LOS ANGELES — In search of new revenue, the state parks system is considering parking fees for parts of the Northern California shoreline where none existed or lifting rates at popular beaches south of Los Angeles during peak periods.
The idea is facing resistance from state coastal regulators concerned about eroding beach access and from environmentalists, who say it is akin to monetizing the coast. And with beach season just weeks away, the issue is heating up....
State Department of Parks and Recreation officials say they are under legislative orders to seek new sources of revenue and that a revamp of the parking payment structure is necessary to keep beaches open and to fund deferred maintenance.
Who stole all the money?
The agency is taking a hard look at ‘‘adjusting fees where appropriate and necessary and in places where fees may not have been historically collected,’’ said state parks director Anthony Jackson, a former Marine who was hired to turn around the department after a financial mismanagement scandal.
Oh, man, once again taxpayers have to pay for corruption!
Some local officials, state lawmakers, and coastal commissioners have questioned whether the money would be used for its intended purpose.
Who can blame them?
Earlier this year, a proposal to charge more during certain holidays at several Orange County and San Diego County beaches was yanked from the California Coastal Commission’s agenda as the two sides worked behind-the-scenes to hammer out a deal.
Even before state parks sought to squeeze more out of revenue-generating beaches, it looked northward, where excursions to the Pacific traditionally have been free. Save for a few lots that charge, the rugged Sonoma coast north of San Francisco has long been a spot where visitors pull over on the highway to dip in the ocean.
Why do our leaders think we are made of money when we have no more to give?
So when state parks wanted to install 15 self-pay machines that would collect $8 per vehicle, the Sonoma County zoning board shot it down at the behest of residents. The state protested and the county board of supervisors will hear the appeal next month.
‘‘We’re not Southern California,’’ said Cea Higgins, a volunteer coordinator with the Surfrider Foundation’s Sonoma coast chapter. ‘‘We’re used to having free parking.’’
Park officials contend they should be allowed to charge fees in sections along the Sonoma coast where there are restrooms, garbage cans, and picnic tables to maintain. A similar effort last year to charge for parking at some Mendocino County beaches was also met with local opposition....
Brian Ketterer, superintendent of the state parks’ Orange Coast District, said it doesn’t make business sense to offer an hourly rate during prime holidays. Families can still enjoy the beach during less busy times, he said.
Ea$y for him to $ay!
‘‘It’s a matter of ensuring that we’re sustainable in the future,’’ Ketterer said....
I'm $ick of $eeing the la$h of guilt in the word $u$tainable, thank you.
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Also see: Sunday Globe Special: Taking a Deep Breath
Seeing a pattern?
