CCC w8-s-2-2016

EDMUND G BROWN JR.
, G O VE RN O R
STATE OF CALIFORNIA NATURAL RESOU RCE S AGENCY
CALIFORNIA COASTAL COMMISSION

45 FREMONT, SUITE 2000
SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94105- 2219
VOICE (415) 904- 5200
FAX ( 415) 904- 5400
TDD (415) 597-5885
W 8 thru 10
ADDENDUM
January 29, 2016
TO:
California Coastal Commission and Interested Parties
RE:
Comments received as of 01/29/2016
A.
Media Coverage and News Editorials and/or Op-Ed
B.
List of Petitions
C.
Letters
A. NEWS ARTICLES
1. http://www.hastingstribune.com/staff-turmoil-shakes-powerful-california-coastalagency/article_f7e2ee88-bf6f-5567-9e91-1b8b0c1a1bb6.html
2. http://calcoastnews.com/2016/01/california-coastal-commission-director-under-fire/
3. http://capitolweekly.net/move-coastal-commission-director-lester-job/
4. http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2016/jan/20/staff-turmoil-shakes-powerful-californiacoastal-a/
5. http://www.contracostatimes.com/breaking-news/ci_29410096/coup-sought-at-californiacoastal-commission
6. http://www.montereycountyweekly.com/blogs/news_blog/coastal-commission-chief-on-the-hotseat/article_8c84b9d0-bfae-11e5-a8ec-abee58d1626f.html
7. http://www.dailyjournal.net/view/story/6211e11049f54ed8b0d4b5053100eea9/CA--CoastalCommission-Shakeup
8. http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/staff-turmoil-shakes-powerful-california-coastal-agency36409431
9. http://www.mercurynews.com/san-mateo-county-times/ci_29410095/coup-sought-at-californiacoastal-commission
10. http://www.latimes.com/local/california/la-me-essential-california-20160121-story.html
11. http://www.latimes.com/science/la-me-coastal-commission-20160121-story.html
12. http://www.latimes.com/local/california/la-me-0124-lopez-coastal-commission-20160124column.html
13. http://www.latimes.com/opinion/readersreact/la-le-0124-sunday-charles-lester-coastalcommission-20160124-story.html
14. https://democratichumboldtfirst.wordpress.com/2016/01/25/coastal-commissioner-lesterspublic-hearing-210/
15. http://www.times-standard.com/general-news/20160120/staff-turmoil-shakes-powerfulcalifornia-coastal-agency?source=most_viewed&template=printart
16. http://www.triplicate.com/News/Local-News/Staff-turmoil-shakes-Coastal-Commission
17. https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/staff-turmoil-shakes-powerful-california-coastalagency/2016/01/20/185cb6d4-bfcc-11e5-98c8-7fab78677d51_story.htm
18. http://www.ksby.com/story/31061859/top-environmentalists-oppose-shakeup-at-coastalcommission
19. http://www.scpr.org/news/2016/01/26/57055/top-environmentalists-oppose-shakeup-atcoastal-co/
20. http://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/2016/01/26/top-environmentalists-oppose-shakeup-atcalifornia-coastal-commission/
21. http://www.latimes.com/local/california/la-me-0127-lopez-coastal-part2-20160127-column.html
22. http://www.mercurynews.com/california/ci_29434508/top-environmentalists-oppose-shakeupat-coastal-commission
23. http://www.latimes.com/opinion/readersreact/la-le-0127-wednesday-coastal-commission20160127-story.html
24. http://www.malibutimes.com/news/article_ae839162-c541-11e5-ab1b-231ee69009a1.html
25. http://www.independent.com/news/2016/jan/28/seismic-shift-coastal-commission/
26. http://www.newtimesslo.com/commentary/13355/balancing-act/
27. http://www.ptreyeslight.com/article/coastal-commission-moves-fire-executive-director
28. http://www.nbcsandiego.com/news/local/Coastal-Commission-May-Oust-Executive-Director366004861.html
2|Page
29. http://www.sfgate.com/science/article/Battle-looming-for-control-of-California-Coastal6773021.php
30. http://ww2.kqed.org/news/2016/01/22/turmoil-at-coastal-commission-worries-environmentalists
31. http://www.sanluisobispo.com/news/business/article55626855.html
32. http://www.ocregister.com/articles/lester-700677-commission-coastal.html
33. http://www.smdailyjournal.com/articles/wnews/2016-01-21/staff-turmoil-shakes-powerfulcalifornia-coastal-commission/1776425157105.html
34. http://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/local/Coastal-Commission-May-Oust-Executive-Director366004861.html
35. http://www.times-standard.com/article/NJ/20160120/NEWS/160129983
36. http://www.scpr.org/programs/airtalk/2016/01/25/46046/how-a-coastal-commission-shakeupcould-change-the/
37. http://www.kcrw.com/news-culture/shows/press-play-with-madeleine-brand/state-of-the-statecoastal-commission-coup-oscarssowhite
38. http://yubanet.com/california/Op-Ed-Brigid-McCormack-The-California-Coastal-Commission-sintegrity-is-at-stake.php#.VqmaLselxfA
39. http://obrag.org/?p=103104
40. http://www.citywatchla.com/index.php/the-la-beat/10400-california-coastline-sold-to-thehighest-bidder#sthash.19Vzgvz9.dpuf
41. http://capitolweekly.net/coastal-commission-lester-dispute/
42. http://www.citywatchla.com/index.php/the-la-beat/10406-joy-picus-la-s-longest-servingcouncilmember-not-about-potholes-it-s-about-vision#sthash.4donK1YC.dpuf
43. http://www.latimes.com/local/california/la-me-0131-lopez-coastal-commish-20160131column.html
NEWS EDITORIALS AND/OR OP-ED

1. http://www.mercurynews.com/opinion/ci_29429871/mercury-news-editorial-california-govbrown-should-stop
2. http://www.latimes.com/opinion/op-ed/la-oe-blank-coastal-commission-uproar-20160126story.html
3. http://www.contracostatimes.com/news/ci_29430926/oakland-tribune-editorial-gov-jerrybrown-needs-jump
4. http://www.montereyherald.com/general-news/20160125/mercury-news-editorial-californiagov-brown-should-stop-coastal-commission-coup
5. http://yubanet.com/california/Op-Ed-Brigid-McCormack-The-California-Coastal-Commission-sintegrity-is-at-stake.php#.qmaLselxfA
6. http://www.kcet.org/news/redefine/revisit/commentary/coastal-commission-commentary.html
7. http://www.sacbee.com/opinion/op-ed/soapbox/article57107848.html
8. http://www.sacbee.com/opinion/editorials/article57316938.html#storylink=cpy
9. http://www.marinij.com/opinion/20160128/marin-voice-coastal-chief-should-not-fall-victim-topolitical-ouster
3|Page
B. PETITIONS
1.
Audubon
2.
Surfrider
3.
Change.org
4.
Change.org
5.
MoveOn.org
C. LETTERS
4|Page
MEDIA COVERAGE AND

EDITORIALS AND/OR
OP-ED PIECES
1. Houston tribune AP
Staff turmoil shakes powerful California coastal agency
LOS ANGELES (AP) The executive who heads the powerful agency that manages
development on California's fabled coastline could be ousted from his job.
The California Coastal Commission has been involved in issues in recent months from killer
whales at San Diego's SeaWorld to proposed housing developments and offshore fracking.
Chair Steve Kinsey notified executive director Charles Lester in a letter released Wednesday that
the panel will consider whether to fire him next month.
Lester has held the post since 2011.
http://www.hastingstribune.com/staff-turmoil-shakes-powerful-california-coastalagency/article_f7e2ee88-bf6f-5567-9e91-1b8b0c1a1bb6.html
California Coastal Commission director under fire
January 20, 2016
Amid a battle between environmentalists and pro-development commissioners, a move to oust

the California Coastal Commission executive director is under way.
On Jan. 14, Commission Chair Steve Kinsey informed Executive Director Charles Lester that the
12-member panel will consider whether to dismiss him at the commissions February 10-12
meeting. Specifically, the commission will talk about Listers employment status and if it is
necessary to appoint an interim executive director, according to a media release.
In response, Lester invoked his right to a public hearing rather than having the matter heard only
in closed session, according to Capitol Weekly.
In 1997, Lester joined the commission staff. He became executive director in 2012.
According to Capitol Weekly, support for ousting Lester, who is generally viewed as an
environmentalist, comes from a group of commissioners including several appointees of the
governor. Governor appointees include Erik Howell of Pismo Beach, Wendy Mitchell and Effie
Turnbull Sanders of Los Angeles, and Martha McClure of Crescent City.
The February commission meeting will be held at the Inn at Morro Bay.
5|Page
The Coastal Commission, in partnership with coastal cities and counties, plans and regulates the
use of land and water in the coastal zone. Those duties have led to many conflicts between
property owners and environmentalists.
http://calcoastnews.com/2016/01/california-coastal-commission-director-under-fire/
Coastal Commission executive director under fire
BY JOHN HOWARD AND ALEX MATTHEWS POSTED 01.19.2016

A move to oust the executive director of the California Coastal Commission is under way, an
effort that marks the most significant attempt against the commissions ranking administrator in
two decades.
Commission Chair Steve Kinsey wrote a letter to Executive Director Charles Lester, saying the
12-member panel will consider whether to dismiss you at the commissions February meeting.
Kinseys Jan. 14 letter, reviewed by Capitol Weekly, emerged Tuesday after days of intense
wrangling at the powerful agency.
A statement was posted Tuesday evening on the commissions web site for the Feb. 10-12
meeting, saying that two items regarding the executive director have been set for public hearing
and/or closed session (and) the employment status of the executive director and if necessary,
consideration of the appointment of an interim executive director
There appeared to be a division between environmentalists and conservationists on one hand,
who generally support Lester, and pro-development forces on the other.
Lester invoked his right to a public hearing at the February meeting before the commission goes
into an executive session to consider his dismissal, sources said. The commission staff was
briefed late Tuesday morning about the pending action.
State law provides all state employees with the option of a public hearing prior to an agencys
consideration of dismissal, commission spokesperson Noaki Schwartz wrote in an email.
There will be more information about the public hearing process in the coming weeks. Public
remarks by the director may be given at the hearing.
6|Page
Several people with knowledge of the commissions inner workings said the action reflected a
long-standing division between environmentalists and conservationists on one hand, who
generally support Lester, and pro-development forces on the other.
Support for removing Lester apparently comes from several commissioners, including several
appointees of the governor, according to a variety sources.
The executive staff of the commission and several commissioners were unavailable to comment
on the issue.
Environmentalists said the friction between environmental and development forces has been
constant.
Were up against a lot of developers with deep pockets, said Stefanie Sekich-Quinn, a Lester
supporter who monitors the Coastal Commission for the Surfrider Foundation.
A source familiar with development issues before the commission said unhappiness with Lester
stemmed more from management issues and project delays than ideology.
Lester, a member of the commissions staff since 1997, became executive director in 2011 to
succeed Peter Douglas, who had left because of illness. Douglas, the iconic leader of the
commissions staff for nearly three decades, died in 2012. Lester was a close associate of
Douglas.
The Coastal Commission is charged with protecting some 1,100 miles of Californias coast. It
frequently is involved in controversial, high-profile issues that pit the commission against
wealthy celebrities, major developers and property-rights activists.
Lester generally is viewed as an environmental ally, although he is not seen as aggressive an
advocate as Douglas, a former legislative staffer well versed in the Capitols political wars.
The gubernatorial appointees on the commission include Wendy Mitchell and Effie Turnbull
Sanders of Los Angeles, Erik Howell of Pismo Beach and Martha McClure of Crescent City.
If all 12 of the commissions voting members attend the February meeting, it would take seven
votes to oust Lester. If 11 members are present, his firing would require six votes.
That action, if taken, may occur in public or behind closed doors, but in any event, the
commissions vote would be announced publicly afterward.
The voting commissioners are appointed, four each, by the governor, the Assembly speaker and
the Senate Rules Committee. The commission also has four nonvoting members. The Coastal
Commissions roster is available here.
Douglas was the target of a failed ouster attempt in the mid-1990s engineered by former
Republican Gov. Pete Wilson, then-Speaker Curt Pringle, a Republican, and others. Douglas,
who argued that business and developer interests were trying to take over the boards staff,
7|Page
survived the coup after environmentalists and conservationists aggressively complained.
Eds Note: Clarifies that vote on dismissal can also occur in public, as well as in private, 13th
graf, and CORRECTS the year of Lesters appointment as executive director to 2011, not 2012,
in 18th graf.
http://capitolweekly.net/move-coastal-commission-director-lester-job/
Same old same old. Developers likely to immolate themselves and set back their efforts for years
with this lame stunt.
CAdiverd an hour ago
As a life-long Californian and avid ocean user, I appreciate the work Dr. Lester has overseen in
the Coastal Commission to uphold the CA Coastal Act- especially decisions to ensure our coastal
resources are protected and that the public has access to our coasts and ocean. Most Californians
cannot afford beach-front property, but many of us live here because we love the ocean! Firing
the director of the Commission because he is not development/business friendly enough for big
$$ would be a terrible action and not representative of Californians' interests. Our state agencies
and staff should be making informed, sustainable, and science-based decisions that benefit the
greater public and our precious natural resources, not penalized for upholding state laws and
values.
Barry Scott an hour ago
"It was such a good idea to build that development on the coast" said nobody, ever.
We need to retain commission members who truly serve the mission:
"...to protect, conserve, restore, and enhance environmental and human-based resources of the
California coast and ocean for environmentally sustainable and prudent use by current and
future generations."
Jenn 2 hours ago
This is outrageous. The firing of the Executive Director, spurred by pro-development
Commissioners, is an attack on coastal protection and public access to the coast in California.
The staff of the Commission has been incredibly effective in safeguarding our natural resources
in, and enjoyment of, the ocean by maintaining its independence from political motivations of
individual Commissioners. Removing Charles Lester is an obvious and offensive power grab and
makes me fearful for the future of our shoreline and marine ecosystems. We cannot allow this to
happen. If you care about the ocean, if you agree that it is the right of all Californians to access
and use the beach, if you believe that wetlands and dunes and kelp forests and tidepools and
rocky reefs should be protected for the benefit of current and future generations, then show up to
the Commission meeting on February 10th in Morro Bay and let the Commission know the move
to fire Dr. Lester is unacceptable. The implications of this decision are too important to ignore.
8|Page
CAdiverd Jenn an hour ago

I completely agree.
PhoenixLake 3 hours ago
Is this related to the most despicable company in the USA, Sea World Parks and Entertainment
recent dispute with CA Coastal Commission decision stopping their abusive and immoral Orca
breeding program? #Empty The Tanks #DoNotBuyATicket to Captivity. Watch "Blackfish" and
"The Cove" documentaries and help us abolish the Slavery of marine mammals. Thank You CA
Coastal Commission leadership for Protecting California from the insatiable greediness of
developers such as Sea World Parks and Entertainment. I sincerely hope for an end of captive
Orca shows in California.
https://www.thedodo.com/seawor...
Captain Nitpick 4 hours ago

The Coastal Commission has been able to engage in regulatory overreach for decades in part
because the victims of that overreach are, generally, wealthy developers who don't evoke any
public sympathy. But the CC staff has continued to push the limit and take more absurd
positions. Maybe they've finally pushed too far. Time for some accountability.
9|Page
JSM Captain Nitpick 2 hours ago

Exactly, except for the characterization of the victims of this bureaucratic monster. The victims
of the overreach are often nameless property owners along California's Coast. This is always
portrayed as "environmentalists" and "conservationists" vs. "deep pocketed developers" or
"wealthy celebrities", i.e. "good guys" vs. "bad guys". The reality is the CC permanent staff run
the show and actual commissioners rarely do anything but rubber stamp the staff
"recommendations" or they are likely to lose their appointment. The CC staff are a bunch of
activists themselves with the deepest pockets of them all, i.e. the State. The CC staff has no
problem litigating anything because the state AG office underwrites all the legal costs with no
accountability. They work hand in glove with organizations such as Surfrider toward their long
term goal of expropriating all property along the coast, bays and estuaries into State hands. How
would you like it if the State came and told you that you had to let your house slide down a cliff
so that surfers could ride some waves that may or may not be affected by a retaining wall? How
would you like it if the State ordered you to hand over 10-15 feet of your privately owned-sinceSpanish California-property for a public path? How would you like it if the State told you could
not replace a barn on your farm? How would you like it if the State ordered your city to spend
millions of dollars planting underwater weeds every time they need to repair even public
waterfront facilities? Should that State force Pepperdine University to spend hundreds of
thousands on lawyers just to ask to replace some lights on an existing intramural field, lights that
would be more efficient and better targeted at the field? Only then to have the staff refuse it due
to the breeding habits of rodents and insects? I agree, David Geffen, is a first class jerk, but that
is a very small part of what the Coastal Commission staff does. They have gone way, way
beyond their mandate from the original Prop 20 to stop the Sea Ranch development. They have
gone way, way beyond the 1976 Coastal Act. It is the CC staff that is accountable to no one and
is out of control.
By MICHAEL R. BLOOD - Associated Press - Wednesday, January 20, 2016
LOS ANGELES (AP) - The powerful California agency that manages development along the
states fabled coastline may oust its top executive soon, setting up a battlefront between
environmentalists and developers who frequently clash over projects large and small.
The potential shake-up at the California Coastal Commission raises questions about the direction
of an agency often caught in the friction between property owners and conservation along the
1,100-mile coast.
The commissions chairman, Steve Kinsey, notified Executive Director Charles Lester in a letter
released Wednesday that the panel will consider whether to fire him next month. Lester has held
the post since 2011, and no reason was given for the proposed dismissal.
10 | P a g e
Kinsey did not return a phone call or email seeking comment. However, environmental activists
suspect some commission members want to push out Lester to make way for management that
would be more welcoming to development.
Susan Jordan of the California Coastal Protection Network said Lesters ouster would leave the
agency in turmoil and intimidate its staff.
Its not just about the homeowner who wants to build on the bluff. We are talking about billiondollar projects, Jordan said.
The commission has been at the center of fierce battles over beach access in celebrity enclaves,
and its facing a lawsuit after banning SeaWorld from breeding captive killer whales at its San
Diego marine park.
The move to replace Lester comes in the midst of a long-running review of a proposed
development of nearly 1,400 homes, a resort and retail space known as Banning Ranch in the
Newport Beach area. Companies involved in the project include real estate firm Brooks Street,
Cherokee Investment Partners and Aera Energy, which is jointly owned by affiliates of Royal
Dutch Shell PLC and Exxon Mobil Corp.
The timing of this may be very relative to the Banning Ranch case, said Steve Ray, executive
director of the Banning Ranch Conservancy, which wants the 400-acre site to remain open space.
This is the last, large piece of unprotected open space left on the Southern California coast. This
is the last big battle, Ray said.
Lester, quoted in a media report last year, was skeptical of the project. Coastal Commission staff
had recommended denial of the plan and thought developers didnt work hard enough to identify
sensitive habitat.
This site is incredibly rich in biological resources, Lester told the Orange County Register in
October. Despite its history of oil development, it deserves a more sensitive and creative effort
to address the Coastal Act requirements than we have seen to date.
Commission spokeswoman Noaki Schwartz said in an email that Lester was not available for
comment. She said he has exercised his right to have a public hearing on his possible dismissal,
which will take place Feb. 10.
http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2016/jan/20/staff-turmoil-shakes-powerful-californiacoastal-a/
11 | P a g e
Coup' sought at California Coastal Commission?

By Aaron Kinney akinney@bayareanewsgroup.com
POSTED: 01/20/2016 02:43:56 PM PST
SACRAMENTO -- In a move that nervous environmentalists are describing as a power grab that
could undermine coastal protection, the California Coastal Commission next month will debate
whether to fire Executive Director Charles Lester.
The movement began Jan. 14 when Steve Kinsey, chairman of the commission, sent a letter to
Lester telling him the commission would discuss his termination in closed session during its
February meeting unless Lester exercised his right to demand a public hearing. The letter, first
reported by Capitol Weekly, also gave Lester the option to resign.
The executive director chose the public hearing, setting the stage for a fight Feb. 10-12 in Morro
Bay between commissioners in the pro- and anti-Lester camps. Environmental advocates paint
the conflict as a clash over the philosophical orientation of commission, established in 1972 to
protect California's prized coast from overdevelopment.
"Some of us do believe this is a coup to have a power grab over the staff," said Stefanie SekichQuinn, coastal preservation manager for the Surfrider Foundation. "This is about a bunch of
commissioners who are trying to weaken the commission's ability to implement the mandates of
the Coastal Act."
Check back for updates.
Contact Aaron Kinney at 650-348-4357. Follow him at Twitter.com/kinneytimes.
http://www.contracostatimes.com/breaking-news/ci_29410096/coup-sought-at-californiacoastal-commission
12 | P a g e
Coastal Commission chief on the hot seat.

David Schmalz
Former executive director Peter Douglas, whom Lester replaced in 2011 because of illness,
served in his position for nearly 30 years.
Coastal Commission Executive Director Charles Lester might get fired come February, but not
before the public can have its say.
A statement posted Jan. 19 on the commission's website indicated that a public hearing will be
held Feb. 10 for the possible ouster of Lester, who has served in his position since 2011.
The hearing will begin at 9am, during the commission's February meeting in Morro Bay.
According to an article in Capitol Weekly, multiple sources say the potential dismissal stems
from conflict between environmental and development interests on the commission.
Lester is typically seen as an environmental ally.
For Lester to get fired, more than half of the commissioners present must vote in favor it.
http://www.montereycountyweekly.com/blogs/news_blog/coastal-commission-chief-on-the-hotseat/article_8c84b9d0-bfae-11e5-a8ec-abee58d1626f.html
The powerful California Coastal Commission, which oversees development on the state's
fabled coastline, will consider ousting its top executive
By MICHAEL R. BLOOD Associated Press
January 20, 2016 - 1:57 pm EST
AAA
LOS ANGELES The powerful California agency that manages development along the
state's fabled coastline could oust its top executive, setting up a battlefront between
environmentalists and developers who clash over projects large and small.
13 | P a g e
California Coastal Commission Chair Steve Kinsey notified executive director Charles Lester in
a letter released Wednesday that the panel will consider whether to fire him next month. Lester
has held the post since 2011, and no reason was given for the proposed dismissal.
However, environmental activists suspect some commission members want to push out Lester to
make way for management that would be more welcoming to development.
Susan Jordan of the California Coastal Protection Network said Lester's ouster would leave the
The Commission, created by voters in 1972, in the early years of the national environmental
movement, has broad sway over issues in the state's coastal region. It's been involved in issues
from care and breeding of killer whales at San Diego's SeaWorld marine park to proposed
housing developments and beach access in celebrity enclaves.
"It's not just about the homeowner who wants to build on the bluff. We are talking about billiondollar projects," Jordan said.
comment.
http://www.dailyjournal.net/view/story/6211e11049f54ed8b0d4b5053100eea9/CA--CoastalCommission-Shakeup
Staff Turmoil Shakes Powerful California Coastal Agency

BY MICHAEL R. BLOOD, ASSOCIATED PRESS
LOS ANGELES Jan 20, 2016, 6:16 PM ET
The powerful California agency that manages development along the state's fabled coastline may
oust its top executive soon, setting up a battlefront between environmentalists and developers
who frequently clash over projects large and small.
1,100-mile coast large stretches of it prized for pristine beaches edged by jutting cliffs.
The commission's chairman, Steve Kinsey, notified Executive Director Charles Lester in a letter
14 | P a g e
and it's facing a lawsuit after banning SeaWorld from breeding captive killer whales at its San
Diego marine park.
"The timing of this may be very relative to the Banning Ranch case," said Steve Ray, executive
"This is the last, large piece of unprotected open space left on the Southern California coast. This
is the last big battle," Ray said.
had recommended denial of the plan and thought developers didn't work hard enough to identify
sensitive habitat.
"This site is incredibly rich in biological resources," Lester told the Orange County Register in
October. "Despite its history of oil development, it deserves a more sensitive and creative effort
to address the Coastal Act requirements than we have seen to date."
Former Commissioner Steve Blank, who was viewed as an environmental advocate and resigned
in 2013, said the move to oust Lester was not a surprise and developers have long sought greater
influence at the agency that regulates them.
With a change in top management "the end result will be the paving of the California coast,
because Charles Lester is the most reasonable guy you will ever get on the commission," he said.
"I don't understand why (Gov. Jerry Brown) wants this as his legacy."
Brown, a Democrat who appoints four of the commission's 12 voting members, declined to
comment on Lester's possible dismissal through a spokesman.
http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/staff-turmoil-shakes-powerful-california-coastal-agency36409431
15 | P a g e
'Coup' sought at California Coastal Commission?

