Hello one and all stokereporters, whether you be a reporter, a reader, a local, a newbie, whoever you are:
The closure of the Great Highway south of ###### has led to the city declaring an emergency. It's more than just a traffic concern. The plans to replenish the road could have consequences for any and all Ocean Beach enthusiasts. There are rumors of inserting a concrete barrier around the construction site to block water, which will inevitably impact sand bars, which means wave quality. A forced shift in sand dispersion could not just impact waves, but also beach walks, dune protection for residents on the little Great Highway, you name it.
I just spoke with Lara Truppelli, the chair of the Ocean Beach Task Force, and she is calling a Town Hall meeting at the Park ###### at 7pm on Monday, January 25. Representatives from the city and from the restoration project will be present, and the OB Task Force will have an emergency meeting the following day to determine the course of action.
I don't want to be alarmist, but this project could have an impact on the waves that we surf and love. Amidst all the clatter of discussion about localism on this site, I think a great way to show that this is your surf spot is to engage in the democratic process to protect it, and to make sure that it stays a viable surf spot for one and all. We can anticipate that the SF Surfrider chapter, which has started a blog on the issue, as well as organizations like Save The Waves will be there, but why not show up yourself as well. I think it'd be a great way for the stokereport community, which is a growing and fun community, to show that we don't just ride waves, we protect waves.
Lara said she will be sending me more information and details about the meeting, but the time is a lock. Try and clear your calendars and show up to let the collective surfers' voice be heard. I will post more information here as I get it. Hoping to see and hear a lot of stokereports on Monday night at 7pm!
