Coordinating Coastline Activity

Considering Gov. George Deukmejian’s consistent and persistent hostility to the California Coastal Commission, it was not surprising that he vetoed a bill that would have empowered the commission to halt illegal bulldozing of roads and grading of development sites, and to fine those who ignored such stop-work orders. Regrettable, but not surprising.

The governor still has an opportunity, however, to approve legislation that might provide marginal improvement in administering state laws affecting the coastline and offshore regions, although it does not grant any new authority to any state agency. The measure is AB 2000 sponsored by Assemblyman Sam Farr (D-Carmel). Farr’s proposed California Ocean Resources Management Act of 1990 would establish an Ocean Resources Task Force representing the more than 20 state agencies that regulate, oversee, study, protect and lease the ocean resources--activities that also affect the coastal area upland of the high-tide line.

The idea is to make sure that each of the state departments knows what the others are doing and that they provide consistent state policy in management of the ocean resources. The taskforce also would try to work with the federal government to make certain federal agencies follow state laws where applicable. The task force would report to the governor and Legislature on Jan. 1, 1993, on ways to improve such management and coordination. The task force would serve as a clearinghouse for all the information and research being compiled by the state agencies.

While it may seem a simple matter, one arm of state government does not always know just what another branch is doing, even though both might deal with essentially the same subjects. The task force would provide the necessary coordination. The bill deserves the governor’s signature.

As for the pirate bulldozers, the Legislature should try again to construct a bill that is acceptable to the governor. Illegal grading and road construction has been a particular problem in the Santa Monica Mountains and along the Malibu coast. When the Coastal Commission learns of a violation, it must ask the state attorney general to persuade a judge to issue a temporary restraining order. This process often takes a week and, by then, the damage is done. The vetoed bill was sponsored by Sen. Ed Davis (R-Valencia).