By Aaron Kinney
akinney@bayareanewsgroup.com
California Coastal Commission Executive Director Charles Lester. (Undated photo, California
Coastal Commission)
SACRAMENTO -- In a move that nervous environmentalists paint as a power grab that could
undermine coastal protection, the California Coastal Commission next month will debate
whether to fire Executive Director Charles Lester.
The conflict is more about the philosophical orientation of the commission than about Lester's
performance, according to several sources familiar with the agency's deliberations. These sources
claim Lester's foes tend to be friendlier toward developers than their commission colleagues and
want to bend the agency's formidable staff to their will.
"Some of us do believe this is a coup," said Stefanie Sekich-Quinn, coastal preservation manager
for the Surfrider Foundation. "This is about a bunch of commissioners who are trying to weaken
the commission's ability to implement the mandates of the Coastal Act."
Established in 1972, the commission is charged with enforcing the Coastal Act, which protects
California's prized coast from overdevelopment. It is cherished by environmentalists and often
loathed by builders.
The campaign to remove the executive director began in earnest Jan. 14 when Steve Kinsey,
chairman of the commission, sent a letter to Lester telling him commissioners would discuss his
termination in closed session during their February meeting -- unless Lester exercised his right to
demand a public hearing. The letter, first reported by Capitol Weekly, also gave Lester the option
to resign.
The executive director chose the public hearing, setting the stage for a fight Feb. 10-12 in Morro
Bay between commissioners in the pro- and anti-Lester camps. Lester was appointed in 2011
after the retirement of Peter Douglas, an environmental legend who sometimes jousted with
hostile commissioners while running the agency for a quarter century.
Supporters say Lester has been a successful leader, winning new authority, for instance, to issue
fines to those who violate coastal laws. But commissioners who oppose Lester criticize his
management style and have called for more transparency in staff decisions.
16 | P a g e
The agency consists of a staff that analyzes myriad applications to develop or change the use of
coastal land and 12 voting members, four appointed by the governor and eight by the
Legislature.
The movement against Lester appears to come from a group of commissioners who share at least
one of two characteristics: They were appointed by Gov. Jerry Brown or former Gov. Arnold
Schwarzenegger or get poor marks from environmentalists who track the agency's votes.
A spokesman for Brown declined to comment. Lester and several members of the commission
also declined to comment.
Susan Jordan, director of the California Coastal Protection Network, said she's glad the decision
about Lester's future will be made in the light of day.
"The public needs to have a role," Jordan said. "What troubles me so much is that they tried to do
this behind closed doors."
Contact Aaron Kinney at 650-348-4357. Follow him at Twitter.com/kinneytimes.
http://www.mercurynews.com/san-mateo-county-times/ci_29410095/coup-sought-at-californiacoastal-commission
Essential California: Are changes coming to the Coastal Commission?
Alice WaltonContact Reporter
Environment vs. development
The California Coastal Commission is thinking about dismissing its executive director,
Charles Lester. The action is led by development-oriented commissioners, including Gov. Jerry
Browns four appointees. The commission regularly clashes with some of the states wealthiest
and most powerful interests a contest of wills that Lesters predecessor, Peter Douglas, often
won. Lesters performance is expected to be discussed at the Feb. 10 meeting in Morro Bay.
Los Angeles Times http://www.latimes.com/local/california/la-me-essential-california20160121-story.html
California Coastal Commission members to consider firing executive director
California Coastal Commission Executive Director Charles Lester, shown in 2014, asked for a
public hearing on his future. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)
17 | P a g e
Tony BarbozaContact Reporter

Members of the California Coastal Commission are moving to fire its executive director,
touching off a fierce debate over the commission's recent shift in favor of more development
along the state's 1,000-mile shore.
The decision to consider firing Charles Lester was made at the commission's December meeting
in Monterey, where the panel met in closed session for a "periodic performance review" of the
executive director.
Lester was notified in a Jan. 14 letter that the panel "will consider whether to dismiss you" and
gave him a choice of stepping aside and aiding in a transition or opting for a public hearing on
his future. He chose the hearing, which ensures that the development tug of war will become the
subject of public debate at a meeting scheduled for Feb. 10 in Morro Bay.
The move to oust Lester, a low-key but conservation-minded attorney who has headed the
agency since 2011, is being led by pro-development members of the panel, including Gov. Jerry
Brown's four appointees, said people familiar with the matter who requested anonymity because
they were not authorized to speak publicly.
Commission Chairman Steve Kinsey, a Marin County supervisor who has headed the panel for
three years, said in an interview that during the closed session, "a distinct majority of the
commissioners wanted to consider his employment."
"I wish we didn't have to do this," Kinsey said. "I think it's very awkward to have a public
hearing about someone's employment, but he exercised that option."
The 12-member commission wields broad authority over a zone that includes some of the most
valuable real estate in the country. The commission was established by voters in 1972 to protect
the coastline from overdevelopment and environmental harm and safeguard it for public access.
It today is regarded as the most powerful land-use agency in the nation and a model for other
states trying to preserve natural beauty.
Developers have long coveted the land regulated by the commission. It has grown in value in
part because it has been kept relatively pristine. The commission regularly clashes with some of
the state's wealthiest and most powerful interests a contest of wills that Lester's predecessor,
Peter Douglas, often won.
Douglas, an aggressive and hard-nosed environmentalist, spent more than 25 years running the
commission and advocating forcefully for its independence. Months before his death in 2012,
Douglas chose Lester from within the ranks of the agency as his successor, and the commission
appointed him unanimously in 2011.
Lester declined to comment about his possible dismissal. Commission spokeswoman Noaki
Schwartz wrote in an email that Lester "isn't giving any interviews but is expected to speak at the
hearing in Morro Bay."
18 | P a g e
Environmental groups say the attempt to oust Lester is an outgrowth of a long-brewing shift
among commissioners who have grown increasingly bold in asserting their control over agency
staff, sometimes negotiating with developers during public meetings and going against agency
recommendations to make concessions in favor of applicants.
Stefanie Sekich-Quinn, who tracks the commission as coastal preservation manager for the
Surfrider Foundation, called the move to fire Lester "a power grab in an attempt to undermine
the integrity of the coastal program, gain control over an independent staff and make the
commission more developer-friendly without any public accountability or transparency."
Fred Gaines, a Calabasas councilman and attorney who has represented developers and property
owners before the commission for 25 years, said the move by commissioners was not entirely
surprising to those who have long been dissatisfied with how the agency is managed. But he
disputed that it was indicative of the commission tilting in favor of developers.
"There's a large group of commissioners, environmentalists or not, that are frustrated that the
commission's operations are so slow and that the bureaucracy just never seems to get fixed,"
Gaines said.
A spokesman for Brown's office declined to comment. A spokeswoman for the state Natural
Resources Agency, under which the Coastal Commission operates, also would not comment on a
personnel matter.
Effie Turnbull-Sanders, a commissioner appointed in 2014 by Brown, said, "I was appointed to
the commission to represent all of California and that's what I'm trying to do to my best ability
and make sure that we are representing everyone equally and fairly."
Like other commissioners reached by The Times, she would not discuss the commission's action
on its executive director, citing the confidentiality of personnel matters.
The commission is a mix of local elected officials and appointees from up and down the coast.
Four are appointed by the governor, four by state Senate leaders and four by the state Assembly
speaker.
Mel Nutter, a Long Beach attorney and former chairman of the commission who has represented
environmentalists and developers in front of the panel, said the move to replace Lester was
reminiscent of a fight two decades ago over Douglas. The politically connected Douglas fought
back that attempt in 1996, aided by hundreds of environmentalists and other supporters who
came to his defense at a public hearing after Republicans on the commission, including thenGov. Pete Wilson's appointees, had moved to oust him.
"I'm troubled by the direction of the commission if a professional like Charles Lester is fired and
replaced by a political hack," Nutter said Wednesday.
Conservationists say they have been disturbed by decisions the panel has made in recent years in
favor of what they see as environmentally damaging projects. In December, the panel approved a
scaled-back version of U2 guitarist The Edge's proposal to build five homes on an undeveloped
19 | P a g e
ridge over Malibu. Four years earlier, the late director Douglas had called the project "one of the
three worst projects that I've seen in terms of environmental devastation."
Last October the panel approved a massive sand-replenishment project to protect multimillion
dollar homes on Malibu's Broad Beach, backing off provisions intended to protect public access
if the constructed dunes succumb to coastal erosion. In 2014 the commission OKd a massive
hotel and condominium resort on 40 acres of environmentally sensitive sand dunes on the fasteroding shoreline of Monterey Bay following a years-long legal fight with a developer.
In the future, the commission is expected to weigh in on other high-profile projects, among them
a proposal to build more than 1,000 new homes at Newport Banning Ranch on the largest
remaining piece of undeveloped land along the Orange County coast.
Former Commissioner Steve Blank, who resigned in 2013 with a speech warning that the panel
was in danger of being captured by the interests it regulates, said Wednesday that "for 40 years
we've managed to preserve the California coast so it doesn't look like the Jersey Shore."
Blank said that accomplishment is largely due to the commission's steadfast commitment to
carrying out the 1976 Coastal Act, which Gov. Brown signed into law during his first term.
So it's ironic that 40 years later, Brown's appointees could have a hand in undoing that legacy,
Blank said. "These are commissioners whose interests are not aligned with those of 40 million
people; they're aligned with very narrow interests of developers."
tony.barboza@latimes.com http://www.latimes.com/science/la-me-coastal-commission-20160121story.htmlhttp://www.latimes.com/science/la-me-coastal-commission-20160121-story.html
How dark forces are chipping away at our beloved California coast
Charles Lester, executive director of the California Coastal Commission, center in suit and tie, tours a project near
Newport Beach. News broke last week that some commissioners are angling to oust him from his position. (Allen J.
Schaben / Los Angeles Times)
Steve LopezContact Reporter

20 | P a g e
I fell in love before I was out of grade school.

Every summer, we loaded up the family sedan and my dad drove us from the East Bay town of
Pittsburg to Santa Cruz for vacation. The moment we began descending the mountain through
the redwoods, I'd crane for the first glimpse of open sea.
Then we'd be under the cliffs and on the beach, skin blue from the chill of the water, gulls arcing
through salt air and waves thundering. I didn't come from money, but the beach was ours, and for
a week we were rich.
I don't know where the last half-century disappeared to, but I'm still in love. So pardon me if I
take personally the political drama unfolding at the California Coastal Commission, where dark
forces may be chipping away at a 40-year tradition of protecting the coast from
overdevelopment.

News broke last week that some commissioners are angling to oust Executive Director Charles
Lester. No one there is offering an explanation, but rather than quietly take a cleaver in the back,
Lester on the job since 2011 opted to have a public hearing on his future next month.
So what gives?
Lester's defenders say he's a tough and fair defender of California's coast, even if he doesn't have
the political skills of his predecessor. That was legendary coastal protector Peter Douglas
who, by the way, was savvy enough to survive a 1996 ouster bid over his opposition to a 900unit development on environmentally sensitive land in Bolsa Chica, in northern Orange County.
One commissioner, who agreed to speak to me without attribution, insisted the issue is Lester's
job performance and nothing else. "He was a great No. 2," said the commissioner. "He just
wasn't the person for this job."
21 | P a g e
I'm not sure why it took five years to reach that conclusion, but this commissioner cited a lack of
vision, an inability to get the most out of staff and a disappointing lack of diversity in recent
hires.
That's one version of what got Lester into this pickle. It's not the only one. Or even the prevalent
one.
Yet another commissioner defended Lester's work and said he is being targeted because some
commissioners want to run the show and Lester is no pushover.
Environmentalists, meanwhile, are jumping out of their flip-flops, screaming that Lester has been
targeted because he won't roll over for commissioners inclined to do the bidding of energy and
development lobbyists.
And some of those critics say the posse is headed by commissioners appointed by Gov. Jerry
Brown, who signed the Coastal Act into law 40 years ago.
"We know they've been pushing in that direction for a while, and that's what this is all about:
taking over control of the commission and undermining its independence, and eventually turning
the coast over to the development and energy industries," said Sara Wan, a former coastal
commissioner and unapologetic enviro.
Steve Blank, another former coastal commissioner, said "the stars have aligned" in a way that
some of the state's most powerful lobbyists see an opportunity to muscle a majority of
commissioners.
He said that toward the end of his term two years ago, commissioners lobbied one another and
staff members with "talking points" handed to them by the hired guns representing developers.
Those who think the commission is becoming more inclined to represent developers point to
several examples.
Last March, coastal commission staff recommended against a residential development on
oceanfront property in Seal Beach, citing the ways in which it violated the Coastal Act, but
commissioners gave their approval.
In October, staff recommended that public access be guaranteed if a Malibu beach replenishment
project failed and wiped out an access point. The commissioners rejected that requirement.
Also in October, staff recommended against allowing a proposed Newport Beach subdivision
that would have more than 1,000 units, arguing that the project would harm an environmentally
sensitive habitat.
22 | P a g e
Among the commissioners who challenged the staff and the science were Brown appointees
Wendy Mitchell, Effie Turnbull-Sanders and Martha McClure, who called the site a "400-acre
mess." A decision on that project is pending.
Sierra Club files lawsuit to stop U2 guitarist the Edge's Malibu development
And then there's guitarist and keyboardist David Howell Evans' massive five-structure rock 'n'
roll compound with swimming pools on a virtually untouched Malibu hilltop.
When I first visited the property, it wasn't Evans a.k.a. the Edge from the band U2 who
met me, but a team of representatives including one of the most politically connected lobbying
firms in California.
Last December the commission approved a scaled-back version of the project, and a smiling
commissioner Mitchell posed for a picture with the rock star and his wife.
Mitchell, a consultant whose clients include PG&E and whose business before the
commission she recuses herself from posted the photo on her Facebook page and apologized
for how long it took the Edge's project to be approved.
Yeah, poor little rock star.
It took a while because the project was an obscenity, so much so that then-director Douglas
called the original Edge proposal "one of the three worst projects that I've seen in terms of
environmental devastation."
On Thursday, the Sierra Club filed a lawsuit in L.A. County Superior Court asking that the
commission be made to set aside its approval.
I know who I'm rooting for.
You'd think, given the allegation that Brown's appointees are leading a coup that favors
developers, that the governor might have something to say.
But he doesn't, apparently.
23 | P a g e
"This is a matter the coastal commission initiated without any involvement from our office," said
Brown spokesman Evan Westrup.
OK, but we're talking about one of the most important jobs in the state, at one of the most
powerful regulatory agencies in the entire country.
Does Brown have an opinion about whether Lester should stay or go?
"Nope," said Westrup.
Come on. We know he's aloof, and answers to his own drummer and all that.
See the most-read stories this hour >>
But as I said, I fell in love decades ago, and I'm still very protective of California's greatest
natural asset, and very particular about preserving access to it.
Rock stars are welcome to share the Pacific, but from the redwoods to the Tijuana Sloughs, the
coast is for all of us, even people from Pittsburg.
steve.lopez@latimes.com
http://www.latimes.com/local/california/la-me-0124-lopez-coastal-commission-20160124column.html
Losing California's precious coastline, one development at a time
California Coastal Commission Executive Director Charles Lester at the site of a proposed
development project near Newport Beach in 2014.
(Los Angeles Times)
To the editor: Firing Charles Lester as executive director of the California Coastal Commission
would be a huge blow to the environmental community and open the door for more rampant
development along the entire coastline. ("California Coastal Commission members to consider
firing executive director," Jan. 20)
24 | P a g e
Even under the conservation-minded Lester's watch, the Coastal Commission has laid down the
welcome mat to developers with greater frequency in recent years. A prime example is the
commission's approval of the destructive ridge-top development in Malibu by U2 guitarist the
Edge, which had been strongly opposed by a host of environmental groups.
The commitment to carry out the strong conservation protection mandates of the 1976 Coastal
Act has been weakened and somewhat buried under the crunch of bulldozers, razing sensitive
coastal lands that should have been protected and left undeveloped.
How dark forces are chipping away at our beloved California coast
Enough already.
Mary Ann Webster, Culver City
..
To the editor: I had the honor of being appointed to the California Coastal Commission by
Senate President Pro Tem David Roberti in 1991 and served until 1995. During that time there
were several attempts to remove Executive Director Peter Douglas. Fortunately, they failed.
I didn't always vote with the recommendations made by Douglas. However, I knew they were
fair, unbiased and were not unduly influenced by pro-development forces.
The public needs to know about the large amounts of money paid to lobbyists hired by
developers to wine and dine commissioners and staff in an attempt to influence them to
support their proposed projects. An independent executive director is absolutely essential to
continue to protect and provide public access for 1,100 miles of our beautiful California
coastline.
25 | P a g e

Linda Moulton-Patterson, Fountain Valley
..
To the editor: It is so disappointing that once again big business and development have bought
another public agency created to protect the public and our beautiful coastline. The foxes are
guarding the hen house.
I liked Gov. Jerry Brown last week. Since it became clear that his appointees to the California
Coastal Commission are undermining the goals of that body, I have changed my mind.
Submit a Letter to the Editor - Sandra Fazio, Huntington Beach
http://www.latimes.com/opinion/readersreact/la-le-0124-sunday-charles-lester-coastalcommission-20160124-story.html
Coastal Commissioner Lesters Public Hearing 2/10
The Coastal Commission has been critical to helping to protect Humboldts coastlines natural
heritage. We should be paying close attention then when developers begin a power play to gut
the Coastal Commissions mandate and fill its ranks with those who wish to develop the coast
reasonably.
Lets be clear, those that stand to lose will inevitably be all of us as we inevitably lose more of
our unique natural coastal heritage. Those that stand to win are those that can pay for a forceddismissal and continual pressure on this Commission.
This has been in the offing for a while and it brought to mind a warning that the Commission
was losing its ability to perform its mission to protect Californias coastlines that former
Commissioner Steve Blank gave as he resigned in 2013.
A year before that the Commission (and the public) had lost Peter Douglas someone who had
been with the organization for 34 years.
26 | P a g e
What is happening now? As the T-S headlined last Thursday, there is a power-play lead by the
commissions chairman Steve Kinsey to fire Executive Director Charles Lester. Kinsey
exercised his right to a public hearing and this will take place on Feb 10th.
From the T-S article, Susan Jordan of the California Coastal Protection Network said Lesters
ouster would leave the agency in turmoil and intimidate its staff. Ah, it always seems to come
down to that doesnt it? Development interests have learned that they not only have to head up
these public boards, but then they have to be able to intimidate staff to unlearn their fancy
planning, engineering and administration educational backgrounds and listen instead to the
people. And by people we of course mean those people who have enough wealth and
influence to populate the boards that have been so much trouble to them.
Resources:
From the 1/21/16 Times Standard, click link below for the article.
Staff turmoil shakes powerful California coastal agency (Times Standard, 1/21/16)
How dark forces are chipping away at our beloved California coast (LA Times, 1/23/16)
https://democratichumboldtfirst.wordpress.com/2016/01/25/coastal-commissioner-lesters-publichearing-210/
27 | P a g e

Environmental groups state pro-development interests behind move
By Will Houston, Eureka Times-Standard
Wednesday, January 20, 2016
The powerful California agency that manages development along the states fabled coastline may
soon oust its top executive, setting up a battle between environmentalists and developers who
frequently clash over projects large and small.
The potential shakeup at the California Coastal Commission raises questions about the direction
of an agency often caught between property owners and conservation along the 1,100-mile coast.
released Wednesday that the panel will consider whether to fire Lester next month.
Alternatively, the commission has offered you the opportunity to present a transition plan for
your replacement as executive director, Kinseys letter states.
comment and that he has exercised his right to have a public hearing on his possible dismissal,
Lester has held the post since 2011, and no reason was given for the proposed dismissal in the
letter.
Humboldt Baykeeper Director Jennifer Kalt described Kinseys action as an attack on the
Coastal Act and stated that the commissioners behind the proposed power change are those that
consistently vote to not uphold the Coastal Act.
They just want to see development at all costs, Kalt said. They dont want to see sensible,
sustainable development.
28 | P a g e
Diego marine park.
Attempts by the Times-Standard on Wednesday to reach the commissions North Coast
representative Martha McClure also a Del Norte County supervisor were not returned.
Having been a coastal county co-chair on the California State Association of Counties when
Lester was appointed in 2011, Humboldt County 3rd District Supervisor Mark Lovelace said the
association fully supported Lesters appointment after former executive director Peter Douglas
stepped down due to the lung cancer diagnosis preceding his death in 2012.
While Lovelace said he had yet to hear from the commissioners about their proposed power
change, he said there has been no obvious evidence that would possibly justify Lesters removal.
If there are specific accusations, I assume those would center around having provided
information that led to improper decisions, Lovelace said. I havent heard any, which leads me
to believe that this is more politics than substance.
For Lovelace, Lester has been very accessible to coastal communities, having held several joint
meetings with coastal counties and cities and helping to secure grant funding for local
jurisdictions to update their local coastal plans, including $90,000 for Humboldt County in 2014.
He has absolutely changed the tone and relationships in regards to local governments,
Lovelace said.
Kalt said Lester helped to spearhead the development of a guidance document on sea level rise
a topic of significance for the Humboldt Bay area.
They kind of had to adapt some of the laws put in place back then to meet that challenge, Kalt
said. I think its very forward thinking not stuck in 1972.
29 | P a g e
sensitive habitat.
Will Houston can be reached at 707-441-0504 or whouston@times-standard.com
http://www.times-standard.com/general-news/20160120/staff-turmoil-shakes-powerfulcalifornia-coastal-agency?source=most_viewed&template=printart
Staff turmoil shakes Coastal Commission
By The Associated Press January 25, 2016 08:38 am
LOS ANGELES The powerful California agency that manages development along the state's
fabled coastline may oust its top executive soon, setting up a battlefront between
Kinsey, a Marin County supervisor who has headed the panel for three years, told the Los
Angeles Times that during closed session discussion "a distinct majority of the commissioners
wanted to consider his employment."
Environmental activists suspect some commission members want to push out Lester to make
way for management that would be more welcoming to development.
Diego marine park.
30 | P a g e
sensitive habitat.
"I wish we didn't have to do this," Commission Chair Kinsey told the Los Angeles Times. "I
think it's very awkward to have a public hearing about someone's employment, but he exercised
that option."
Commissioner Martha McClure, a Del Norte County supervisor who represents the North Coast
on the Commission, did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Laura Jo Welter contributed to this story.
http://www.triplicate.com/News/Local-News/Staff-turmoil-shakes-Coastal-Commission
31 | P a g e
Business
This undated photo provided by the California Coastal Commission shows California Coastal
Commission Executive Director Charles Lester. The powerful California agency that manages
development along the states fabled coastline may oust Lester, its top executive soon, setting up
a battlefront between environmentalists and developers who frequently clash over projects large
and small. (California Coastal Commission via AP) (Associated Press)
By Michael R. Blood|AP January 20
LOS ANGELES The powerful California agency that manages development along the states
Diego marine park.
32 | P a g e
sensitive habitat.
With a change in top management the end result will be the paving of the California coast,
because Charles Lester is the most reasonable guy you will ever get on the commission, he said.
I dont understand why (Gov. Jerry Brown) wants this as his legacy.
Brown, a Democrat who appoints four of the commissions 12 voting members, declined to
comment on Lesters possible dismissal through a spokesman.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/staff-turmoil-shakes-powerful-california-coastalagency/2016/01/20/185cb6d4-bfcc-11e5-98c8-7fab78677d51_story.html
Top environmentalists oppose shakeup at Coastal Commission
LOS ANGELES (AP) - Dozens of environmental and advocacy groups are urging the powerful
California Coastal Commission to reject a proposal to oust its top executive.
The commission that manages development along the state's famed coastline has planned a
meeting next month to consider whether to fire Executive Director Charles Lester.
In a letter to commission Chair Steve Kinsey released Tuesday, more than 50 groups that include
Sierra Club California, the Surfrider Foundation and the California Coastal Protection Network
say they are deeply concerned by a "unjustified and misguided" attempt to remove Lester.
33 | P a g e
The groups warn that firing Lester would undermine the state's efforts to protect the coast for
future generations.
Copyright 2016 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published,
broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
http://www.ksby.com/story/31061859/top-environmentalists-oppose-shakeup-at-coastalcommission
Dozens of environmental and advocacy groups are urging the powerful
California Coastal Commission to reject a proposal to oust its top executive.
AP
In this file photo, visitors are few at Carbon Beach, the so-called "Billionaires' Beach," on the
first day of the opening of a new access route in Malibu, Calif., Tuesday, July 7, 2015. The
California Coastal Commission, which opened a third public path to Carbon Beach, has broad
sway over issues in the state's coastal region. The commission chair has notified the executive
director he could be fired, setting up a battlefront between environmentalists and
developers. NICK UT/AP
The commission that manages development along the state's famed coastline has planned a
say they are deeply concerned by a "unjustified and misguided" attempt to remove Lester.
34 | P a g e
The groups warn that firing Lester would undermine the state's efforts to protect the coast for
future generations.
http://www.scpr.org/news/2016/01/26/57055/top-environmentalists-oppose-shakeup-at-coastalco/
Top Environmentalists Oppose Shakeup At California Coastal Commission
January 26, 2016 7:49 PM
Filed Under: California Coastal Commission, Sierra Club
The coast of Half Moon Bay. (Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images

