ventura Chapter project to relocate a crumbling bike path from Ventura's coastline and rebuild the shore with cobble and sand. The Ventura Chapter was represented by Larry Manson, Julie Niceswanger, and Paul Jenkin at the Coastal Commission meeting in Huntington Beach on November 16th.

At around 7:30pm, the item came up on the agenda. But since the meeting was running so late, commission staff skipped their presentation, instead giving a brief salute to those who had spent the past decade working towards a solution to the erosion problem at Surfers Point in Ventura. Although the Ventura Chapter activists did not have a chance to deliver there carefully prepared comments, Peter Douglas, Executive Director of the Coastal Commission commended the project, calling it an excellent example of progressive coastal management.

The commission's approval of the coastal development permit clears the way for completion of the final design, and applications for grant funding to construct the project. The project cost is estimated at $4 million. The city has about $2 million for the project and has applied for federal and state grants to fill the gap.

This marks a major milestone in the Ventura Chapter's 15 year effort to solve the erosion problems at Surfers Point. Many thanks to the City of Ventura and all who have contributed their time and support to this effort over the years. This was a great day for Ventura!

See the Press Release and a history of this historic project.