SAN FRANCISCO (CBS/AP) Dozens of environmental and advocacy groups are urging the
powerful California Coastal Commission to reject a proposal to oust its top executive.
The commission that manages development along the states famed coastline has planned a
say they are deeply concerned by a unjustified and misguided attempt to remove Lester.
The groups warn that firing Lester would undermine the states efforts to protect the coast for
future generations.
Copyright 2016 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be
published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
http://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/2016/01/26/top-environmentalists-oppose-shakeup-atcalifornia-coastal-commission/
35 | P a g e
Gov. Brown is mute as Coastal Commission Coup gains steam
(Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

Steve LopezContact Reporter
What will California's coast look like five, 20, and 50 years from now, and who will decide?
A few developers? A handful of lobbyists? Rock stars and moguls? Environmentalists? The
governor?
Will the boogie boarders, birders, snorkelers, sailors, surfers, old guys with metal detectors,
Christians who sing around fire pits, Muslim families who picnic, joggers, abalone divers, sun
worshippers and sand castle builders have a say?
We are now in Week 2 of the great California Coastal Commission Coup, in which a flotilla of
commissioners is angling to throw Executive Director Charles Lester overboard without a public
explanation as to why.
Rather than go quietly, Lester has requested a hearing, and the showdown is scheduled for Feb.
10.
Defenders of the imperiled coast are rallying to defend Lester, while Gov. Jerry Brown and state
legislative leaders who share the appointment of commissioners have been silent as sea
slugs.
36 | P a g e
Here are my questions: What exactly has Lester's record been, and why are Brown's appointees
out to get him?
Fifty environmental and social justice groups say that Lester's five-year record of interpreting
and enforcing the Coastal Act is a good one. That coalition made its feelings known Tuesday in a
sharply worded letter delivered to commission Chairman Steve Kinsey and state leaders.
"We are deeply concerned over the unjustified and misguided attempt currently under way to
oust Dr. Lester," said the letter from representatives of the Natural Resources Defense Council,
Heal the Bay and dozens of other groups.
The letter listed a number of accomplishments under Lester's reign and offered a different
version of reality than I got last week from a commissioner who spoke to me anonymously.
The commissioner denied allegations that a pro-development faction wants to shove Lester out
of the way and open the coast to more construction, saying the real reason is "a growing sense
that there are management issues."
Such as?
Per the commissioner: Slow response to commission requests, lack of leadership, lack of vision,
lack of diversity in hiring and lack of transparency.
While we're on the subject of "lack of," how about the lack of specificity in those claims, many
of which critics dismiss as hogwash?
To look at just one, diversity, an agency report notes that about 30% of the Coastal
Commission's staffers self-identify as minorities. Not perfect, but not bad.
There's lots of evidence, on the other hand, that pro-development forces are getting bolder about
throwing their weight around.
I noted several cases in my Sunday column in which commissioners have challenged or
dismissed staff recommendations against projects that would diminish the public's access to or
enjoyment of the coast.
The agency's database indicates that since Lester took his job in 2011, he and his staff's expert
opinion to deny coastal projects has often been pummeled by commissioners.
The trend is troubling. In 2006 alone commissioners denied 26 projects, whereas in the last four
years commissioners denied a total of 24 projects.
Lester's admirers don't characterize the cerebral wonk as perfect. Some wish he had more
political skill.
But an annual report Lester released Tuesday shows significant progress in his five-year strategic
plan.
37 | P a g e
The gang of 50 enviro groups' letter also blows away any suggestion that Lester's been sitting on
a beach sunning himself.
Among the accomplishments it cites:
New penalties for those who illegally deny beach access.
A massive blueprint for helping local communities plan for sea-level rise.
The updating of local coastal plans up and down the state.
Reduced process times for permits and appeals.
Creation of a database so the public can get information on projects in the works.
Treating beach access for low-income and minority residents as a civil rights issue.
"We've made tremendous progress under Dr. Lester," said lawyer Robert Garcia of the City
Project, which has fought for beach access in Malibu and other areas where private property
owners have used guards, bogus signs and parking restrictions to keep citizens off public
beaches. "The beach belongs to everybody. Not just the rich and famous and the mainstream
enviros."
Beach access is just one example of what's at stake here.
The Coastal Commission is in the business of deciding on proposals for residential properties,
hotels, energy production facilities and other coastal projects that together are worth billions of
dollars. And yet there's not a lot of transparency built into the process.
If you want to build a hotel, for example, you hire a lobbyist who in some cases is very chummy
with coastal commissioners. But those lobbyists aren't even classified as lobbyists.
They're "agents" under the law, and don't have to report how much they're being paid. Those
same lobbyist/agents are known to ante up at fundraisers for commissioners who run for local
office in their communities.
Serving as a commissioner, then, means you can belly up to what's been described as a
fundraising chuck wagon.
There are rules in place to prevent conflicts of interest when it comes to coastal commission
business, but the potential for abuse is one more reason to be wary of any attempt by any
commissioners to take greater control of the agency from staff.
"What you want to make sure of is that the agency is not captured, or produces analysis that is
slanted in one way or another. The only slant should be what's in the Coastal Act," said Susan
Jordan of the California Coastal Protection Network.
38 | P a g e
Jordan, involved in coastal protection for 20 years, said she advocates for her position just as
lobbyists advocate for theirs.
What the agency needs, and has in Lester, is someone who plays it straight, she said. "I've
watched, and I do believe he does an honorable and admirable job."
She wonders, as do I, if Brown who recently took bows in Europe for his environmental
leadership is even paying attention.
Hard to say.
I asked to talk to Brown again Tuesday, and I got the same brushoff his staff gave me last week.
Is it me, or are his once-charming quirks becoming more irksome?
Brown is the one who signed coastal protection into law in 1976, and yet his appointees are the
ones said to be leading the charge against Lester.
It'd be nice to know if he's behind the ouster, or at least what he thinks about it.
All that's at stake is the future of the world's greatest 1,100 miles of coastline.
steve.lopez@latimes.com
http://www.latimes.com/local/california/la-me-0127-lopez-coastal-part2-20160127-column.html
The Associated Press
LOS ANGELES (AP) Dozens of environmental and advocacy groups on Tuesday urged the
powerful California Coastal Commission to reject a proposal to oust its top executive, warning
that his removal could threaten protection on the state's famed coastline.
In a letter to commission Chair Steve Kinsey, more than 50 organizations said they were alarmed
by the "unjustified and misguided" attempt to remove Executive Director Charles Lester.
"Threats to our coast and ocean have never been more pressing," said the letter from such groups
as the Surfrider Foundation, the California Coastal Protection Network, Sierra Club California
and the Center for Biological Diversity.
"Firing the Coastal Commission's executive director would undermine our state's effectiveness
on coastal protection at a time when the need for such protection is at an all-time high," the letter
added.
The commission, which has 12 voting members, has scheduled a meeting next month to consider
whether to fire Lester. Environmental activists suspect some commission members want to push
out the agency's top staffer to make way for management that would be more welcoming to
development.
39 | P a g e
The commission, created by voters in 1972, has broad sway over issues in coastal areas that
include some of the most coveted real estate in the U.S.
Newport Beach area.
In December, the commission approved a five-home development in the mountains overlooking
Malibu that was proposed years ago by U2 guitarist The Edge, despite opposition from
environmentalists.
http://www.mercurynews.com/california/ci_29434508/top-environmentalists-oppose-shakeup-atcoastal-commission
Readers React
Why private property and public beaches don't mix
To the editor: The California Coastal Commission was created to protect our beautiful coastline
from overdevelopment. This very important goal was supported by Jerry Brown during his first
term as governor, or so we thought. I am shocked that our governor has apparently lost his way
and appointed pro-development commissioners. ("How dark forces are chipping away at our
beloved California coast," Jan. 23)
I am a native Californian and have been fascinated with many of our coastal areas, especially
Seal Beach. Who in his right mind would approve a residential development on the coast there,
especially after the Coastal Commission staff recommended against such action?
The views in Seal Beach are dramatic. Building near these beaches will bring in large
construction crews that could block public access.
I have no doubt that the developers will pledge to maintain the pristine environment, but builders
have a history of making and breaking promises where business is concerned. Recent history
also shows that when new developments come in, the residents want their privacy and seek to
close access to the public, something I have always considered exclusionary and illegal.
I hope columnist Steve Lopez continues to follow this proposed development.
40 | P a g e
Rose Rodriguez, Whittier

To the editor: Evidently, the lobbyists working for coastal developments have no regard for
scientists' predictions for the future of the California coast as we now know it.
Perhaps we should encourage them to waste their money to steal the public's beautiful coast,
since by 2050 their developments will be swept away by a rising sea. By then, possibly, the coast
will be redefined along with the structure of the California Coastal Commission and the selfish
energy and development interests.
Allen Bundy, Gardena
http://www.latimes.com/opinion/readersreact/la-le-0127-wednesday-coastal-commission20160127-story.html
41 | P a g e
Controversy Makes Waves in Coastal Commission

By Emily Sawicki / emily@malibutimes.com | Posted: Wednesday, January 27, 2016 3:15
pm
Email from Sara Wan to the environmentalists

I am cert ain you have
heard about the attempt to fire
Charles Lester, ED of the CCC.
That will be on the February
Agenda, I think on the 9th.
This is a frontal attack
on the independence of the
Commission and the coast .
Here are some suggestions as
to how you can help
l . Get a message out early
to every press contact you have.
Charles is the symbol, not the
issue. This is really about the
Governor attempting to undermine the Commission's independence and turn it over to
the energy and development
interests. These are the same
excuses that were used when
they tried to fire Peter Douglas.
There is nothing wrong with
Charles' management style ( he
received a good job review in
December) and there certainly is
no problem with diversity at the
Commission.
2. If you have contacts in
Sacramento ask them to pressure the Speaker and Pro Tem
to support him . Contact your
local Assemblyperson and/ or
&nator
3. Most important, people in every district of every
elected Coastal Commissioner
particularly McClure, Howell,
Uranga, Kinsey and Cox need

to be contacted by their voting
constituents to let them know
that they will pay the price next
time they are up for election if
they support the firing. That
was one of the most important
things we did last time. Even
some of the Republicans who
initially supported Peter's firing
backed off because they were
afraid of the repercussions in
their own districts.
Get everyone you know to
call, write letters, etc. to any
Commissioners who are in your
home district.
4 . Send in letters to the
editor. It is important to make
th is a major issue. L1 other
words, create a backlash against
his firing
5. Obvious: get as many
people t o the hearing as possible
6. lf you are with a group,
get them to do online petitions
We need to approach th is
as we did with Peter. This is
war and it is no holds barred.
If you care about the coast you
need to join in this battle
Any questions please contact me ASAP. We don't have a
lot of time. We need to be out
in front of this with the press.
Sara Wan
Sara Wan Letter
42 | P a g e
Controversy swirled around the California Coastal Commission (CCC) this week as the February
meeting agenda was released, revealing a move by commissioners to oust Executive Director
Charles Lester, who has led CCC staff since 2011.
Should Lesters firing receive the requisite votes at the February meeting, which will be held in
Morro Bay, Calif., from Feb. 10-12, an interim executive director will be likely appointed at that
time if not a new permanent executive director. Seven votes will be needed if all 12
commissioners attend the meeting, or six if 11 commissioners are in attendance.
Pursuant to Government Code 11126(a), after the conclusion of the public hearing, the
Commission may deliberate regarding this item in closed session, reads the February agenda,
published Jan. 22. If the Commission takes any action during closed session to dismiss the
Executive Director, the roll call vote will be reported publicly when the Commission reconvenes
in open session. Lester has evidently invoked his right to a public hearing over his employment
status, which would appear to mean he and his supporters intend to make a stand in defense of
the executive director.
Emails obtained by The Malibu Times show members of Californias environmental community
rallying support for Lester, who is considered a steadfast advocate for environmentalism against
the encroachment of coastal development. To others, this is a power struggle between outside
interest groups and the commission itself.
It is very important we get hundreds of people to show up [to the meeting], and not everyone
can afford to make the trip so a bus will really help, wrote Una Glass, Vice Mayor of
Sebastopol, Calif., and executive director of Coastwalk California, in an email.
According to knowledgeable sources, it is likely that Lesters ouster would not appear on the
February agenda if Commissioners did not feel confident that they had the minimum votes to fire
the executive director. As for which Commissioners are involved in the attempted ouster, fingers
are pointing in all directions.
A voting chart also obtained by The Malibu Times and prepared by a branch of the Surfrider
Foundation, together with WILDCOAST and Environment California, shows 2015 voting
broken down into anti-conservation and pro-conservation ballots cast.
43 | P a g e
Edits to the chart were made by an unknown person pointing to five commissioners who
allegedly wish to oust Lester four of whom were appointed by Governor Jerry Brown. These
are: Commissioners Erik Howell, Mark Vargas, Effie Turnbull-Sanders, Wendy Mitchell and
Martha McClure, each of whom have cast fewer than 50 percent pro-conservation votes in
2015, according to Surfrider.
Sara Wan, a local conservationist and former Coastal Commissioner, sent an email that was
obtained by The Malibu Times, suggesting the deeper issue is that of Brown attempting to
undermine the Commissions independence and turn[ing] it over to the energy and development
interests.
Wan also included a threat to those whom she pegged as leading the charge against Lester
(Commissioners McClure and Howell, but also Gregory Cox, Roberto Uranga and Chair Steve
Kinsey); namely, that they will pay the price next time they are up for election if they support
the firing.
On the heels of the publishing of the February agenda, powerful environmental advocacy group
the Sierra Club filed a lawsuit against the Commission, alleging wrongdoing over the approval of
the controversial Edge project the construction of five homes on a blufftop in Malibu by U2
rocker David The Edge Evans and his business associates.
The Sweetwater Mesa project was approved by the commission in a unanimous vote in
December 2015, against the wishes of environmental groups such as the Sierra Club.
The suit was filed in L.A. County Superior Court on Thursday, Jan. 21.
http://www.malibutimes.com/news/article_ae839162-c541-11e5-ab1b-231ee69009a1.html
44 | P a g e
Seismic Shift at the Coastal Commission

By Keith Hamm Thursday, January 28, 2016
Paul Wellman (file) Charles Lester

A behind-closed-doors effort to fire the executive director of the California Coastal Commission
recently erupted into the spotlight as Charles Lester, whos headed up the state agency since
2011, opted to bring the debate to a public meeting next month. Lesters job performance is
reportedly at issue, but according to former commissioners and environmental watchdogs, the
proposed ousting goes all the way to Governor Jerry Browns office. Developers have always
tried to gain influence over the commission and its staff, said Susan Jordan, executive director
of Santa Barbarabased California Coastal Protection Network and wife of former commissioner
Pedro Nava. Its been a constant battle since the Coastal Commission was created [40 years
ago], and this latest flare-up is being led by Browns appointees, all four of whomErik Howell,
Effie Turnbull Sanders, Wendy Mitchell, and Martha McClurescore poorly in terms of
conservation-minded voting, according to the ActCoastal accountability project.
Of all people, the governor has appointed some of the most toxic commissioners, added former
commissioner Steve Blank. Gov. Brown has yet to comment on the issue. Sitting commissioners
have also declined to provide details. Commission Chair Steve Kinsey did not return calls for
comment. Lester is not taking interviews but is expected to speak at the upcoming meeting.
The Coastal Commission seemed politically charged all along, said Dan Secord, a former
commissioner and Santa Barbara city councilmember. But its irregular and burdensome to
have political differences fought out this way. They shouldnt try to remove Lester just because
he might have pissed off some developers.
The public meeting is set for 10 a.m. on February 10 in Morro Bay.
http://www.independent.com/news/2016/jan/28/seismic-shift-coastal-commission/
Commentary
The following article was posted on January 27th, 2016, in the New Times - Volume 30, Issue 27
Balancing act
Attack on Coastal Commission elevates developers over the rest of us
By STEVEN T. JONES
45 | P a g e
Like most Californians I cherish our long, beautiful coastline. Whether were riding waves or
roads, walking beaches or bluffs, or watching the sun set into the sea from inland or right on the
continents edge, the coastal realm connects us to each other and to the place we call home. It
belongs to us all.
Yet Californias coastline is a coveted and contested spacenow more than ever. Powerful
development interests are vying to control the agency charged with protecting our coastal zone
by trying to fire California Coastal Commission Executive Director Dr. Charles Lester and scare
his staff into submission. Its a power play that seeks to hasten coastal overdevelopment.
The attempted ouster is being strongly contested by many who believe that coastal development
needs to be kept in check. And San Luis Obispo County residents will have a front row seat for
this fight when it plays out Feb. 10 during the Coastal Commissions meeting in Morro Bay.
The public enjoys legal rights to access all 840 miles of Californias coastline, but those who
own or develop increasingly valuable coastal properties are constantly trying to maximize that
value. They want to build walls or taller structures, extract resources, or contest the balancing act
we do between our natural and built environments.
Since the 1970s, the Coastal Commission has been the arbiter of that coastal development
balancing actthe final check on those with the power and money to manipulate our political
system. While money and power can sway support for just about any development project, the
Coastal Commission defies those opportunistic whims to enforce long-term planning policies
and goals. The result is often a better deal for the general public than originally proposed.
I was born in San Luis Obispo, went to college at Cal Poly, and I worked as a staff writer at New
Times in the late 90s as part of my 24-year newspaper career in California, including papers in
Monterey and San Francisco. Now I do media work for the oceans program at the Center for
Biological Diversity. So Ive closely covered coastal development issues and watched how the
Coastal Commission stops bad projects and makes marginal ones better, over and over again.
Pismo Beachs BeachWalk Hotel saga is a good example. As New Times reported (BeachWalk
is back, Nov. 11), the controversial 128-room hotel was embattled by litigation and appealed to
the Coastal Commission. The commission staff recommended several new conditions for the
project, including increasing low-income accommodations, and that leverage was enough for the
two sides to reach a settlement, drop the suit, and let a project with better community benefits
move forward.
It wasnt a radical action, and the commission certainly isnt a radical body. It includes
representation from each coastal region, and the 12-member body is evenly divided between
commissioners who tend to side with conservationists and those who tend to side with
developers. The latter group, which includes all four of the governors appointees, is leading the
charge to oust Lester. His balanced, deliberative approach is the opposite of the rubber stamp
that developers want. But the commission approves 99 percent of coastal development
projectsit just makes them better for the environment and general public.
Yet that kind of balanced approach isnt what you want if youre a large-scale developer with big
profits at stake, the rock-star owner of coastal mega-mansion, the proponent of a massive
46 | P a g e
desalination plant or coastal oil pipeline, or tech billionaires who want to block public beach
access or change the contours of our coastal parks in violation of the Coastal Act. Those people
want certainty, fealty, reliable commission votes, and a commission staff that wont ask tough
questions or point out policy violations.
U2 guitarist The Edge still got the commission vote he wanted for his over-the-top Malibu
mansion, despite protests from environmental groups including the Sierra Club, which last week
filed a lawsuit to overturn the commissions approval. But the powerful would simply rather
have a commission staff that wasnt inclined to introduce challenging issues or policy violations
into the public record.
Some reports question the timing of this action and whether its connected to the Banning Ranch
project in Newport Beach. An ownership group that includes Shell and Exxon Mobil wants to
build a resort complex and nearly 1,400 homes on the last large piece of unprotected open space
in the coastal zone. Commission staff has said the project violates numerous provisions of the
Coastal Act, and the commission told these powerful interests to go back to the drawing board
and come back with a better proposal.
This site is incredibly rich in biological resources, Lester told the Orange County Register.
Despite its history of oil development, it deserves a more sensitive and creative effort to address
the Coastal Act requirements than weve seen to date.
That isnt some radical statement of bias, as these desperate developers contend, but a simple
statement of factand encouragement to improve the projectby the agency charged with
enforcing this landmark 40-year-old law. And thats what this is really about. Do we want to
maintain an independent commission with the mandate to protect Californias coastline for all
the people? Or do we want to let the rich and powerful define how, where, and when we visit our
beloved beaches and bluffsand the state of the wildlife we experience there?
Come join me in Morro Bay on Feb. 10, and we can offer answers together. The commission has
helped maintain the pristine beauty of coastal California, a legacy we all enjoy, and now it needs
our help protect the last remaining open spaces from developer greed.
Steven T. Jones is a former New Times staff writer who now works for the Center for Biological
Diversity. You can reach him at sjones@biologicaldiversity.org.
http://www.newtimesslo.com/commentary/13355/balancing-act/
By Samantha Kimmey
01/28/2016
California Coastal Commissioners will vote next month on whether to fire their executive
director, Charles Lester, leading some to speculate that pro-development forces are seeking a
friendlier leader.
47 | P a g e
West Marin Supervisor Steve Kinsey, the chair of the commission, wrote in a Jan. 14 letter that
Mr. Lester had the option of presenting a transition plan to replace himself. Instead Mr. Lester,
who succeeded longtime executive director and noted firebrand Peter Douglas, elected to invoke
his right to a public hearing. It is scheduled for Feb. 10 in Morro Bay.
Mr. Kinsey said there is not much he can reveal on the personnel matter, but did say that Mr.
Lester had an annual performance review in December. He disputed claims that the move is
motivated by development issues.
There is understandable fear that this is being driven by developers wanting to undermine the
Coastal Act, but the reality is more complicated, Mr. Kinsey said.
The commission regulates 1,100 miles of coastlineincluding over 80,000 acres in West
Marinmuch of which is prime real estate. Some environmentalists have pointed to projects
recently approved in Southern California, such as U2 guitarist The Edges five-home complex on
an undeveloped Malibu ridge, as reasons to worry about the commissions leanings. (The Sierra
Club filed a lawsuit in Los Angeles County over the commissions ruling on the project this
week.)
I think over the last 15 years, the coastal commission has been slowlyand I think all the
advocacy groups can verify itslowly moving to conservative pro-growth position, said Scott
Tye, a Stinson Beach resident and head of the Marin chapter of the Surfrider Foundation, an
environmentally focused nonprofit.
Mr. Tye pointed to a unanimous decision in August to approve a new guidance on sea-level rise,
which some realtor groups believed was too restrictive. He wondered if it has inspired
blowback.
I dont understand how [commissioners] got from supporting a very strong and important
[guidance] in August, which they all voted for, to today, when theyre not wanting to support the
executive director, Mr. Tye said.
The guidance outlined current science on sea-level rise and advised commissioners on how that
should be addressed in Local Coastal Programs and coastal permits, including how and when
revetmentsstructures built on coastlines to prevent erosionshould be allowed.
Bridger Mitchell, the board president of the Environmental Action Committee of West Marin,
called the potential firing a frightening prospect for future protections of Californias coastal
areas. Dr. Lester is a staunch defender of the 1976 California Coastal Act, our rights as
Californians to the open public access to the coast, and the protection of our irreplaceable
coastline.
48 | P a g e
He said the E.A.C. is working with other groups to hire a bus to take people to the hearing,
which people will be able to sign up for online.
A former coastal commissioner from Silicon Valley who served from 2007 to 2013, Steve Blank,
has also publicly criticized the move against Mr. Lester, writing Tuesday in the Los Angeles
Times, Some commissioners are apparently willing to gut their own agency, violate the public
trust and deliver a more compliant executive director who will make it easier to build large
projects on the coast with less oversight.
The potential firing comes at a time when Marin is still in a nearly decade-long process of
updating its Local Coastal Program, which will include new rules on development and
agriculture in West Marin.
That process began at the county level in 2008, and the Board of Supervisors approved an update
in 2013. But coastal commission staff subsequently made over 600 changes, ranging from minor
tweaks in language to much more substantial shifts in agricultural policies and regulations
around development in hazardous areas.
The commission approved part of the L.C.P. in 2014. But when it went back to the county for
final approval, the county decided to rescind its application, as some substantive disputes
remained. Some of the biggest issues revolved around how to regulate development in hazardous
areas, like bluffs, with commission staffers preferring stricter rules.
The county resubmitted a part of the L.C.P. last fall, but it is now waiting to complete its sealevel rise analysis program, called C-SMART, before submitting the remaining sections on
coastal hazards. The commission is expected to revisit the update this fall.
Since the news about Mr. Lesters possible ouster became public, some have suggested that he is
a weak leader and manager. A Los Angeles Times columnist wrote this week that he spoke to
one commissioner, who remained anonymous, critical of Mr. Lester.
[T]his commissioner cited a lack of vision, an inability to get the most out of staff and a
disappointing lack of diversity in recent hires, wrote columnist Steve Lopez.
Mr. Douglas, too, who was praised by environmentalists for his zealous efforts to protect the
coast from development, faced an attempted ouster in 1996. New appointees had led to a
Republican majority on the commission, and a plan was in the works to replace Mr. Douglas
with someone from Republican Gov. Pete Wilsons administration, according to a San Francisco
Chronicle article from the time.
(Four commissioners are appointed by the governor, four by the speaker of the state assembly
and four by the Senate Rules Committee.)
49 | P a g e
But Mr. Douglas rallied hundreds of supporters to a boisterous commission hearing, and he
ultimately remained at his post until he retired during his battle with lung cancer, in 2011.
That year Mr. Lester, a former political science professor who had been the commissions deputy
director since 2006 and had worked at the commission since 1997, took the post.
http://www.ptreyeslight.com/article/coastal-commission-moves-fire-executive-director
Coastal Commission May Oust Executive Director
By MICHAEL R. BLOOD
California Coastal Commission via AP

Commission Executive Director Charles Lester.
1,100-mile coast -- large stretches of it prized for pristine beaches edged by jutting cliffs.
50 | P a g e
Diego marine park.
sensitive habitat.
Published at 7:06 PM PST on Jan 20, 2016
http://www.nbcsandiego.com/news/local/Coastal-Commission-May-Oust-Executive-Director366004861.html#ixzz3yaPF8XPP
Major battle over control of California Coastal Commission
51 | P a g e
By Peter Fimrite
Updated 6:15 pm, Wednesday, January 20, 2016
The coastline at Newport Beach in June 2015. The Coastal Commission, which has a major say
over coastal development, is considering firing its executive director.
The coastline at Newport Beach in June 2015. The Coastal Commission, which has a major say
over coastal development, is considering firing its executive director.
Major battle over control of California Coastal Commission
An all-out push to fire the executive director of Californias most powerful coastal protection
agency was revealed Wednesday, infuriating environmental groups and other coastal advocates
who fear a power grab by a cabal of government appointees backed by developers.
The California Coastal Commission said it will hold a public hearing Feb. 10 to consider the
possible dismissal of Charles Lester, executive director of one of the most powerful
conservation and land-use agencies in the nation.
Lester, who has held the job since 2011, was told about the 12-member commissions intentions
in a letter last Thursday from the commissions chairman, Steve Kinsey. In response, Lester
requested the public hearing, officials said.
It was the first outward sign of a serious political rift within the agency, which regulates
development, housing and other projects along 1,100 miles of coastline from San Diego to the
Oregon border. At stake, according to Lesters defenders, is control over an agency that upholds
the California Coastal Act of 1976, which regulates development and protects coastal resources,
habitat and wildlife.
No reason was given for the proposed ouster, which is purportedly being led by commission
member Wendy Mitchell, who was appointed by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger. Mitchell said
she could not talk about a personnel matter, and Lester was unavailable for comment.
Management style
Insiders say there have been questions about Lesters management style, including complaints
that he has been unresponsive to commissioners. Some critics have also said the Coastal
Commission staff, which Lester oversees, lacks diversity.
Coastal advocates who have worked for years with the commission and count Lester as an ally
discounted those allegations.
We are absolutely befuddled on why this would happen, especially given that under Charles
Lesters leadership there have been some pretty great accomplishments, said Stefanie SekichQuinn, coastal preservation manager for the Surfrider Foundation.
52 | P a g e
One of Lesters successes, she said, was the agencys recent release of its Sea Level Rise
Guidance Document, a framework for adapting to global-warming changes that took 2 years to
complete and was highly praised by commissioners. Gov. Jerry Brown also augmented the
Coastal Commissions budget by $3 million this year, which could allow the agency to
permanently hire 25 staff members, now on temporary status, who are working on issues
involving rising sea levels.
We feel this is a power grab to ultimately control an independent staff, Sekich-Quinn said.
This is not really about the executive director. This is a micromanagement attempt.
Seeking power
The commission has 12 voting members appointed by the governor, the state Senate Rules
Committee and the Assembly speaker. The fact that different agencies appoint the
commissioners means no single person, not even the governor, has control over its activities.
As a result, the executive director has long been a target of political operatives trying to exercise
more control over the agency. Many pro-development critics say the commission has been too
strict, capricious and dismissive of property rights.
Lester, a former political science professor, was the handpicked replacement for Peter Douglas,
who held the position for 26 years until his retirement in August 2011. Douglas, who died of
lung cancer in 2012, co-wrote the legislation that created the California Coastal Commission in
1972. He also helped to draft the California Coastal Act.
Douglas, a tough, politically savvy operator, fought hard to protect the coastline and rein in
development, leading to major battles against offshore oil and gas leasing, housing developments
and efforts to cut off beach access.
He was so effective in halting coastal development in the 1990s that then-Gov. Pete Wilson tried
to oust him, prompting a public outcry that saved Douglas job.
Like deja vu
Sara Wan, a former commissioner who now runs a conservancy group, said this latest attempt to
fire the executive director is happening for the same reason developers want more influence
over the coastal agency.
Its kind of like deja vu, Wan said. The real issue here is the independence of the commission
and the ability to turn the coast over to energy and development interests. Thats what this is all
about.
One source of friction as the drought took hold were regulations making it harder, and more
expensive, to build desalination plants along the coast. So far only the $1 billion Carlsbad
53 | P a g e
Desalination Project, which will convert as much as 56 million gallons of seawater each day into
drinking water for San Diego County, has been approved.
Management style, not being responsive to the commissioners these are the things that were
brought up before when the governor wanted to oust Douglas, Wan said. Its pretty clear to me
that Charles, just like Peter, is not the issue.
Peter Fimrite is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. E-mail: pfimrite@sfchronicle.com
Twitter: @pfimrite
The California Report
Turmoil at Coastal Commission Worries Environmentalists
By Michael R. Blood
Associated Press January 22, 2016
1,100-mile coast.
Diego marine park.
54 | P a g e
Despite Banning Ranchs history of oil development, Coastal Commission director Charles
Lester says its incredibly rich in biological resources. (ltenney1225/Flickr)
sensitive habitat.
Former commissioner Steve Blank, who was viewed as an environmental advocate and resigned
in 2013, said the move to oust Lester was not a surprise and that developers have long sought
greater influence at the agency that regulates them.
55 | P a g e
Commission Executive Director Charles Lester. The powerful California agency that manages
development along the state's fabled coastline may oust Lester, its top executive soon, setting up
a battlefront between environmentalists and developers who frequently clash over projects large
and small. California Coastal Commission via AP
i
By MICHAEL R. BLOOD Associated Press
LOS ANGELES
Diego marine park.
56 | P a g e
sensitive habitat.
http://www.sanluisobispo.com/news/business/article55626855.html#storylink=cpy
57 | P a g e
Staff turmoil shakes state's powerful Coastal Commission

By MICHAEL R. BLOOD
2016-01-20 15:35:57
fabled coastline could oust its top executive, setting up a battlefront between environmentalists
and developers who clash over projects large and small.
California Coastal Commission Chair Steve Kinsey notified executive director Charles Lester in
a letter released Wednesday that the panel will consider whether to fire him next month. Lester
has held the post since 2011, and no reason was given for the proposed dismissal.
However, environmental activists suspect some commission members want to push out Lester to
make way for management that would be more welcoming to development.
The Commission, created by voters in 1972, in the early years of the national environmental
movement, has broad sway over issues in the states coastal region. Its been involved in issues
such as caring for and breeding killer whales at San Diegos SeaWorld marine park, approving
proposed housing developments and managing beach access in celebrity enclaves.
comment.
http://www.ocregister.com/articles/lester-700677-commission-coastal.html
Staff turmoil shakes powerful California Coastal Commission
January 21, 2016, 05:00 AM By Michael R. Blood The
58 | P a g e
Diego marine park.
sensitive habitat.
59 | P a g e
http://www.smdailyjournal.com/articles/wnews/2016-01-21/staff-turmoil-shakes-powerfulcalifornia-coastal-commission/1776425157105.html
Coastal Commission May Oust Executive Director
By MICHAEL R. BLOOD Los Angeles, CA
California Coastal Commission via AP

Commission Executive Director Charles Lester.
1,100-mile coast -- large stretches of it prized for pristine beaches edged by jutting cliffs.
Diego marine park.
60 | P a g e
sensitive habitat.
http://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/local/Coastal-Commission-May-Oust-Executive-Director366004861.html
61 | P a g e
Charles Lester
By Will Houston, Eureka Times-Standard
Posted: 01/20/16, 8:58 PM PST | Updated: 6 days ago
soon oust its top executive, setting up a battle between environmentalists and developers who
frequently clash over projects large and small.
The potential shakeup at the California Coastal Commission raises questions about the direction
of an agency often caught between property owners and conservation along the 1,100-mile coast.
released Wednesday that the panel will consider whether to fire Lester next month.
Alternatively, the commission has offered you the opportunity to present a transition plan for
your replacement as executive director, Kinseys letter states.
comment and that he has exercised his right to have a public hearing on his possible dismissal,
Lester has held the post since 2011, and no reason was given for the proposed dismissal in the
letter.
Humboldt Baykeeper Director Jennifer Kalt described Kinseys action as an attack on the
Coastal Act and stated that the commissioners behind the proposed power change are those that
consistently vote to not uphold the Coastal Act.
62 | P a g e
They just want to see development at all costs, Kalt said. They dont want to see sensible,
sustainable development.
Diego marine park.
Attempts by the Times-Standard on Wednesday to reach the commissions North Coast
representative Martha McClure also a Del Norte County supervisor were not returned.
Having been a coastal county co-chair on the California State Association of Counties when
Lester was appointed in 2011, Humboldt County 3rd District Supervisor Mark Lovelace said the
association fully supported Lesters appointment after former executive director Peter Douglas
stepped down due to the lung cancer diagnosis preceding his death in 2012.
While Lovelace said he had yet to hear from the commissioners about their proposed power
change, he said there has been no obvious evidence that would possibly justify Lesters removal.
If there are specific accusations, I assume those would center around having provided
information that led to improper decisions, Lovelace said. I havent heard any, which leads me
to believe that this is more politics than substance.
For Lovelace, Lester has been very accessible to coastal communities, having held several joint
meetings with coastal counties and cities and helping to secure grant funding for local
jurisdictions to update their local coastal plans, including $90,000 for Humboldt County in 2014.
He has absolutely changed the tone and relationships in regards to local governments,
Lovelace said.
Kalt said Lester helped to spearhead the development of a guidance document on sea level rise
a topic of significance for the Humboldt Bay area.
They kind of had to adapt some of the laws put in place back then to meet that challenge, Kalt
said. I think its very forward thinking not stuck in 1972.
63 | P a g e
sensitive habitat.
Will Houston can be reached at 707-441-0504 or whouston@times-standard.com
http://www.times-standard.com/article/NJ/20160120/NEWS/160129983
How a Coastal Commission shakeup could change the future of Californias coast
by AirTalk January 25 2016
LOS ANGELES (AP) - The powerful California agency that manages development along the
state's fabled coastline may oust its top executive soon, setting up a battlefront between
1,100-mile coast - large stretches of it prized for pristine beaches edged by jutting cliffs.
Guests:
Sara Wan, Former Commissioner on the Coastal Commission; Co-Founder of the Western
Alliance for Nature, a conservancy group
Fred Gaines, a Calabasas councilman and attorney who has represented developers and property
owners before the commission for 25 years
http://www.scpr.org/programs/airtalk/2016/01/25/46046/how-a-coastal-commission-shakeupcould-change-the/
State of the State, Coastal Commission Coup
Today we look at Gov. Jerry Browns 13th State of the State Address. Thats followed up by a
look at the ongoing turmoil in what was one of the biggest accomplishments of Browns first
term: the California Coastal Commission.
Today we start by reviewing Gov. Jerry Browns 13th State of the State Address. Browns focus
since the California recession has been fiscal discipline. Next, an inside look at the turmoil going
on within the California Coastal Commission. Some members are calling for the firing of the
commissions executive director.
64 | P a g e
http://www.kcrw.com/news-culture/shows/press-play-with-madeleine-brand/state-of-thestate-coastal-commission-coup-oscarssowhite
Push-Back Against Pro-Developer Coup at California Coastal Commission
by Frank Gormlie on January 27, 2016
Showdown at Commission Meeting on Feb. 10th
Charles Lester Lester, a member of the commissions staff since 1997, became executive
director in 2011 to succeed Peter Douglas, who had left because of illness. Douglas, the iconic
leader of the commissions staff for nearly three decades, died in 2012. Lester was a close
associate of Douglas.
Things are really heating up at the California Coastal Commission, the independent state agency
that is the guardian of the 1100 mile California coastline. Nothing is at stake except whats left of
the pristine nature of our coastline and the future ability of Californians to have access to it.
Whats going on and theres no way to mince words about it is that there is a movement afoot
on the 12 member board of commissioners to engineer a coup to fire Charles Lester, the
executive director of the Coastal Commissions staff.
And its quite clear that this movement to oust Lester is being engineered by pro-developer
lobbyists, real estate and land developers and some of the Commissioners themselves.
And its being engineered right in the middle of a crucial decision by the Commission over a
huge 1,100 unit coastal project of million dollar homes near Newport Beach. A project that is
worth billions.
Whats also clear, now, is that there is also a push-back against the coup, or power grab as some
call it, and the push-back is coming from all kinds of environmental groups, up and down the
coast.
Over 50 environmental and advocacy groups have now demanded that the Coastal Commission
reject the proposal to oust Lester, and warned that his removal could threaten protection on the
states famed coastline.
65 | P a g e
And irony upon irony in this intense power battle between developers and environmentalists is
that 40 years, the young governor Jerry Brown signed the California Coastal Act establishing the
Commission, and now 40 years later, its Browns very own appointees to the Commission that
are leading this coup to make the staff a much more developer-friendly body. And importantly,
allow the Commission to approve the Newport Beach project.
The matter will come down to a show of force at the Commissions February meeting in Morro
Bay. Lester has requested a public hearing on his termination, and environmental groups are
mobilizing.
The Coastal Commission, established by a vote of the people in 1972, was given the task of
protecting the extensive state coastline from over-development, preventing environmental harm
and safeguarding it for public access. Considered the most powerful land-use agency in the
nation, it has served as a model for other states seeking to preserve undeveloped land.
The Coastal Act came about after a developers proposal including blocking off 10 miles of
Northern California coastline for private use (and other similar projects) spurred activist groups
in the state to place the Act Proposition 20- on the ballot. And the voters approved it
overwhelmingly, despite an intense, bitter campaign against waged by developers and their
lobbyists.
And since its populist inception, the Commission has been frequently involved in controversial,
high-profile issues that pit the commission against wealthy celebrities, major developers and
property-rights activists.
Charles Lester, the executive director of a staff for a commission made up of busy politicians, is
influential as the Commission is highly dependent upon its staff. An environmental ally, yes,
Lester is not seen as aggressive as his predecessor, Peter Douglas, who also withstood assaults
on his position from developers.
The Coastal Commission has usually kept its historical independence as a way to insulate it from
developer and politician alike.
Until now.
Lester has been targeted by pro-developer forces because hes seen as too environmentallyfriendly. From the Los Angeles Times :
Environmental groups say the attempt to oust Lester is an outgrowth of a long-brewing shift
among commissioners who have grown increasingly bold in asserting their control over agency
staff, sometimes negotiating with developers during public meetings and going against agency
recommendations to make concessions in favor of applicants.
Environmentalist are pissed off about all of this and are not mincing words either. Some of us
do believe this is a coup, said Stefanie Sekich-Quinn, coastal preservation manager for the
Surfrider Foundation.
66 | P a g e
This is about a bunch of commissioners who are trying to weaken the commissions ability to
implement the mandates of the Coastal Act.
And now the push-back in earnest.
On Tuesday, January 26, in a letter to commission Chair Steve Kinsey, more than 50
organizations reported that they were alarmed by the unjustified and misguided attempt to
remove Lester.
The letter was from such groups as the Surfrider Foundation, the California Coastal Protection
Network, Sierra Club California and the Center for Biological Diversity, and it also stated:
Threats to our coast and ocean have never been more pressing.
Firing the Coastal Commissions executive director would undermine our states effectiveness
on coastal protection at a time when the need for such protection is at an all-time high.
The push-back against the move to oust Lester has upped the ante and the showdown in February
looms. It all became public when he was sent a letter in mid-January by Commission Chairman
Steve Kinsey, informing him that his termination would be discussed in closed session during
their February meeting and requested his resignation. Instead of quitting, Lester chose having a
public hearing on his termination, something authorized by California law. So the show-down
will be during the Commissions monthly meeting February 10th through 12th in Morro Bay.
Sara Wan, a former coastal commissioner and unapologetic environmentalist stated:
We know theyve been pushing in that direction for a while, and thats what this is all about:
taking over control of the commission and undermining its independence, and eventually turning
the coast over to the development and energy industries.
Stefanie Sekich-Quinn, of the Surfrider Foundation, tracks the commission as coastal
preservation manager for her organization. She also called the move to fire Lester
a power grab in an attempt to undermine the integrity of the coastal program, gain control over
an independent staff and make the commission more developer-friendly without any public
accountability or transparency.
agency in turmoil and intimidate its staff. She said:
Its not just about the homeowner who wants to build on the bluff. We are talking about billiondollar projects.
Local Reaction
The community of Ocean Beach, on a micro-level, has also been impacted by the Coastal
Commission. It was just in August of 2015 that the Coastal Commission voted to unanimously
approve the OB Community Plan Update.
67 | P a g e
When informed of the attempted power grab by the OB Rag via email, a number of local
OBceans responded.
Jane Gawronski, a current member of the OB Planning Board responded:
The Coastal Commission is there to protect our coast from development and to ensure easy
access to the coast for all of us. We need to be wary with respect to developer influence that
impacts the Coastal Commission mission. Staff needs to be protected from over zealous
developers and/or environmentalists and not persecuted for their independence.
Another local, Geoff Page had this reaction:
I have been a fan of Governor Brown since he first came on the scene years ago and I supported
him as governor. But, nothing is more sacred to California than its beautiful coastline. If Brown
allows this continuing takeover of the Coastal Commission by development interests, nothing
Brown has done in his whole career will matter to me or to history.
PB activist Mica Porte had this to say:
The California coastal commission from one all day meeting that I attended in Newport last
year looks like a bunch of developers trying to develop the coast into an entertainment zone for
rent, they ignore the 30 ft height limit, approve anything, ignore the coastal erosion .
A local political consultant, Larry Remer, had a unique tint:
The Empire strikes back! After decades where the California Coastal Commission led the
nation as a model environmental regulatory agency, the landowners, developers and speculators
are aiming to roll back decades of environmental protection.
And David Helvarg, head of the national advocacy group, Blue Frontier, told us:
Developers and oil companies, having failed to undermine the mission of the coastal
commission under the late Peter Douglas are now targeting his successor for continuing to carry
out his environmental mandate. But the people of California understand our coast and ocean
belong to all of us and will not let this conspiracy of greed stand!
A Troubling Recent Trend
The coup, the power grab, the putsch whatever it is comes on the heels of a recent trend,
some critics say of the Commission, that it has become more inclined of late to place developers
over the environment. They point to a few examples:
March 2015 Seal Beach; commission staff recommended against a residential
development on oceanfront property, on the grounds that it violated the Coastal Act in
numerous ways, but commissioners gave the project their thumbs up.
October 2015 Malibu : commissioners rejected a requirement recommended by staff
that public access be guaranteed if a replenishment project failed and wiped out an access
point.
Also October 2015 Newport Beach : staff recommended against a proposed Newport
Beach subdivision The Banning Ranch with up to 1,400 units, arguing that the project
68 | P a g e
would harm an environmentally sensitive habitat. Commissioners who were Brown

appointees Wendy Mitchell, Effie Turnbull-Sanders and Martha McClure, called the
site a 400-acre mess. The Commission postponed their decision on this project and it is
still pending.
And then it was during this postponement of the decision on Banning Ranch that key
commissioners began the move against the executive director.
From the Associated Press:
Newport Beach area.
Companies involved in the project include real estate firm Brooks Street, Cherokee Investment
Partners and Aera Energy, which is jointly owned by affiliates of Royal Dutch Shell PLC and
Exxon Mobil Corp.
Doug Porter, over at our associated San Diego Free Press, recounted what came down:
A decision on the Banning Ranchs proposal was postponed in October, following a meeting
where hundreds of residents from Newport Beach and Costa Mesa packed the room in opposition
to the development.
Supporters of the development, wearing Orange tee-shirts emblazoned with Beyond Green,
argued that cleaning up the land and providing access to the public were important benefits only
possible only with a project of this size.
Coast Commission staff expressed opposition, noting sensitive coastal species living in the area
and the importance of saving few remaining significant areas of native grassland.
The Banning Ranch means that huge sums are at stake for developers. They do what they do
best; they regularly challenge coastal staff rulings, donate heavily to politicians, and hire teams
of lobbyists to persuade commissioners to make an exception for their individual project.
Porter found the Los Angles Times coverage following the October meeting:
Commission Executive Director Charles Lester said the staffs recommendation of denial
shouldnt be a surprise to Newport Banning Ranch LLC, given that the developer was
completely at odds and unresponsive with the Coastal Commission.
Specifically, Lester took issue with the way the projects environmental impact report was
conducted and that Newport Banning Ranch LLC was mostly unwilling to scale down the plans
more than it already had.
The [environmental impact report] was finalized without input from a commission staff
biologist reviewing the sensitive resources on the site, an addendum to the staff report states.
The [report] was approved [by the city] with a statement of overriding considerations, stating
69 | P a g e
that some impacts could not be avoided or adequately mitigated by the project; however, it was
approved despite the impacts because it provides economic, legal, social and other benefits to
the region.
From NBC7 News:
because Charles Lester is the most reasonable guy you will ever get on the commission, he
said. I dont understand why (Gov. Jerry Brown) wants this as his legacy.
Steve Blank, a former Commissioner from 2007 to 2013, wrote this for today in LA Times
Californias fiercely independent Coastal Commission has been an amazing success for 40
years. You can drive Highway 1 from Santa Barbara to Monterey and not see a single stoplight.
Our pristine coastline and unspoiled beaches are the envy of the world.
Yet for as long as the commission has existed, real estate developers and their lobbyists have
wanted to weaken it, or dispatch it altogether. Now those efforts have reached a critical point.
Lobbyists for land developers have persuaded commissioners to fire Charles Lester, the
executive director of the Coastal Commissions staff.
Do we want to look at miles of beaches behind locked gates and wall-to-wall condos and ask,
Did he sell out 40 million Californians for a few rich developers? Or, do we want to share
with our grandchildren the same open vistas and glorious beaches that we have enjoyed and say,
Jerry Brown left all of us a coastline like no other in the world? Let the governor know.
Yes, let the governor know.
Sources:
Capitol Weekly
See Coup sought at California Coastal Commission?
By Aaron Kinney San Jose Mercury News
LA Times columnist
KQED
The Sierra Club is suing the California Coastal Commission in an effort to halt approval of
U2 guitarist The Edges plans to build five mansions on a Malibu ridge.
Associated Press:
Los Angeles Times
Mercury News
Los Angeles Times c
http://obrag.org/?p=103104
70 | P a g e
California Coastline: Sold to the Highest Bidder?

Beth Cone Kramer
THIS MUCH I KNOW--The California coastline has inspired artists, poets, rock lyricists, and any of us who
have taken a drive up Highway 1, the spectacular panorama of mountains peering above crashing waves. The
Coastal Commission has an over 40-year legacy of protecting the coastline, despite the attempts of developers
and their lobbyists to encroach by weakening or even eliminating the commission.
But the protection of our unspoiled coastline may be at a turning point as pro-development interests attempt to
oust Dr. Charles Lester, the Executive Director of the Commission. Dr. Lester has refused to resign quietly,
calling for a public hearing, which will be held February 10 in Morro Bay.
The reasons for the attempted coup are vague. As one commissioner stated off the record, theres a growing
sense that there are management issues. Lester, however, has helmed the Commission during an impressive
list of accomplishments, including increased transparency and recently received permission to levy penalties
against individuals who violate the Coastal Acts access provisions to the tune of $11,500 per violation per
day.
Lester has a solid report card from fifty environmental and social justice groups for his interpretation and
enforcement of the Coastal Act. A coalition of representatives from the NRDC, Heal the Bay, and dozens of
other groups made their feelings known in a letter they sent to commission chair Steve Kinsey and state
leaders.
The Coastal Commission serves as the zoning board for the 840 miles of coastline. Established by voter
initiative in 1972 and made permanent by the legislature through the adoption of the California Coastal Act of
1976, the 12-member board is appointed by the Governor, Speaker of the Assembly, and the Senate Pro Tem.
Just whats at stake? A proposal to build 1,100 houses in the coastal zone in Southern California is before the
commission right now. At $1.5 million per ocean view house, theres nearly $2 billion at play. Developers
regularly challenge coastal staff rulings, empty their wallets to candidates, and hire teams of lobbyists to
encourage commissioners to make exceptions to give their projects the go-ahead.
The Coastal Commission decides on proposals for residential properties, hotels, energy production facilities
and other projects that are worth billions of dollars, all without much transparency in the process. Hotel
developers, for example, hire lobbyists who are classified as agents under law and dont have to report how
much they are paid, often donating to the campaigns of commissioners who run for local office.
There are rules in place to protect against conflict of interest but there is potential for abuse, which makes
attempts by the commissioners to take control of the agency from the staff even more troubling.
71 | P a g e
Since taking the job in 2011, Lester and his staffs expert opinion to deny coastal projects hasnt pleased
commissioners. In 2006, the commissioners denied 26 projects. During Lesters tenure, the commission has
turned down 24 projects over the entire four year period.
Ironically, the group of commissioners attempting to oust Lester are Brown appointees and it was Governor
Brown who signed the Coastal Act into law forty years ago. These appointees serve at-will appointments,
unlike the eight commissioners who serve a fixed four-year term. The governor can replace them if hes
unhappy with them but has so far not stepped up to defend the commissions independence under Lester.
The California Coastline must not be up for grabs to the highest bidder. Governor Brown should not leave that
as his legacy.
(Beth Cone Kramer is a Los Angeles-based writer and CityWatch contributor.)
http://www.citywatchla.com/index.php/the-la-beat/10400-california-coastline-sold-to-the-highestbidder#sthash.19Vzgvz9.dpuf
Lawmaker backs executive director in Coastal Commission dispute
The coast at La Jolla. Photo: Dancestrokes)

BY JOHN
HOWARD POSTED 01.28.2016
A North Coast lawmaker has come to the defense of Charles Lester, the executive director of the
California Coastal Commission who has come under fire from a number of commissioners
seeking his ouster at the panels meeting next month in Moro Bay.
Assemblyman Marc Levine, D-San Rafael, said the commission staff, led by Lester, had
prepared the commissions first detailed strategic plan, resolved long-standing cases, got a $3
million budget increase to help support local conservation planning and climate change issues,
among other achievements.
I urge the Commissioners to consider their own actions first before hastily pointing fingers at
Commission staff, said Levine, the chair of the Assembly Water, Parks and Wildlife
Committee. He was referring to commission decisions to approve actions opposed by some
72 | P a g e
environmentalists, including a major hotel project at Monterey Bay Shores and a sandreplenishment project on Broad Beach in Malibu
Levines comments were contained in a Jan. 27 letter to Commission Chair Steve Kinsey with
the other commissioners copied in.
Lester, who has served as executive director for nearly five years, succeeded Peter Douglas, the
commissions long-time executive director and an author of the voter-approved law that created
the commission.
The 12-member panel has authority over 1,100 miles of California coast, and frequently comes
into conflict with builders, property owners and developers over public access to the coast and
environmental rules. The commissions voting members are appointed, four each, by the
governor the Assembly speaker and the Senate Rules Committee.
Several commissioners have complained about Lesters leadership, saying that projects have
been delayed unnecessarily and that the staff has been ill-managed.
Lesters supporters, however, said that the staff is aggressive in enforcing the Coastal Protection
Act, which has angered some members of the commission.
The commission plans to meet in Morro Bay from Feb. 10-12, and a discussion of Lesters status
is expected to be held on the first day. Lester also may address the commission.
http://capitolweekly.net/coastal-commission-lester-dispute/
73 | P a g e
Joy Picus LAs Longest Serving Councilmember: Not about Potholes, Its about Vision
Denyse Selesnick
Created: 28 January 2016
LOS ANGELES
MY TURN-History does repeat itself. This is why scholars and smart politicians review episodes
in history to help them find answers for today's challenges. Even though the issues we face today
may appear different...they are just basically the same with some new twists.
Given all the chatter surrounding the California Coastal Commission and its effort to discharge
its current manager, I thought I'd talk with one of the Commissions initial proponents, former
City Councilmember Joy Picus. (Photo: ribbon cutting ceremony at Griffith Observatory in
2006)
The California Coastal Commission was a grass roots effort initiated in part by the American
Association of University Women, League of Women Voters and other civic organizations. They
gathered enough signatures to get Proposition 20 on the ballot in 1972 and it passed. Picus was
one of the more involved activists. The main goal was to save the California coastline from overdevelopment and to preserve its beauty for future generations. This early interest in the
environment would play an important role during her public life.
Proposition 20 gave the Coastal Commission permit authority for four years. Then the California
Coastal Act of 1976 extended the Coastal Commission's authority indefinitely. This state
authority controls construction along Californias 1,100 miles (1,770 km) of shoreline. The
Commission is composed of 12 voting members, 6 chosen from the general public, and 6
appointed elected officials. The panelists are neither paid a salary nor a stipend for their work; it
is a very political body with various degrees of interest in preservation.
Picus was a native of Chicago and started her political science studies at the University of
Wisconsin. She and her long-time husband, Gerald Picus, a physicist, then moved to Woodland
Hills in the San Fernando Valley.
She became active in the Parent-Teacher Association and League of Women Voters and served
as president of the Valley branch of the American Association of University Women. She was
74 | P a g e
also employed for three years as community relations director for the Jewish Federation
Council.
In the late sixties and early seventies women were pretty much relegated to the" back benches."
Picus, like many other women, was influenced by Betty Friedan's 1964 book, the Feminine
Mystique.
Her political career began in 1973 when she challenged the incumbent City Councilman, Donald
Lorenzen, in LA Council District 3. Lorenzen won in a tight election that demanded a recount;
the vote was 27,575 for Lorenzen and 27,027 for Picus...a matter of 548 votes.
She took on Lorenzen again, and though he kept referring to her as a "wild-eyed
environmentalist... she won! "The big surprise was that this middle class democratic woman
beat the incumbent in a district that voted 80% for Ronald Reagan," Picus told me.
She was the first woman to hold a City Council seat in the San Fernando Valley. District 3
covered the southwest corner of the Valley, including Woodland Hills, Tarzana and parts of
Encino, Canoga Park and Reseda.
She remains the longest serving City Councilmember... a total of sixteen years. Because term
limits came into play soon after she left office, that record of longevity still holds.
I asked her what it was like being a female politician in those days. She said that there were
several women on the City Council during her sixteen years. She became accustomed to the
double entendres and occasional outright propositions by both city officials and the public. A
recall campaign against her was started by the fire and police unions since she was thought to be
"anti-labor." But she said that she was able to have a collegial relationship with most of the men
and the women went out of their way to help each other.
In 1981, the Los Angeles Times wrote about District 3:
Although the district is largely white and middle class, it is complicated and anything but
homogenous. A study in contrasts, it has expensive ranch homes in Woodland Hills that are
minutes away from shack-like dwellings in Canoga Park, a largely Hispanic barrio dating from
the early 1900s.
Picus became a "hero of local conservationists" since she pushed builders to provide more open
space for parks. She also supported transportation projects, called attention to the need for waste
recycling, and opposed oil drilling in the Pacific Palisades.
Those were heady days in Los Angeles politics that produced more than its fair share of political
scandals. Armand Hammer, the multimillionaire industrialist, wanted to drill oil off the Pacific
Palisades Coast. But the Palisades had always had a strong community organization and they
convinced Picus to fight the drilling. When it came up before City Council it passed 9 to 6. The
big surprise was that the new Mayor, Tom Bradley, vetoed it. In order to over-ride the veto, they
needed ten votes.
She recalled fondly that all of the sudden she became very popular and was invited to all the
Armand Hammer social events; everyone was putting pressure on her to change her vote. He
finally stopped inviting her and drilling off the Pacific Palisades never happened.
75 | P a g e
Developing policies and programs on behalf of working parents and their children was another
priority for Picus. She authored the city's Child Care Policy, which made Los Angeles one of the
first cities in the country to hire a full-time child-care coordinator.
She also spurred the opening of a child-care center for Civic Center employees in Downtown
Los Angeles, financed by the city and federal governments. In 1989, she persuaded the City
Council to create preferences in city contracts for companies that offered child-care benefits to
their employees.
The City Hall South Childrens Center was named the Joy Picus Learning Center in 1996.
Picus was named "Woman of the Year by Ms. Magazine in 1985, a result of her successful
drive to include an historic "pay equity" plan in the city's collective bargaining agreement with
the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME.) She was the
only politician to receive the award that year.
Also known as "comparable worth," the effort refers to upgrading pay rates for jobs that were
paid lower wages because they had traditionally been held by women. The magazine credited
Picus with "helping bring about a $12 million pay equity agreement between the City of Los
Angeles and 3,900 of its employees, most of them women."
According to an old Los Angeles Times interview, Picus was dubbed by some as a "Mary
Poppins," because of the " 'flighty impression' she sometimes conveys." She replied that her
"preparation for political life came from activities primarily with other women," and so in the
beginning she was not "taken as seriously" as were the men. She emerged, the reporter wrote, "as
a woman of enormous ego and drive, with tremendous energy and determination."
Today Joy Picus remains active and involved. She is still serves on the boards of several civic
and cultural groups. She keeps track of what goes on in the City politically. She notes that some
of the things she and her colleagues tried to change are still status quo.
The point of this article is to not just revisit the past, but to remind our City Councilmembers that
great things have been accomplished in the past by prior City Council colleagues.
The job is not just about fixing potholes or passing zoning changes its about having the vision
and persistence to tackle the big challenges. And much more than worrying about the next
election!
As always comments welcome
(Denyse Selesnick is a CityWatch columnist. She is a former publisher/journalist/international
event organizer. Denyse can be reached at: Denyse@CityWatchLA.com) Edited for CityWatch
by Linda Abrams.
http://www.citywatchla.com/index.php/the-la-beat/10406-joy-picus-la-s-longest-servingcouncilmember-not-about-potholes-it-s-about-vision#sthash.4donK1YC.dpuf
76 | P a g e
Mercury News editorial: California Gov. Brown should stop Coastal Commission coup
Mercury News Editorial
Gov. Jerry Brown can stop the nonsense taking place at the California Coastal Commission by
announcing his support for Executive Director Charles Lester.
The commission announced last week that it will meet Feb. 10-12 to debate whether to fire
Lester. It's a power grab to undermine crucial protections for one of California's most precious
jewels, the 1,000-mile coastline stretching from Eureka to San Diego.
Commissioners should be praising Lester for furthering the legacy of the legendary Peter
Douglas, who helped write the legislation that created the commission and then served as its
executive director until retiring in 2011. Douglas, who died in 2012, hand-picked Lester as his
successor, charging him with fulfilling Douglas' oft-repeated quote, "The coast is never saved.
It's always being saved."
The coup reportedly is being orchestrated in part by the governor's four appointees to the
commission, who are criticizing Lester's management style and are said to favor a friendlier
attitude toward developers. Brown can end this nonsense by telling his appointees to stop it.
In passing the strong California Coastal Conservation Initiative, voters made it clear in 1972 that
they wanted California's beaches to remain open to everyone. It was Brown who signed the
California Coastal Act as governor in 1976, providing the law governing the decisions of the
Coastal Commission.
If there's a question whether the people of California still feel the same way, the governor should
ask them. We're pretty sure they haven't changed their minds.
The law carefully struck a balance between protecting the state's resources and allowing
development projects that were respectful of the environment. Lester has embraced that
philosophy.
It's not as if Lester has blocked development. The commission under his watch approved two
projects in the past two years that are clearly favorable to developers more than
environmentalists. In 2014, the commission voted 10-2 to allow the building of the Monterey
Bay Shores resort in Sand City on 40 acres of sand dunes south of Fort Ord Dunes State Park.
Last month the commission voted unanimously, over the objection of state Sen. Fran Pavley, to
let U2 guitarist The Edge build five hilltop homes in Malibu, reversing a 2011 decision to reject
the proposal.
In fact the commission has approved the vast majority of the permit applications it has
considered. The commission's work is often to seek changes that make projects more
environmentally sound.
Firing Lester would mean inviting developers to propose more intense development plans and
signaling the likelihood of more favorable action at the cost of a natural and open coast. It is a
terrible idea, and the governor should be out in front saying so.
77 | P a g e
http://www.mercurynews.com/opinion/ci_29429871/mercury-news-editorial-california-govbrown-should-stop
Op-Ed
The coastline belongs to all Californiansbut maybe not for long
Steve Blank
California's fiercely independent Coastal Commission has been an amazing success for 40 years.
You can drive Highway 1 from Santa Barbara to Monterey and not see a single stoplight. Our
pristine coastline and unspoiled beaches are the envy of the world.
Yet for as long as the commission has existed, real estate developers and their lobbyists have
wanted to weaken it, or dispatch with it altogether. Now those efforts have reached a crucial
point. Lobbyists for land developers have persuaded the commissioners to fire Charles Lester,
the executive director of commission's staff.
The coast ... is an irreplaceable asset. The commission that protects it should not be hijacked for
profit.After a closed-door hearing on vague "performance issues," Lester was offered a choice of
stepping aside or opting for a public hearing. "Performance issues," in this case, means not
approving developers' projects, or not doing so quickly enough. Some commissioners are
apparently willing to gut their own agency, violate the public trust and deliver a more compliant
executive director who will make it easier to build large projects on the coast with less oversight.
Think of zoning in your neighborhood. Zoning laws there probably prohibit someone from
building a 40-story apartment tower next to your two-story house. If the developer persuades the
city council to change the zoning, however, he'll make a lot of money and you will live in the
shadow of a skyscraper.
The Coastal Commission is the zoning board for the whole California coast. For example, there's
a proposal before the commission right now to build 1,100 houses in the coastal zone in Southern
California. At $1.5 million for each house near the ocean, that's nearly $2 billion at play. Huge
78 | P a g e
sums are at stake for developers, who regularly challenge commission staff rulings, donate
heavily to politicians and hire teams of lobbyists to persuade commissioners to make an
exception for their projects.
Despite this continual assault, the Coastal Commission has historically not wavered on its
mission to protect and enhance the coastal zone and give the public access to it, while also
preserving the rights of private property owners. Its staunch independence has infuriated
lobbyists, state legislators, even governors. When big donors are yelling at a politician to "get
something done," a truly independent agency is exasperating. Still, the commission's executive
directors held the line and consistently put the public interest before political interests.
Now the commissioners in the sway of developers want to remove Lester, but he isn't giving up
without a fight. He believes that the public trust is at stake. The environmental community,
complacent during the last five years, appears ready to rally to his defense at the Commissions
public hearing Feb. 10 in Morro Bay.
More than environmentalists and regulatory wonks should be angry about this move against
Lester. We should all take an interest. The coast belongs to all Californians, and it is an
irreplaceable asset. The commission that protects it should not be hijacked for profit.
The irony in all this? The cabal of commissioners pushing to remove Lester are appointees of
Gov. Jerry Brown the same governor who signed the Coastal Act into law 40 years ago. Unlike
the other eight commissioners, who serve a fixed four-year term, they have "at-will"
appointments. That means the governor can replace them in 30 seconds if he is unhappy with
them.
But so far neither Brown nor John Laird, California's secretary for natural resources, has stepped
up to defend the independence of the commission under the leadership of its executive director.
Brown has accomplished much in his last two terms. He's gotten California back on its feet
economically, the universities are growing again, and the state has a large rainy-day fund. But 40
years from now, people are not going to say, "Hey remember the budget of 2015?" What
Californians will remember are his actions about our coastline.
Do we want to look at miles of beaches behind locked gates and wall-to-wall condos and ask,
Did he sell out 40 million Californians for a few rich developers? Or, do we want to share with
79 | P a g e
our grandchildren the same open vistas and glorious beaches that we have enjoyed and say,
Jerry Brown left all of us a coastline like no other in the world? Let the governor know.
Steve Blank is a retired Silicon Valley executive and now a consulting associate professor at
Stanford University. He served as a coastal commissioner from 2007 to 2013.
http://www.latimes.com/opinion/op-ed/la-oe-blank-coastal-commission-uproar-20160126story.html
Oakland Tribune editorial: Gov. Jerry Brown needs to jump in coastline fight
Oakland Tribune editorial
POSTED: 01/25/2016 04:25:39 PM PST
Gov. Jerry Brown can stop the nonsense taking place at the California Coastal Commission by
In passing the strong California Coastal Conservation Initiative, others made it clear in 1972 that
Coastal Commission.
philosophy.
80 | P a g e
Last month the commission voted unanimously, over the objection of state Sen. Fran Paley, to let
U2 guitarist The Edge build fie hilltop homes in Malibu, reversing a 2011 decision to reject the
proposal.
In fact, the commission has approved the last majority of the permit applications it has
http://www.contracostatimes.com/news/ci_29430926/oakland-tribune-editorial-go-jerry-brownneeds-jump
81 | P a g e
Mercury News editorial: California Go. Brown should stop Coastal Commission coup
By Mercury News Editorial
Posted: 01/25/16, 11:47 AM PST
Go. Jerry Brown can stop the nonsense taking place at the California Coastal Commission by
In passing the strong California Coastal Conservation Initiative, voters made it clear in 1972 that
Coastal Commission.
philosophy.
Last month the commission voted unanimously, over the objection of state Sen. Fran Paley, to let
U2 guitarist The Edge build fie hilltop homes in Malibu, reversing a 2011 decision to reject the
proposal.
In fact the commission has approved the vast majority of the permit applications it has
82 | P a g e
http://www.montereyherald.com/general-news/20160125/mercury-news-editorial-california-gobrown-should-stop-coastal-commission-coup
Op-Ed: Brigid McCormack: The California Coastal Commissions integrity is at stake
Published on Jan 27, 2016 - 5:56:09 PM
By: Audubon California
SAN FRANCISCO, CA, Jan. 26, 2016 - Audubon California released the following statement
from Executive Director Brigid McCormack on the current attempt by members of the California
Coastal Commission to remove current Executive Director Charles Lester:
California's spectacular coastline is one of the worlds most impressive natural landscapes. At
3,427 miles long, it is home to millions of birds that migrate along the Pacific Flyway each year.
Our states history of protecting our coastlines for wildlife and people is unparalleled in the
United States and reflects the strong conservation ethic held by its residents.
Audubon California is deeply disturbed by the recent moe to force out current California Coastal
Commission Executive Director Dr. Charles Lester. This moe would tip the balance of the
commissions work in favor of those would exploit our coastlines and chip away at the integrity
of this great natural treasure. Dr. Lester has worked for years to provide objective, science-based
recommendations on when, where, and how to allow coastal development.
If this moe succeeds, the Coastal Commission will be considerably weakened and species like
the threatened Western Snowy Plover, California Least Tern, and the California Gnatcatcher will
pushed further toward extinction.
I urge Governor Brown to support coastal protection and keep Dr. Lester and his experienced,
high-quality staff in their roles.
Audubon California is building a better future for California by bringing people together to
appreciate, enjoy and protect our spectacular outdoor treasures. With more than 150,000
members and supporters in California and an affiliated 48 local Audubon chapters, Audubon
California is a field program of the National Audubon Society.
More information is available at ca.audubon.org.
http://yubanet.com/california/Op-Ed-Brigid-McCormack-The-California-Coastal-Commission-sintegrity-is-at-stake.php#.qmaLselxfA
83 | P a g e
The Coastal Commission is why this seascape near Jenner doesn't have offshore oil rigs. | Photo:
Don McCullough/
Coastal Commission Coup Could Endanger Your Public Beaches
by Chris Clarke
January 28, 2016 3:30 PM
The weeks-long occupation of the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge seems to be winding down,
but don't breathe a sigh of relief just yet. The forces in our society that want to privatize public
land haven't given up. And a conflict taking shape in California promises to be more of a threat
to public lands than the hapless occupiers in Oregon ever could be.
The privatizers in California differ in a few respects from the Bundy bunch. They're not
disenfranchised ideologues drunk on their private misunderstandings of history. It would be hard
to be less disenfranchised than these Californians, in fact. Members of the California Coastal
Commission, appointed by the Executive Branch of the state government, don't need to break the
law to work to deprive Californians of their public lands birthright.
"Some men rob you with a six-gun," Woody Guthrie wrote in his song Pretty Boy Floyd, "and
some use a fountain pen." Unlike Bundy and his gang, members of the California Coastal
Commission don't need to arm themselves to take our public beaches and estuaries away from
us. They just need to sign documents. And the executive branch is looking the other way.
At issue this month is an attempt by the seated Commissioners to oust the Commission's
Executive Director, Charles Lester, over what some Commissioners have said are issues of
underperformance in Lester's job.
But environmental groups spanning the green spectrum from foundation-funded to grassroots
aren't buying it. They claim the problem is that Lester has been too good at his job, protecting
84 | P a g e
California's 1,100 miles of coastline from development projects that would harm wildlife, block
public access, and essentially privatize some of the most potentially valuable real estate in the
world.
Commission Chair Steve Kinsey asked Lester for his resignation in January. Lester opted not to
go quietly. Instead, he asked the Commission to discuss his potential termination during a public
hearing at the Commission's next monthly meeting, set for February 10-12 in Morro Bay.
If anything, Lester has been somewhat friendlier to developers than was his late predecessor, the
fiercely environmentalist Peter Douglas, whose tenacity in resisting the often short-sighted
wishes of the agency's politically appointed Commissioners was the stuff of legend. Despite
some minor differences, Lester, like Douglas before him, has been carrying out the express
wishes of the state's voters in standing firm against rapacious developments. In 1972, those
voters passed by a 55-45 percent margin the ballot initiative, Proposition 20, that established the
Coastal Commission, chartered to manage development on the coast with environmental
protection and public access at the top of its priorities. The then-temporary body was made
permanent by an act of the Legislature four years later.
The 55-45 popular vote establishing the Coastal Commission may not seem like a landslide, until
you consider the fact that opponents of the initiative outspent supporters by a factor of more than
100. At the time, the developers of the Sonoma County resort Sea Ranch planned to make more
than 10 miles of the Sonoma Coast off-limits to the public, aside from those members of the
public willing to shell out to stay at the tony resort. The vote in favor of Prop 20 was a
resounding "No" to excluding the public from the Sonoma Coast, or any other part of California's
ocean front.
To be clear, much of the development proposed for the California coast is slated for private land.
The Coastal Commission's mandate includes much more than just protecting public access to the
so-called "public trust" lands between the mean high and low tide lines, designated as our
common property by the Coast Act of 1976. Any activity that could conceivably affect the
ecosystems and scenic character of the coast, from The Edge's blufftop developments in Malibu
to offshore oil rigs and (perhaps someday) wind turbines legally comes under the Coastal
Commission's scrutiny.
And that's only fair, as coastal developers often irrevocably change the nature of the landscape
surrounding their projects, with impacts ranging from loss of coastal bluff vernal pools to motor
oil in runoff slicking up estuarine habitat. If not for the Coastal Commission, widely regarded as
one of the strongest environmental protection government agencies in the country, there would
be a whole lot more of those unintended consequences along the coast from San Diego to the
Smith River.
In short, projects on private land can seriously damage or destroy public trust land. Sometimes
that damage comes from environmental degradation; sometimes it comes when coastal property
owners deny Californians their legally guaranteed access to those public trust lands. It's the first
lesson of ecology: effects cross property lines, whether those effects are an arson fire set by
ranchers or a private parking lot whose cars leak oil into a coastal lagoon.
85 | P a g e
Industry maintains that its unintended consequences are manageable with far less regulation.
Industry wants that coastline. Industry didn't stop shelling out cash to get its way with that 100-1
electoral spending binge in 1972. Witness this passage from a recent letter to the Los Angeles
Times by former Coastal Commissioner Linda Moulton-Patterson, who supports Charles Lester
as Commission director:
The public needs to know about the large amounts of money paid to lobbyists hired by
developers to "wine and dine" commissioners and staff in an attempt to influence them to
support their proposed projects. An independent executive director is absolutely essential to
continue to protect and provide public access for 1,100 miles of our beautiful California
coastline.
Another former Commissioner, environmentalist Sara Wan, has been telling press that the
attempted ouster of Lester is part of a campaign to make the Commission friendlier to
developers. "We know they've been pushing in that direction for a while, and that's what this is
all about," said Wan, "taking over control of the Commission and undermining its independence,
and eventually turning the coast over to the development and energy industries."
It's easy to point and laugh at a group of would-be paramilitary types spouting mangled
misapprehensions of constitutional law as they try to lock us out of land that is our common
property. Fewer people ridicule the Newport Beach developers, Malibu celebs, and speculators
who would have the Coastal Commission seal off the public from the coast, and develop the
coastal bluffs and estuaries that make up the California littoral ecosystem.
But like the sagebrush rebels of whom the Malheur occupiers are just the most recent example,
the coast developers are implacable opponents of public access and environmental protection.
That's why California needs a Coastal Commission that's willing to defend the coast just as
stubbornly. Actual job performance issues with the Commission's Executive Director are one
thing, and would obviously need to be addressed if they actually exist. But in a year when
Commissioners have publicly apologized to developers for perceived delays in approving highly
controversial projects, the choice to bring up alleged H.R. issues against Lester seems highly
dubious.
The main Commissioners driving the attempt to oust Lester are gubernatorial appointees whose
terms can be ended with a stroke of Jerry Brown's pen. To date, the governor has refused to
comment one way or the other on Lester's future with the Commission. Jerry should take a hint
from the events to the north: the FBI eventually did get around to doing something about the
privatizers on the Malheur Refuge. California's governor should do likewise.
http://www.kcet.org/news/redefine/revisit/commentary/coastal-commission-commentary.html
86 | P a g e
Dont defang coastal panel

Commissions executive director may be fired by pro-development members
Firing Charles Lester would undermine coastal protection when it is needed more than ever
Gov. Brown and legislative leaders should support him
The California Coastal Commission in October narrowly approved a sand-replenishment project

near multimillion-dollar homes along Broad Beach in Malibu. Nick Ut The Associated Press
BY ROBERT GARCIA - Special to The Bee
Beaches and the coast provide some of Californias favorite natural treasures, drawing millions
of visitors to spots including the Sinkyone Wilderness and the surfing mecca in Southern
California. Environmental, civil rights and health activists have long fought to keep the beaches
free for all, even as climate change, private development and greedy beachfront homeowners
threaten public access.
Charles Lester and his staff at the California Coastal Commission are doing their job to protect
the coast. As a result, Lesters job is threatened by backroom bullies who want to oust him for no
good reason. We urge Gov. Jerry Brown, Senate President Pro Tem Kevin de Len and
Assembly Speaker Toni Atkins to back Lester for the public good.
A changing climate is bringing rising sea levels, ocean acidification and greater vulnerability to
all our coastal communities and resources. Firing Lester would undermine coastal protection
when it is needed more than ever.
It was a condition of California joining the Union that beaches remain public. Yet much of the
California coast was off limits to people of color for much of the 20th century through
discriminatory housing restrictions. While explicit racial prohibitions may be a thing of the past,
87 | P a g e
efforts to keep low-income visitors, including many people of color, from enjoying public
beaches unfortunately are not.
Since its creation in 1976, the commission has been the front line of defending public access. In
2002, it adopted a plan for Malibu requiring beach access while ensuring fair treatment of people
of all races, cultures and incomes. In 2014, the commission responded to complaints from local
citizens and groups including the Black Surfers Collective about efforts to block access to
Paradise Cove, a popular surfing site. The property owner was trying to keep out what he saw as
riffraff by installing no surfing signs, charging a fee and locking a gate. The commission
ordered the signs and gates removed.
Near Half Moon Bay, the commissions staff has been working to restore access to Martins
Beach, a popular destination families have enjoyed for years, after a wealthy new property owner
closed the access road. Lester wrote, The commission has a strong legacy of protecting, for all
the people, the public access and recreational resources that are fundamental not just to our
economy but to our way of life.
In the recent case of Broad Beach in Malibu, Lester recommended that a massive beach armoring
project designed to shore up some of the states most expensive real estate be designed to ensure
continued beach access. When the property owners balked, the commission approved the project
without provisions for public access, even though its 2015 sea level policy says that coastal
planning decisions must include low-income communities.
If Broad Beach is any indication, the future of public beach access may be at risk. As sea levels
rise, private landowners will continue to seek to build seawalls and other structures at the
expense of public beaches.
It is essential that our beaches remain open to all people, not just the rich and famous. That is
why I call on the commission members to cease attempts to fire Lester, and urge them to instead
work with him to protect our coast.
Robert Garcia is founding director and counsel of The City Project, a Los Angeles-based civil
rights group that advocates for equal access to beaches. He can be contacted at
rgarcia@cityprojectca.org.
http://www.sacbee.com/opinion/op-ed/soapbox/article57107848.html#storylink=cpy
88 | P a g e
EDITORIAL JANUARY 29, 2016 1:07 PM

A coastal showdown that no one can win
Highlights
Effort to force out Coastal Commission executive director has become an unseemly public battle
Schwarzenegger and Brown appointees who want Charles Lester out say its a management issue
Outraged environmentalists say Lesters critics just want to let more development onto the coast
The Coastal Commission has restricted development and maintained access to beaches like this one in Southern
California, but environmentalists say that could be threatened by a dispute over leadership. Shawn Hubler
Sacramento Bee
By the Editorial Board

Few fights are uglier than the ones over beauty. And whats going on at the California Coastal
Commission is one of the uglier fights in a while.
Charged with protecting and managing Californias 1,100 or so miles of spectacular coastline,
the 12-member commission perhaps the most powerful land-use body in the nation has
scheduled a Feb. 10 public hearing on whether to dismiss its executive director, Charles Lester.
Coastal Commission Executive Director Charles Lester tours a proposed development project in Newport Beach in a
June 2014 file image. Members of the California Coastal Commission are moving to fire Lester, with a meeting
scheduled for Feb. 10. Allen J. Schaben TNS
89 | P a g e
The confrontation has been cast alternately as a personnel matter and a standoff between
exploitative business interests and environmentalists trying to save the coast.
As with most coastal disputes, both versions are emotional, and neither quite conveys the whole
story. Lester was promoted five years ago to the executive directors position after his
predecessor and mentor, Peter Douglas, recommended him to the commission as his handpicked
successor.
Douglas, who died shortly thereafter of lung cancer, was an iconic and famously eloquent
champion of coastal preservation. But almost since Lesters elevation, a couple of commissioners
have been bothered that such a high profile job should have been passed down without a national
search or a broader debate about the commissions direction.
A former political science professor with an introverted style, an encyclopedic knowledge of the
California Coastal Act and 19 years of experience as a commission staffer, Lester is by all
accounts a smart, honest and ethical executive director. He has overseen important work, from
new administrative penalties for those who illegally block beach access to a guidance document
on sea level rise that will be invaluable in managing the coast in this age of global warming.
No one claims he has stolen or lied or malingered. But his critics complain that his low-key style
has failed to make it clear to his staff that things have changed since the tenure of the charismatic
Douglas, who helped write the law creating the commission and then served for decades as its
executive director.
The confrontation has alternately been cast as a personnel matter and a standoff between
business interests hoping to exploit the coast and environmentalists trying to save it. As with
most coastal issues, neither version quite tells the whole story.
Under Douglas, development interests viewed the commission as uniformly hostile, no matter
the proposal. And some reasonable plans probably were stymied, though given the value of
coastal property now and the rising tides slamming bluffs and beachfront buildings, that may be
more prescient than sad.
The Coastal Act is clear in its mandate that development must be limited and access maximized.
But the staff is passionate about its mission, sometimes to a degree that even sympathetic coastal
property owners find obstructionist.
Frustrated developers and the politicians they backed tried twice, in vain, to get rid of Douglas,
who beat them back by invoking his civil service right to a public hearing, as Lester now has,
and mustering environmental advocates behind him.
90 | P a g e
Lesters critics say this isnt a reprise of that, noting that Gov. Jerry Brown and legislative
leaders who appoint the commissioners have remained on the sidelines. But Lesters defenders
say that as new commissioners have gradually replaced those from the Douglas era, his
performance reviews five in the past three years have been weighted with ever less
achievable goals and assignments aimed at ensuring his tenure wouldnt be Douglas II.
This tension hasnt stopped deals from getting done on the coastline. The U2 guitarist, The Edge,
won approval last month for a scaled-back version of the compound he wanted in an
environmentally sensitive part of the Santa Monica Mountains. A huge sand replenishment
project in Malibu was approved in October, despite concerns that public access would be cut off
in the name of protecting multimillion-dollar celebrity homes.
Last year, the commission said thumbs up to a Monterey Bay resort on 40 acres of pristine sand
dunes, and it appears to be headed toward approval of a slimmed-down proposal this year for
coastal Orange Countys last oil-splashed scrap of undeveloped land.
Its not clear how these compromises could have happened if the executive director is such a
zealot. But even so, why allow garden-variety boardroom differences to metastasize into a public
mugging if culture change is the goal?
Whatever the plan to manage Lester was originally, its a toxic mess now. Some 80 enraged
environmental groups have risen to defend him.
Whether he stays or goes, the relationship between commissioners and staff will be beset with
distrust and dysfunction. Anyone with business before the commission will have to factor in the
conflict. And any replacement for him will be automatically suspect. At this point, the
commissioners could hire Poseidon as executive director, and it would be assumed that he was
there to turn Big Sur into the Jersey Shore.
The commissioners agitating most aggressively for Lesters ouster are said to be gubernatorial
appointees, one a politically connected and pugnacious holdover from the Schwarzenegger
administration and two named to the commission by Brown. Governors cant hire or fire the
executive director, but Brown can talk to his appointees, or replace them.
This week, Brown told a member of The Sacramento Bee editorial board that he views this furor
as commission business that doesnt rise to his offices purview. He should know he signed the
Coastal Act into law 40 years ago. But even if he welcomes a bit more coastal development for
the jobs it offers or privately feels the commission can do better than Lester, its hard to imagine
hes pleased with this unseemly distraction.
91 | P a g e
Public spectacle is no way to manage the peoples business. Whoever is being served by this
ugly uproar, it isnt Californians or their beautiful coast.
http://www.sacbee.com/opinion/editorials/article57316938.html#storylink=cpy
Marin Voice: Coastal chief should not fall victim to political ouster
By Janet Bridgers and Phyllis Faber
POSTED: 01/28/16
4 COMMENTS
There may be no better indicator that the executive director of the California Coastal
Commission is doing his job than for the governor and his commission appointees to try to sack
him.
Charles Lester, the powerful agencys executive director, is now faced with a personnel hearing
at the Feb. 10 commission meeting in Morro Bay to discuss his dismissal.
He was informed by letter. No reason was given. Lester requested a public hearing and has made
no public comment.
Lester succeeded Peter Douglas as executive director of the commission, when Douglas retired
in 2011, after 25 years at the helm.
During his tenure, Douglas successfully faced multiple attempts to oust him. Few believed Lester
could approach the level of fierce dedication that Douglas brought to the job.
Lester has now proved this wrong. He has demonstrated his ability to lead the agency,
particularly with the recent release of the Sea Level Rise Guidance Document, a document twoand-a-half years in the making, and a starting point for the state to deal with the immense
challenges that sea level rise will pose to the coast. The document was highly praised by
commissioners, and is a solid indicator that the man with the difficult job of administering the
Coastal Act is doing it well.
The opposition to Lester is said to be led by Gov. Browns appointee Wendy Mitchell, and his
ouster could lead to a political hack replacing him.
The irony here is that the Coastal Act of 1976 passed and was signed into law by Gov. Brown
during his first administration. It would not have passed the state Senate without last-minute
lobbying by Brown himself.
The independence of the commission has grated on more than one governor. Gov. George
Deukemejian campaigned against it, and drastically cut its funding once elected. Gov. Pete
Wilson took a shot at ousting Douglas when the Republicans took over the Assembly, but that
attempt failed in the face of overwhelming public support for Douglas.
A similar outpouring is what is needed now to support Charles Lester.
Theres a reason the California coast does not look like the Jersey shore or Miami Beach! Its
because, for 44 years, many projects (though not all) that would restrict coastal access, destroy
views or negatively affect wetlands and water quality, have been denied by the commission.
92 | P a g e
Should the California public allow that to change, so that the rich and famous, or large
corporations, have the greater say?
Does the coast actually belong to the people of California, or the wealthy few who can afford
coastal real estate?
Advertisement
Shall the future of the coast of California be determined by commissioners who more devotedly
serve major energy and development interests, such as Mitchell, among whose clients is PG&E,
infamous operator of Diablo Canyon nuclear power plant, relicensing for which will soon be
before the commission?
As a private citizen, she does not answer to the public.
What can the average beach-goer or surfer do to help prevent the dismissal of Lester?
First, one can call the governors office, or visit it online to make a comment.
Those who live or work in Marin County, should call the office of Marin County Supervisor
Steve Kinsey, the commissions chairman, and tell him you oppose ousting Lester.
If you can possibly make it to the Morro Bay hearing, please do so.
Do something! Do it now!
Californias coast matters. Raise your voice in the fight to save the coast.
Janet Bridgers is co-founder of Earth Alert, an environmental education and action
organization. Phyllis Faber of Mill Valley is a former member of the California Coastal
Commission.
http://www.marinij.com/opinion/20160128/marin-voice-coastal-chief-should-not-fall-victim-topolitical-ouster
93 | P a g e
PETITIONS
1.
Audubon
2.
Surfrider
3.
Change.org
4.
Change.org
5.
MoveOn.org
LETTERS
STATE CAPITOL
P. 0. BOX 942849
SACRAMENTO, CA 94249-0010
(916) 3192010
FAX (916) 319-2110
~ssemhlu
Qtalifnrnht Ifiegishtfure
EMAII..
Assembtymember.Levine@ assembty.ca.gov
MARC LEVINE
WEBSITE
www.assembly.ca.gov/Levine
ASSEMBLYMEMBER, TENTH DISTRICT
COMMITTEES
CHAIR: WATER, PARKS AND WILD.LIFE
GOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATION
HIGHER EDUCATION
AGING AND LONG TERM CARE
ARTS, ENTERTAINMENT. SPORTS,
TOURISM AND INTERNET MEDIA
SELECT COMMITTEES
CHAIR: CRAFT BREWING. AND DISTILLING
BIOTECHNOLOGY
CAMPUS CLIMATE
COASTAL PROTECTION
IMPROVING BAY AREA TRANSPORTATION
SYSTEMS
WINE
January 27,2016
Steve Kinsey
Chair, California Coastal Commission
45 Fremont Street #2000
San Francisco, CA 94105
Dear Mr. Kinsey:
This letter is to ask that as the California Coastal Commission contemplates Charles Lester's
tenure as your Executive Director, that the Commissioners consider Mr. Lester's track record as
he manages your staff, and that the Commission also look at the Commissioners' own record and
recent decisions.
Media accounts have reported that the Commissioners are primarily concerned that Mr. Lester
has demonstrated a lack of leadership. Please keep in mind that Mr. Lester acts only under the
authority and direction of the Commissioners. The leaders of the Commission are the Chair and
other Commissioners. The policies and direction of the Commission are determined by the
Commissioners, not by Commission staff.
The Commission's mission is one committed to "Protecting and enhancing Cal[fornia 's coast
and oceanfor present and future generations. It does so through careful planning and regulation
of environmentally-sustainable development, rigorous use o.lscience. strong public participa!i'on,
education, andeffective intergovernmental coordination."
With that mission in mind, Charles Lester has helped the Commission accomplish the following:
Worked with the Legislature to create the Commission's new Administrative Penalty
authority. This authority is being utilized to protect public access to the beach, and
multiple long-standing cases have been resolved without fines or penalties levied.
Helped secure a $3 million budget augmentation to support Local Coastal Program (LCP)
and Climate Change Adaptation Planning.
Improved and expanded the LCP Grant Program to assist local governments.
Prepared a Comprehensive Sea Level Rise Guidance document.
Prepared the Commission's first detailed Strategic Plan.
Implemented a new data management system. This new system provides planning and
permitting information to the publicand has increased the transparency of Commission
actions.
DISTRICT OFFICES: 3501 CIVIC CENTER DRIVE, ROOM 412 SAN RAFAEL, CA 94903 (415) 4794920 FAX (415) 4792123
1 1 ENGLISH STREET PETALUMA, CA 94952 (707) 576-2631
50 D STREET, SUITE 301 SANTA ROSA, CA 95404 (707) 576-2631
Printed on Recycled Paper
Steve Kinsey
January 27,2016
Page 2
Pursued streamlining regulations for LCPs. This streamlining has reduced the backlog
and processing time for permit appeals.
Conversely, lawmakers and the media have been critical of the following recent votes of the
Commission which are arguably contrary to the Commission's mission:
Approved U2 guitarist The Edge's proposal to build five homes on an undeveloped ridge
over Malibu. The project had been described as "one ofthe three worst projects ... in
terms of environmental devastation."
Approved a massive sand-replenishment project to protect multimillion dollar homes on
Malibu's Broad Beach. This was done without protecting public access should the
constructed dunes ever succumb to coastal erosion.
Approved the Monterey Bay Shores, a massive hotel and condominium resort in Sand
City on 40 acres of sand dunes south of Fort Ord Dunes State Park. This was done with
no documentation or plans to protect habitat, scenic views, and public access.
If the Commissioners are truly concerned about the policies and leadership at the Commission, I
urge the Commissioners to consider their own actions first before hastily pointing fingers at
Commission staff.
MARC LEVINE
Cc: Commissioners
708 Gravenstein Hwy., N

#168
Sebastopol, CA 95472
January 22,2016
Chair and Members

California Coastal Commission
45 Fremont Street, #2000
Re: Executive Director Charles Lester

Dear Chair Kinsey and Members:
I write to protest the proposal to remove Executive Director Charles Lester from his position.
As a State Senator, I worked closely with the California Coastal Commission for many years. I
worked both with the previous Executive Director and with Mr. Lester, both before he was
appointed ED and as ED of the Coastal Commission. Mr. Lester has always upheld the highest
standards of integrity and has always acted in the best interests of the public.
As Executive Director of the state agency charged with protection of California's coastline, it is
impossible to please all interests. But the California Coastal Act is clear that the Coastal
Commission must enforce the law to protect California's coast. It is not in the public's interest to
remove Mr. Lester from this position.
Please drop this misguided proposal and work with Mr. Lester and the public to continue
protecting California's coast for future generations.
Sincerely,
Noreen Evans
Former State Senator
BILL CRAVEN
MEMBERS
CHIEF CONSULTANT
JEFF STONE
VICE CHAIR
DENNIS O'CONNOR
BENJAMIN ALLEN
ROBERT M. HERTZBERG
BEN HUESO
HANNAHBETH JACKSON
BILL MONN!NG
ANDY.VIDAK
LOISWOLK
PRlNCIPAL.CONSIJL.TANT
KATHARINE MOORE
QJ:a:!ifo:rrti~ ~gisluture
~tttat,; <ltlnumittte
O:lt
~atura:l ~tspurte ~~it-~ttr
CONSULTANT
PATTY HANSON
COMMITTEE ASSISTANT
STATE CAPITOL
ROOM !5046
SACRAMENTO, CA 958!4
TEL (916) 6514116
F"AX (916}32.3'2232
FRANPAVLSY
CHAIR
January 27, 2016
Mr. Steve Kinsey, Supervisor and Chair

3501 Civic Center Drive, Suite 329
San Rafael, CA 94903-4193
RE: February 10111 hearing on Charles Lester's employment
Dear Coni&i~,
As aformer member of the Coastal Commission who survived the replacement hearing of Peter
Douglas, I wanted to shate with you my thoughts on your upcoming vote to replace Charles Lester as
the Executive Director of the Coastal Commission. Your decision is. not just about Mr. Lester, nor his
management style. Your decision may have far broader implications and unintended consequences that
will negatively impactthe hard fought protections of insuring an independent coastal commission and
staff.
I know firsthand of the intense pressure from well-funded special interests on commissioners and staff
with applications pending before the commission. I am concerned that a change of directors, at this
time, may undercut the staffs ability to make independent recommendations consistent with the Coastal
Act. It's our responsibility to insure the protection and public access of California's 1100 mile coastline.
I trust that you will carefully consider the long term impacts of your vote on this important matter.
Best regards,
/JJIII(.tfl,
Senator Fran Pavley
Senate District 27
cc:
Coastal Commission Executive Director an(l StatT
BILL CRAVEN
MEMBERS
CHIEF CONSULTANT
JEFF STONE
VICE CHAIR
BENJAMIN ALLEN
ROBERT M. HERTZBERG
BEN HUESO
HANNAH-BETH JACKSON
BILL MONNING
ANOYVIDAK
LOISWOLK
DENNIS o'CONNOR
PRINCIPAL CONSULTANT
KATHARINE MOORE
CONSULTANT
PATTY HANSON
~:enate ~itt:e:e
1llt
~atu~al ~t,tWfC:e$ al:W af~f
COMMITTEE ASSISTANT
STATE CAPITOL
ROOM5046
SACRAMENTO, CA 95814
TEL. (916) 6514116
FAX (916) 323-2232
FRAN PAVLEV
CHAIR
January 27, 2016
Dr. Charles Lester, Executive Director

45 Freemont Street, Suite 2000
San Francisco, CA 941 05
RE: February 1oth hearing on Charles Lester's employment

Dear Commissioners,
As a former member ofthe Coastal Commission who survived the replacement hearing of Peter
Douglas, I wanted to share with you my thoughts on your upcoming vote to replace Charles Lester as
the Executive Director of the Coastal Commission. Your decision is not just about Mr. Lester, nor his
management style. Your decision may have far broader implications and unintended consequences that
will negatively impact the hard fought protections of insuring an independent coastal commission and
staff.
I know firsthand of the intense pressure from well-funded special interests on commissioners and staff
with applications pending before the commission. I am concerned that a change of directors, at this
time, may undercut the staffs ability to make independent recommendations consistent with the Coastal
Act. It's our responsibility to insure the protection and public access of California's 1100 mile coastline.
I trust that you will carefully consider the long term impacts of your vote on this important matter.
Best regards,
Sci!::::.~
Senate District 27
cc:
Coastal Commission Executive Director and Staff
From:
Sent:
To:
Cc:
Subject:
Attachments:
Amy Trainer <calcoastaladvocates@gmail.com>

Monday, January 25, 2016 9:17PM
StatusOfExecutiveDirector@Coastal
Stefanie Sekich-Quinn; Susan Jordan; Lester, Charles@Coastal
Statewide NGO Letter in Support of Dr. Lester
FINAL NGO Letter CCC ED Jan 26 2016.pdf
Dear Coastal Commissioners,
Please see attached letter from dozens of California organizations.

Thank you,
Amy
Amy Trainer
(415) 306-6052
SJ
The
city
Project
SURFRIDER
FOUNDATION
':~
..
;;. n
.i.. f ~ .. ~&
FUTURES
rT'f,"~
""""'. ."'""' '"
SPhR.C
10~ Hispanic ENVIRON~'1~~,~7AL

~ ,\0 Access LEADERS "''''""
Q.,;
-[i]~
Foun d ati on
SPARCinLA.org
~taCERF
m
o
rna rin
C
"
SOCIETY
~
Heal the Bay
'CLEAN WATER AC TION
COASTAL !NVIRDNM!NTAL RIGHT
west
C.ous HAu 's
OCEAN
LATXNO ENVl:IUlNmt:NTA L f.V\J O

C:DNSEil.Vf.\TlDN ADVGCf.\T E S
ego DIVERSE
DEFENSE COUNCIL
JAH~M O tltl
'
'
GREEN LATJ:NI!IS
.,.~
~~~!:?u~
lM-9)
CALIFORNIA
,-.. f.>
c. o u ,.., r
COAST KEEPER
environmental
acUou
conunUtoo
' Banning Ranch
- ~DNSE RVANCY
)
A~--
Audubon
CAL I FORNIA
<!:(;>
SA N FRANCI SCO
SAN
BAYKEEPER~
DIEGO
COASTKEEPER'
,. . . .~~
...
COMMITTEE FOR
~FORNI A
GREEN FOOTHILLS
COASTKEEPER.
ALLIANCE
A State wide Voi<e for Our Waters
IN~~d
EIOpiREWATERKEEPER.
.1.....-w..."'J !:{'-'.ftlir.!
.,.,..,....,.li e 1<r.!tur...... ' "'..k<a..-:
ENVIRONMENT
CALIFOHNIA
LOS
CElt.RfT O S
\VE '.rl~ A !:'DS
I..AND
Tk.l1 S T
Environment Now
CA LIFORNIA
N ATIVE l'LANl SOCIETY
@
day one
G REE N BELT AL LI A NCE
Mr. Steve Kinsey

Via email: StatusOfExecutiveDirector@coastal.ca.gov
RE: Support for California Coastal Commission Executive Director Dr. Charles Lester
Dear Chair Kinsey,

We write to you on this 40th anniversary of the California Coastal Act- a world-renowned
environmental law enacted under Governor Jerry Brown's leadership in 1976- to voice our pride in
California's long history of global leadership in coastal protection and our strong support for
California Coastal Commission Executive Director, Dr. Charles Lester. Our organizations represent
millions of Californians from all over the state, from inland and urban residents to rural coastal
dwellers. We are deeply concerned over the unjustified and misguided attempt currently underway
to oust Dr. Lester as Executive Director of the Coastal Commission.
Under Dr. Lester's leadership since September 2011, the Coastal Commission has successfully
applied the new administrative penalty authority in 2014 to remedy violations of public access,
completed a state-of-the-art guidance document to help local governments better plan for and
adapt to sea level rise and the impacts of climate change, and made tremendous strides in updating
Local Coastal Plans for 24 cities/counties across California thanks to new funding from the
Legislature. The Commission has increased public transparency by creating a modern database
that provides the public easier online access to information on projects, improved interagency
collaboration, and significantly reduced processing times for permits and appeals.
Threats to our coast and ocean have never been more pressing. A changing climate is bringing
rising sea levels, ocean acidification, and greater vulnerability to all of our coastal resources. Firing
the Coastal Commission's Executive Director would undermine our state's effectiveness on coastal
protection at a time when the need for such protection is at an all-time high. There is no public
record that Dr. Lester's performance as Executive Director is anything but exemplary.
The Commission's 2015 sea level policy recognizes that coastal planning decisions must respond to
environmental justice concerns and include low-income persons and communities in planning
efforts. It was a condition of California joining the Union that beaches remain public. Yet much of
the California coast was off limits to people of color for much of the twentieth century through
discriminatory housing and mortgage restrictions. Commission staff are working with diverse allies
to preserve and broaden public access.
Thank you for your support of the Coastal Commission's leadership to address climate change. We
urge your continued support for the fundamental tenets of the California Coastal Act- protection of
coastal access and coastal resources for all Californians - now and in the future. And we urge you to
support Executive Director Charles Lester and his entire team in their continued efforts to achieve
these goals. Please do not hesitate to contact us with questions. You may directly contact Susan
Jordan at sjordan@coastaladvocates.com and Stefanie Sekich-Quinn at Ssekich@surfrider.org.
Very respectfully,
Stefanie SekichQuinn
Surfrider Foundation
Susan Jordan
CA Coastal Protection Network
Robert Garcia
The City Project
Marce Gutierrez-Graudh,ts
Azul
Mark Magana
Green Latinos
Xavier Morales, Ph.D

Latinos Coalition for a Healthy CA
Maite Arce
Hispanic Access Foundation
Jeffrey Williams
Black Surfers Collective
Ruben D. Arvizu
Jean-Michel Cousteau's Ocean Futures Society
Kathryn Philips
Sierra Club California
Amy Trainer
Environmental Action Committee of West Marin
Sarah Abramson Sikich

Heal the Bay
Debra Padilla
Social and Public Art Resource Center
Teresa Baker
African American Nat'! Parks Event
Dan Jacobsen
Environment California
Annie Notthoff
Natural Resources Defense Council
Matt O'Malley
San Diego CoastKeeper
Marco Gonzalez
Coastal Environmental Rights Fnd.
Lennie Roberts
Committee for Green Foothills
Jennifer Kalt
Humboldt Baykeeper
Dan Silver
Endangered Habitats League
Miyoko Sakashita
Center for Biological Diversity
Jay Ziegler
The Nature Conservancy
Dorothy Kraus
Quality of Life Residents Coalition
Jean Watt
Friends of Harbors, Beaches and Parks
Jerry Collamer
Wild Heritage Planners
jack Eidt,
SoCal350 Climate Action
Jessica Aldridge
Burbank Green Alliance
Miriam Gordon
Clean Water Action I Clean Water Fund
Kim Delfino
Defenders of Wildlife
Sara Aminzadeh
California CoastKeeper Alliance.
Megan Brousseau,
Inland WaterKepper
Garry Brown
Orange County CoastKeeper
Sejal Choksi-Chugh
San Francisco Baykeeper
Don McEnhill
Russian Riverkeeper
Johanna Felder
Village Laguna
Pam Heatherington
Environmental Center of San Diego
Todd Steiner
Turtle Island Restoration Network
Peter Fugazzotto
Salmon Protection And Watershed Network
Ron Sundergill
National Parks Conservation Assc.
Linda Sheehan
Mike Lynes
Earth Law Center
Audubon California
John C. Philo
Sugar Law Center for Economic & Social Justice
Owen Bailey
Environmental Defense Center
Pete Shoemaker
Pacificans for Highway 1 Alternatives
Robert Vogel
Friends of College Cove
Rick Frickmann
Santa Barbara Urban Creeks Council
Jeff Kuyper
Los Padres ForestWatch
Larry Glass
NorthCoast Environmental Center
Lisa Hoyos
Climate Parents
D. Rick Van Schoik

North American Research Partnership
Marc Brenman
Social Justice Consultants
Suzanne Forster
Banning Ranch Conservancy
Jim Mosher
Stop Polluting Our Newport
Marko Popovich
Still Protecting Our Newport
WILD COAST
Nancy Negrete
Anahuak Youth Sport Association
Mark Williams
Concerned Citizens of South LA
Terry L. Cooper, Ph.D .

The Maria B. Crutcher Professor
USC Price School of Public Policy
Audrey Peterman
Diverse Environmental Leadership
Caryn Mandelbaum
Environment Now
Elizabeth Lambe
Los Cerritos Wetlands Land Trust
Wesley Reutimann
day one
Greg Suba
California Native Plant Society
Scott Greacen
Friends of the Eel River
Pam Heatherington
ECO San Diego
Jeremy Madsen
Greenbelt Alliance
Melanie Winter
The River Project
Zachary Plop per
Cc: Governor Jerry Brown

California Resources Secretary John Laird
Senate Pro Tern Kevin de Leon
Assembly Speaker Toni Atkins
Assembly Speaker-elect Anthony Rendon
Dr. Charles Lester, Executive Director, California Coastal Commission
From:
Sent:
To:
Cc:
Subject:
Attachments:
Greg Helms <ghelms@oceanconservancy.org>

Tuesday, January 26, 2016 11:53 AM
Statu sOfExecutiveDi rector@ Coastal
George Leonard
Commisison Item #8 Feb 10 Comment -- Executive Director Dismissal
final OC Ltr to Gov Brown Supporting LesterFINAL_ghl.docx
Good morning: Please accept the attached comment letter into the record for Item #8 for February
Commission Agenda item.
Thank you very much.
Greg Helms
Manager, Fish Conservation Program
1528 Castillo Street
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
0: 805.963.4332
Mobile: 805.886-8645
ghelms@oceanconservancy.org
Web Facebook Twitter
10th
Coastal
4!:='~'t
--
725 Front Street

Suite 201
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
lj..A,.
~~d
"iJl~7
Ocean Conservancy
831.854.4630 Telephone
831.425.5604 Facsimilie
www.oceanconservancy.org
January 25, 2016

Chair Steve Kinsey
45 Freemont Street #2000
Via email StatusOfExecutiveDirector@coastal.ca.gov
RE: SUPPORT for Dr. Charles Lester, Executive Director, California Coastal Commission
Dear Honorable Governor Brown:
Ocean Conservancl is proud of California's long history of global leadership on coastal and
ocean protection -leadership that largely flows from implementing the visi6n of the California
Coastal Act of 1976 (Coastal Act or Act). However, this 40 year record of conservation and
planning is threatened by recent efforts to terminate Coastal Commission Executive Director Dr.
Charles Lester. There is no public record that Dr. Lester's performance as Executive Directors is
anything but exemplary. The Coastal Commission's staff and its Executive Director must remain
independent of political interference if they are to continue to effectively uphold the
requirements ofthe Act and protect our State's coastal resources.
rising sea levels, increasing ocean acidification, and greater vulnerability to all of our coastal
resources. The means to address and mitigate the effects of climate change are emerging in
part as a result of a diversity of California agencies, universities and other initiatives including
the California Coastal Commission. The Coastal Commission plays a central role among these
efforts, including its Sea Level Rise guidance document, which is providing vital guidance to
local governments to plan and adapt to sea level rise. The Commission's plans to make
permanent 25 positions focused on planning and responding to sea level rise is a testament to
the importance of addressing climate change's impact on California's future.
Removing the Coastal Commission's highly effective and highly qualified Executive Director at
this time would undermine our state's effectiveness on coastal protection. Under Dr. Lester's
effective leadership, the Commission serves as a focal point and leader for a constellation of
1
Ocean Conservancy is a non-profit organization that educates and empowers citizens to take action on behalf of
the ocean. From the Arctic to the Gulf of Mexico to the halls of Congress, Ocean Conservancy brings people
together to find solutions for our water planet. Informed by science, our work guides policy and engages people in
protecting the ocean and its wildlife for future generations.
2
local agencies, programs and resources for protection of our State's world-class coast and the
globally significant economic activity it supports. Our priority is for continuity and stability in
leadership in organizational effectiveness to maintain this important investment- originally
enacted under your leadership decades ago- to meet the crucial coastal protection challenges
of today and tomorrow.
Thank you for your decades of environmental leadership, your bold steps to address climate
change, and your continued support of the fundamental tenants of the California Coastal Act.
We urge you to support Executive Director Charles Lester and his entire team in their continued
efforts to achieve these goals.
Very respectfully,
Greg
George H. Leonard, PhD

Chief Scientist
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Attachments:
Stop Polluting Our Newport <Info@SPON-NewportBeach.org>

Monday, January 25, 2016 7:58 AM
Dr. Charles Lester Termination Proceedings
Coasta1Comm_Lester_160125.pdf
Dear Chair Kinsey, Vice-Chair Bochco and Commissioners:

Attached for your review and consideration is SPON's letter voicing our strong support for Dr. Charles Lester as the
Executive Director of the California Coastal Commission .
By firing Dr. Lester without cause, the Coastal Commission undermines their own mission and creates an unmistakable
message to California that money and influence trump the public good.
SPON respectfully requests that Dr. Lester be maintained as Executive Director of the California Coastal Commission.
Sincerely,
~p~
President
PO Box 102
I Balboa Island, CA
92662
I 949.864.6616
I lnfo@SPON-NewportBeach.org
Facebook SPON-Newport Beach I Twitter @SPONNewport
www.SPON-NewportBeach.org
STOP POLLUTING OuR NEWPORT (SPON) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit public education organization working to protect and preserve the residentia l and
environmental qualities of Newport Beach .
---------
PO
Box
102
Balboa
Island,
CA
92662
949.864.6616
January 25, 2016

OFFICERS
PRESIDENT
Marko Popovich
To: Coastal Commission

Subject: Dr. Charles Lester Termination Proceedings
VICE PRESIDENT
Elaine Linhoff
Dear Chair Kinsey, Vice-Chair Bochco, and Commissioners:
TREASURER
Stop Polluting Our Newport (SPON) was founded in 1974 and is dedicated to preserving
the existing charm and beauty of Newport Beach. Protection and preservation of the
City's residential character and unique coastline splendor is SPON's mission to ensure
that Newport Beach remains an unparalleled place to live, visit and work.
Dennis Baker
SECRETARY
Allan Beek
BOARD MEMBERS
Nancy Alston
Don Harvey
Dorothy Kraus
Donald Krotee
Andrea Lingle
Bobby Lovell
Jeanne Price
Melinda Seely
Jack Skinner
Nancy Skinner
Jean Watt
Portia Weiss
Terry Welsh
We are writing to voice our strong support for Dr. Charles Lester as the Executive Director
of the California Coastal Commission.
The California Coastal Commission has done a remarkable job in protecting the California
coast for the public while balancing the needs and desires of those who wish to develop
along the coast including here in our town. Without these checks and balances, our
coastline could easily be slowly walled off from the public behind high-rise buildings and
gated stairs. Instead, the public has maintained their access to enjoy our spectacular
coastline.
This balancing act does not receive accolades from everyone. Indeed, many developers
chafe at the restrictions placed on their projects from the Coastal Commission. It is these
moneyed interests who are behind the push to terminate Dr. Charles Lester, presumably
to replace him with an Executive Director more malleable and protective of their
interests.
A 501(c)(3) non-profit public education organization working to protect and preserve the residential and
environmental qualities of Newport Beach.
FB SPON-Newport Beach I Twitter @SPONNewport
PO
Box
102
Balboa
Island,
CA
92662
949.864.6616
January 25, 2016
Coastal Commission
Page 2
California beaches belong to the public and it is incumbent on the Coastal Commission to maintain a fair and
balanced approach to both the development and the protection of our coast. As the Executive Director serves
at the pleasure of the Commission, it is inherently obvious that an undeserved termination initiated by
Commissioners sympathetic to developers will serve as a poignant warning to the next Executive Director
where his or her priorities should lie.
By firing Dr. Lester without cause, the Coastal Commission undermines their own mission and creates an
unmistakable message to California that money and influence trump the public good. SPON respectfully
requests that Dr. Lester be maintained as Executive Director of the California Coastal Commission.
Sincerely,
~'P~
President
A 501(c)(3) non-profit public education organization working to protect and preserve the residential and
environmental qualities of Newport Beach.
FB SPON-Newport Beach I Twitter @SPONNewport
Elizabeth Bettenhausen, Ph.D.

345 Plymouth Street
Cambria, CA 93428
elizabethbettenhausen@gmail.cQm
22 January 2016
Members of the California Coastal Commission

RE: 10 Feb. 2016, Item 8: Consideration of Dismissal ofthe Executive Director
Dear Commissioners:
On Wednesdays I volunteer with 2nd graders in two classes to help them with reading, math, and
writing. I also bring a half hour of science exploration to seven classes of 1st, znct, and 3rd grade students at
the Cambria Grammar School. We are now studying ocean acidification in 3rd grade experiments, elephant
What do you think might have caused the

scars on this Alpha male Elephant Seal at Arroyo
Laguna? Some children thought a boat propeller
made the wounds, while others thought a shark
tried to eat it. Again and again the students mention
the possibility that human actions damage ocean
life. They don't want so much carbon dioxide
mixing with ocean water. "Bad acid makes the crabs
shells sick." The children wrote to President Obama
about the sea stars disappearing and asked him to
stop ocean pollution.
You well know the fragility of the coast of California. Like Alpha males rolling over newborn
elephant seals on the sand, our life styles put great weight on the air, water, and land and their residents.
The 2nct graders will take a field trip to the Piedras Blancas elephant seal rookery on January 28th and visit
the NOAA Discovery Center on the way back. They are writing and drawing books about elephant seals.
They want to know how they can help endangered species recover like the elephant seals did. A girl in 3rd
grade told me on the school bus one afternoon, "We could all walk to school. That would keep the air clean."
She lives in a motel 8 miles from school.
In all your deliberations, please keep in mind the encyclical Pope Francis issued last year, Laudato
Si', "On Care for Our Common Home." As you consider the tensions between economic development and
ecosystems in California, attend to his warning: "If we approach nature and the environment without this
openness to awe and wonder, ifwe no longer speak the language of fraternity and beauty in our
relationship with the world, our attitude will be that of masters, consumers, ruthless exploiters, unable to
set limits on their immediate needs" (11). In your deliberations, keep in mind the Paris Agreement. We
must reduce our abuse. In your deliberations, keep in mind the children and how you care for them and
their home, our common home.
Executive Director Dr. Charles Lester's commitment to sustaining and invigorating our common home has
earned our highest respect. May you all help the future of California and our role in Earth's well-being by
affirming his appointment and empowering his leadership.
With gratitude to you for your public service, I am
Sincerely yours,
~~~~
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Kira Redmond <kira@sbck.org>

Wednesday, January 27, 2016 2:33 PM
Support for California Coastal Program Executive Director Dr. Charles Lester
Dear Coastal Commission Chair Kinsey,

I write to you on this 40th anniversary of the California Coastal Act to voice my pride in California's long history of
global leadership in coastal protection and my strong support for California Coastal Commission Executive
Director, Dr. Charles Lester. My organization, Santa Barbara Channelkeeper, represents nearly 1,000 Californians
from Santa Barbara and Ventura counties who are deeply concerned over the unjustified and misguided attempt
currently underway to terminate Dr. Lester.
Under Dr. Lester's leadership, the Coastal Commission has successfully applied its new administrative penalty
authority to remedy violations of public access, completed a state-of-the-art guidance document to help local
governments better plan for and adapt to sea level rise and the impacts of climate change, and made tremendous
strides in updating Local Coastal Plans for 24 cities/ counties across California. The Commission has increased
public transparency by creating a modern database that provides the public easier access to information on
projects, improved interagency collaboration, and significantly reduced processing times for permits and appeals.
Threats to our coast and ocean have never been more pressing. A changing climate is bringing rising sea levels,
ocean acidification, and greater vulnerability to all of our coastal resources. Firing the Coastal Commission's
Executive Director would undermine our state's effectiveness on coastal protection at a time when the need for
such protection is at an all-time high.
I urge your continued support for the fundamental tenants of the California Coastal Act- protection of coastal
access and coastal resources for all Californians - now and in the future - and I strongly urge you to support
Executive Director Charles Lester and his entire team in their continued efforts to achieve these goals.
Sincerely,
Kira Redmond
Executive Director
Santa Barbara Channelkeeper
714 Bond Avenue
Santa Barbara, CA 931 03
Tel: 805.563.3377 ext.1
Fax: 805.687.5635
www. sbck. org
> <((((0> ............... ><((((D> ...... ' .. .
Protecting and restoring the Santa Barbara Channel and its watersheds
Mr. Steve Kinsey, Chair

45 Fremont Street, Suite 2000
January 27, 2016
Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr.

State Capitol, Suite 1173
Sacramento, CA 94814
RE: Removal of California Coastal Commission
Executive Director Charles Lester
Dear Chairman Kinsey and Governor Brown:
On behalf of the International Marine Mammal Project of Earth Island
Institute, we would like to state our strong opposition to removing Executive
Director Charles Lester as Executive Director of the California Coastal Commission.
We believe Director Lester has worked well with the Commission, staff and
the public to implement the environmental and public access provisions of the
California Coastal Act in a fair and competent manner. We see no reason to remove
him.
As you know, SeaWorld has been active in opposing actions of the
Commission to ban forced breeding of their captive orcas and ban removals of orcas
(such as splitting baby orcas from their mothers) from the San Diego facility.
SeaWorld is actively suing the Commission over this provision.
We are deeply concerned that removing Director Lester will undermine the
efforts of the Commission and the state of California to protect the coast, protect
marine life including whales and dolphins, and may lead to reversal of the decision
that SeaWorld so vehemently opposes.
Thank you for your consideration of our concerns.
P4iP
David Phillips
Executive Director
International Marine Mammal Project

Earth Island Institute
David Brower Center
2150AIIston Way, Suite 460
Berkeley, CA 947041302 USA
Tel: 5108599100
Fax: 5108599093
Printed on recycled paper
Sincerely,
~~
Ma6;;~r
Associate Director

By email
StatusOfExecutiveDirector@coastal.ca.gov.
January 27, 2016
Our coast belongs to all Californians. The Coastal Commission enforces the Coastal Act,
arguably the most important coastal protection law in the nation. The Coastal Commission's
independent, professional staff has been central to our ability to protect public access, open
space and to ensure compliance with the Coastal Act.
Over the last several years, under the direction of Executive Director Dr. Charles Lester, the
Commission's staff has been extraordinarily effective; staff has embraced challenging new
responsibilities to deal with climate change and public access, there is an unprecedented
level of transparency to the public and more than 90% of all development projects
presented have been approved. I was alarmed and dismayed to hear that in spite of this,
the Commission is considering the termination of Dr. Lester, without reason.
This attack on the professional staff is an attack on fair governance, the Coastal Act and
California's coastal access and open space. Dr. Lester and his staff represent the public
interest and it is vital that they have the ability to act independently and without fear of
political reprisal for their efforts to uphold state law.
I urge you to stand up for the independence of staff. Please ensure a fully transparent and
open process and retain Dr. Lester who has performed his duties with admirable result
since assuming the Executive Director position in 2011.
Sincerely,
Shelley Luce, D.Env.

Executive Director
'ct1on. Results~ Change.
12400 Wilshire Boulevard
Suite 650
Los Angeles,CA 90025
tei310.829.SS68
fax 310.829.6820
erwironment!1QW.org
Stefanie Sekich-Quinn <ssekich@surfrider.org >

Mary Luevano; Mary; Effie Turnbull; Wendy Mitchell; erik@erikhowell.com;
mmcclure@co.del-norte.ca.us; Roberto Uranga; Steve Kinsey; Mark Vargas;
Gregcoastal@sdcounty.ca.gov; Carole Groom; Dayna Bochco
Updated Support Letter For Dr. Lester
NGO Ltr Supporting LesterFINAL_Logos.compressed.pdf
From:
Sent:
To:
Cc:
Subject:
Attachments:
Dear Commissioners,
Attached please find a letter from a diverse coalition of 76 organization supporting Dr. Lester's continued
employment at the Commission.
On January 25 we sent this letter to the StatusOfExecutiveDirector@coastal.ca.gov. Since submitting that
letter, we received a dozen more sign ons, and we wanted to send you the updated letter directly.
Thank you in advance for your consideration.
Best regards,
Stefanie
Stefanie Sekich-Quinn 1 Coastal Preservation Manager I Surfrider Foundation
619-807-0551
1 Ssekich@surfrider.org
_)
t.~!!~
iJ
.
iURFRIOER
Th
~ION
:. Dlll'liJI.I;C;oultCIL
City
Projct
DIVERSE
ENVIRONMENTAL
LEADERS :~..W:~''
ON_CERNED
'riZENS OF
~H .CENTAAl!OSANGflS
~~
!:NVIHONMENT
c!
~"~FORNIA
it
'
._
}'
ncEANA
Protecting the
'-'
World'sOceans
COASTKEEPER.
ALLIANCE
A Statewide '.bke for Our Waters
COASTKEEPER
heNature(IJ
:onservancy .:;-/
otecting nature. Preserving life.
COMMITTEE FOR
GREEN FOOTHILLS
.~ ( Bar_
g_--.Raneb
._ ullll
_..... ..
/ lli!"CPNSEr\'VANCV
L. O S
ClRI\IT O ,
W Jl.T IC AN I tS
L--,;._;_~,po -=-r a. u ; r
""'
l.'J'
N "' """' " ""' -
"
"'
GREE'N'BELT A.l l l ANCE
IUR~l~
@
day one
,,11,"1'\.E ISlA
~ '-'s,o'R,t.TlON NIT~ f"W/j
.~ ~oJr
ffN
~Atilsli &~ til
61khdrn Slcweh
s~>tr~ a~~-..-,.
llaBAN Clir. t;I:!I C'OUN(ll
"
r------,
I
'
_j
January 26, 2016

Mr. Steve Kinsey
Via email: StatusOfExecutiveDirector@coastal.ca.gov
RE: Support for California Coastal Commission Executive Director Dr. Charles Lester
Dear Chair Kinsey,
We write to you on this 40th anniversary of the California Coastal Act- a world-renowned
environmental law enacted under Governor Jerry Brown's leadership in 1976- to voice our pride in
California's long history of global leadership in coastal protection and our strong support for
California Coastal Commission Executive Director, Dr. Charles Lester. Our organizations represent
millions of Californians from all over the state, from inland and urban residents to rural coastal
dwellers. We are deeply concerned over the unjustified and misguided attempt currently underway
to oust Dr. Lester as Executive Director of the Coastal Commission.
Under Dr. Lester's leadership since September 2011, the Coastal Commission has successfully
applied the new administrative penalty authority in 2014 to remedy violations of public access,
completed a state-of-the-art guidance document to help local governments better plan for and
adapt to sea level rise and the impacts of climate change, and made tremendous strides in updating
Local Coastal Plans for 24 cities/counties across California thanks to new funding from the
Legislature. The Commission has increased public transparency by creating a modern database
that provides the public easier online access to information on projects, improved interagency
collaboration, and significantly reduced processing times for permits and appeals.
rising sea levels, ocean acidification, and greater vulnerability to all of our coastal resources. Firing
the Coastal Commission's Executive Director would undermine our state's effectiveness on coastal
protection at a time when the need for such protection is at an all-time high. There is no public
record that Dr. Lester's performance as Executive Director is anything but exemplary.
The Commission's 2015 sea level policy recognizes that coastal planning decisions must respond to
environmental justice concerns and include low-income persons and communities in planning
efforts. It was a condition of California joining the Union that beaches remain public. Yet much of
the California coast was off limits to people of color for much of the twentieth century through
discriminatory housing and mortgage restrictions. Commission staff are working with diverse allies
to preserve and broaden public access.
Thank you for your support of the Coastal Commission's leadership to address climate change. We
urge your continued support for the fundamental tenets of the California Coastal Act- protection of
coastal access and coastal resources for all Californians - now and in the future. And we urge you to
support Executive Director Charles Lester and his entire team in their continued efforts to achieve
these goals. Please do not hesitate to contact us with questions. You may directly contact Susan
Jordan at sjordan@coastaladvocates.com and Stefanie Sekich-Quinn at Ssekich@surfrider.org.
Very respectfully,
Stefanie Sekich-Quinn
Surfrider Foundation
Susan Jordan
CA Coastal Protection Network
Robert Garcia
The City Project
Marce Gutierrez-Graudil}.s
Azul
Linda Sheehan
Earth Law Center
Mike Lynes
Audubon California
I ohn C. Philo
Sugar Law Center for Economic & Social Justice
Owen Bailey
Environmental Defense Center
Pete Shoemaker
Pacificans for Highway 1 Alternatives
Robert Vogel
FriendsofCollegeCove
Rick Frickmann
Santa Barbara Urban Creeks Council
Jeff Kuyper
Los Padres ForestWatch
Larry Glass
NorthCoast Environmental Center
Lisa Hoyos
Climate Parents
D. Rick Van Schoik

North American Research Partnership
Marc Brenman
Social Justice Consultants
Suzanne Forster
Banning Ranch Conservancy
Jim Mosher
Stop Polluting Our Newport
Marko Popovich
Still Protecting Our Newport
WILD COAST
Nancy Negrete
Anahuak Youth Sport Association
Mark Williams
Concerned Citizens of South LA

The Maria B. Crutcher Professor
Audrey Peterman
Diverse Environmental Leadership
Caryn Mandelbaum
Environment Now
Elizabeth Lambe
Los Cerritos Wetlands Land Trust
Wesley Reutimann
day one
Greg Suba
California Native Plant Society
Scott Greacen
Friends of the Eel River
Pam Heatherington
ECO San Diego
Jeremy Madsen
Greenbelt Alliance
Melanie Winter
The River Project
Geoff Shester
Oceana
Mari Kloeppel
FANS of Elkhorn Slough
Dan York
The Wildlands Conservancy
Jason A. Weiner
Wishtoyo Foundation
Katie Johnson
Amigos de los Rios
Jason Weiner
Ventura Coastkeeper
Peter Loeb
Pacificans for a Scenic Coast
Kira Redmond
Santa Barbara Channelkeeper
Zachary Plopper
Mark Magana
Green Latinos
Xavier Morales, Ph.D

Latinos Coalition for a Healthy CA
Maite Arce
Hispanic Access Foundation
Jeffrey Williams
Black Surfers Collective
Ruben D. Arvizu
Jean-Michel Cousteau's Ocean Futures Society
Kathryn Philips
Sierra Club California
Amy Trainer
Environmental Action Committee of West Marin
Sarah Abramson Sikich

Heal the Bay
Debra Padilla
Social and Public Art Resource Center
Teresa Baker
African American Nat'l Parks Event
Dan Jacobsen
Environment California
Annie Notthoff
Natural Resources Defense Council
Matt O'Malley
San Diego CoastKeeper
Marco Gonzalez
Coastal Environmental Rights Fnd.
Lennie Roberts
Jennifer Kalt
Humboldt Baykeeper
Dan Silver
Endangered Habitats League
Miyoko Sakashita
Jay Ziegler
The Nature Conservancy
Dorothy Kraus
Quality of Life Residents Coalition
Jean Watt
Friends of Harbors, Beaches and Parks
Jerry Collamer
Wild Heritage Planners
Jack Eidt,
SoCal 350 Climate Action
Jessica Aldridge
Burbank Green Alliance
Miriam Gordon
Clean Water Action I Clean Water Fund
Kim Delfino
Defenders of Wildlife
Sara Aminzadeh
California CoastKeeper Alliance.
Megan Brousseau,
Inland WaterKepper
Garry Brown
Orange County CoastKeeper
Sejal Choksi-Chugh
San Francisco Baykeeper
Don McEnhill
Russian Riverkeeper
Johanna Felder
Village Laguna
Pam Heatherington
Environmental Center of San Diego
Todd Steiner
Turtle Island Restoration Network
Peter Fugazzotto
Salmon Protection And Watershed Network
Ron Sundergill
National Parks Conservation Ass c.
Cc: Governor Jerry Brown

California Resources Secretary John Laird
Senate Pro Tern Kevin de Leon
Assembly Speaker Toni Atkins
Assembly Speaker-elect Anthony Rendon
Dr. Charles Lester, Executive Director, California Coastal Commission
WATERKEEPE~ALLIANCE
February 10, 2016

Steve Kinsey, Chair
1121 L Street #503,
RE:
Support for CA Coastal Commission Executive Director Dr. Charles Lester
Dear Chairman Kinsey,

As we celebrate 40 years of coastal protection in California, I write, on behalf of Waterkeeper
Alliance, to express our deep concern over what appears to be an unjustified attempt to
terminate California Coastal Commission Director Dr. Charles Lester. Waterkeeper Alliance is
the umbrella group for 277 citizen organizations that patrol and protect local waterways in 34
countries. In California, twelve Waterkeeper organizations, organized as the California
Coastkeeper Alliance, patrol and safeguard the California Coast from San Diego to the Oregon
border. Waterkeepers in California work with their communities daily to protect the coastal
commons from unwise development, and to ensure that every Californian has opportunity to
use and enjoy the coast as a fundamental right.
This work is only possible if the California Coastal Commission remains transparent and
accountable. We are deeply troubled by the campaign to oust Dr. Lester, a maneuver that
threatens to subvert the independence and integrity of the California Coastal Commission. Dr.
Lester has been an effective and vocal champion for public welfare, beginning with
sustainable management of the coastal commons. The campaign against Dr. Lester has been
doggedly pursued by the same special interests who, for years have sought to take control of
the Commission, and derail it from its central mission of safeguarding the public's trust assets;
the shoreline and marine ecosystems.
Deposing Dr. Lester will muzzle his eloquent voice and put the Coastal Commission squarely
in the hands of coastal developers. It will send the signal that those with the courage to stand
up to well connected corporate tycoons will be crushed by government power. It will subvert
CLEAN WATER STRONG COMMUNITIES

17 Battery Place, Suite 1329, New York, NY 10004 Tel. 212.747.0622 Fax 212.747.0611 www.waterkeeper.org
the intent of the California Coastal Act. That landmark statute formally recognizes that the
coast belongs to every California and may not be privatized by rich and powerful developers
or corporations. The Coastal Act helped make California an international template for coastal
protection and public rights of access to coastal resources. Defending the C<;>astal
Commission and Coastal Act is an essential safeguard of democracy, justice, and civil rights.
Concerned Californians and coastal communities around the world are watching what we do.
We ask you to protect California's noble legacy of coastal protection. We urge you to support
Executive Director Charles Lester and his team in their continued efforts to preserve our coast.
Sincerely,
Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

President
CLEAN WATER 6 STRONG COMMUNITIES

17 Battery Place. Sulta 1329, New YOflt. NY 10004 Tel. 212.747.0622 Fax 212.747.()611 www.watarbepar.org
----------------------------------~------~-----
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
-----
---
Elisabeth Bechmann <elisabeth.bechmann@kstp.at>

Wednesday, January 27, 2016 11:30 AM
Please Support Executive Director Dr. Charles Lester
Dear California Coastal Commission,

I am writing to urge you to oppose any effort to terminate the California Coastal Commission's Executive Director Dr.
Charles Lester. I support the Coastal Act and the many accomplishments of your commission under his direction
protecting the wild and keeping development in check.
As you know the California Coastal Act is the strongest law of its kind in the world. Created by initiative in 1976, it
reflects the need to protect our state's treasured coasts and wildlife, from whales and dolphins to sea otters and sea
turtles. And for 40 years the Act has done just that. It has successfully prevented overdevelopment, protected imperiled
species and critical habitat, and ensured access for everyone who loves and depends on the ocean.
Ousting your director will disrupt important work and leave the commission in turmoil. Please stand with Executive
Director Dr. Lester.
Sincerely,
Elisabeth Bechmann
Neugebaudeplatz
St. Poelten, ot 03100
AT
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Holly Sletteland <hslettel@calpoly.edu>

Please retain Dr. Lester as Executive Director!
Dear Commissioners,
I am writing to let you know that I was very dismayed to read in the paper about the letter from
Chairman Steve Kinsey informing Executive Director Dr. Charles Lester that the commissioners
planned to discuss his termination in closed session at their upcoming February meeting. I'm glad
that Dr. Lester opted to exercise his right to a public hearing, as I can't imagine the Commissioner's
grievances will hold up under public scrutiny in the light of day.
By all accounts of people I know who have worked for him or with him, Dr. Lester has been a very
successful leader of the organization. He has some major accomplishments under his belt, including
managing the development of a guidance document for adapting to sea level rise associated with
climate change, winning new authority for the agency to issue fines for violations of coastal law and
securing a $3 million dollar budget increase for the agency this year. More importantly in my view, he
has been firm in upholding the Coastal Act by supporting staff recommendations to deny or modify
some ill-conceived development projects. He undoubtedly ruffled a few feathers in the process and
one can't help but speculate that this might have some bearing on the move to terminate him.
Dr. Lester should not be faulted for doing his job. It seems to me he has squarely met the mandate of
the Coastal Commission as stated on your web page:
"The Commission is committed to protecting and enhancing California's coast and ocean for present
and future generations. It does so through careful planning and regulation of environmentallysustainable development, rigorous use of science, strong public participation, education, and
effective intergovernmental coordination."
This mandate should guide the actions of each of you commissioners as well. I trust you will keep this
in mind when you decide whether Dr. Lester will retain his position at the helm of the agency in
February. I plan to be there, as do many others, who feel our interests of protecting the coast are
being well served by the current leadership and do not support a change.
Very Sincerely,
Holly Sletteland
4849 See Ranch Lane
Templeton, CA 93465
Holly Sletteland
Projects Manager
Friends of the Fiscalini Ranch Preserve
1
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Susan Kopicki <sckopicki@gmail.com>

Saturday, January 23, 2016 9:57AM
Attn Steve Kinsey: I Support Executive Director Lester
Mr. Kinsey and Commissioners

When the people of CA established the Coastal Commission, their intent was protection, not development of our coast.
They expected the Commission to act on their behalf and protect public access, sensitive habitats, marine habitats and
scenic view sheds. They understood the interests that would over time continue to push for development, but they trusted
that their representatives on the Commission would follow their intent. Dr. Lester has demonstrated his commitment to
the people's expectations and should be maintained in his position. By attempting to oust him, the
Commissioners are blatantly betraying the people of CA and the goals of the California Coastal Commission as
established.
I am glad Dr. Lester is demanding a public hearing - he is giving the public a chance to respond to the attacks. His
accomplishments are testimony to his commitment to the original intent of the people of CA. But apparently, his
commitment doesn't make him as friendly to development interests as the Commissioners would like. This attempt is a
power grab by developers and I object to the Commissioners' move to oust him so that they can do the bidding of the
developers in contradiction to the will of the people!
Susan Kopicki
511 El Modena
Newport Beach CA 92663
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Helen Herbek <hherbek@gmail.com>

Saturday, January 23, 2016 10:06 AM
StatusOfExecutiveDirector@Coastal; cgroom@smcgov.org
Ouster of Executive Director Dr. Charles Lester
cc: Governor Edmund G. Brown, Senator Kevin De Leon, Speaker Toni G. Atkins

I am deeply disturbed to hear of your abrupt plan to oust your Executive Director, Dr. Charles Lester. When
Peter Douglas passed in 2012 I was filled with a sense of foreboding and dread that the amazing natural
resources Peter so successfully fought to preserved for all of California's citizens would be washed away by the
tide of private money entering our state.
I am a native daughter of the Central Coast, privileged to grow up so close to the awe inspiring beauty that is
Montana de Oro, Morro Bay, and San Simeon, blissfully ignorant that California is unique in the world for this
beauty. And why now should we give it away?
We live in a world today where our most precious monuments of nature and history can be destroyed by the
zealous, the ignorant, and the rich, and no one stands to defend them. No one but you.
Whatever pressure has come to bear, whatever shortsighted calculation makes this move seem sound, it is no
different that the repeated and fleeting assaults Peter Douglas quelled to protect these incredible natural
resources over the long span of 25 years.
There are many kinds of riches in this world; money, political influence, celebrity, family, friends, the awe
inspiring beauty of the natural world. All of them are fleeting, no matter how we comfort ourselves in the
moment. However, the importance we as individuals and as a community place on them, the lengths we go to
for them, defines us forever.
Which community values will you stand to protect and defend now? How will you be defined by this moment
in California history?
I urge you to stand with Dr. Charles Lester, Douglas' chosen replacement, in staunchly defending our natural
coastal resources for all of California's citizens.
Sincerely,
Helen Herbek
South San Francisco, CA
January 23rd, 2016
Laura Smith
21321 Fleet Ln
Huntington Beach, CA 92646
714-968-3154
January 22, 2016

The Honorable Governor Jerry Brown
c/o State Capitol, Suite 1173
Dear Governor Brown:
Subject: Charles Lester, Executive Director, CA Coastal Commission
I understand that four members of the California Coastal Commission whom you appointed are
attempting to fire Executive Director Charles Lester. This is an underhanded attack on the
Coastal Act and on the effectiveness of the California Coastal Commission.
Do not allow this to weaken the Coastal Program and undermine California's role as an
environmental leader and your own efforts to address climate change. You want to
be remembered as one who led California to "build for the future, not steal from it;
to live within our means and to keep California ever golden;" these words are
taken from your own 2015 inaugural speech, something tb be remembered. . I urge you to
contact your appointees on the Coastal Commission and express your displeasure with a
maneuver that will severely damage that vital agency's ability to do its job to maintain coastal
access and protect the California coastline.
As the California Coastal Act celebrates its 40th year as the most effective coastal
protection legislation on the globe, this action is despicable.
This is not about Charles Lester. This is about protecting public access and
California's coast in accordance with the Coastal Act. Take action and protect CA and its
citizens today.
~~--~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~-
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
~~--~~~--------~~
Joel Schulman <jnschulman@gmail.com>

Monday, January 25, 2016 7:48AM
Keep Coastal Commission Executive Director Charles Lester
We, and all the friends and neighbors I have talked with, are outraged by this attack on Coastal Commission
Executive Director Charles Lester. It is a blatant attempt to exploit the remainder of our protected coastland for the
benefit of a few politically connected business interests. This is a frontal attack on the independence of the
Commission and the Coast. Lester is the symbol, not the real issue. The threatened termination of a
strong environmental leader is an outrageous move. The Coastal Commission needs to be stronger in protecting our
coast from "development" not less vigilant. The desires of a few wealthy individuals or the greed of those who wish
to exploit the California coast must be stopped.
This behind-the-scenes attack on Executive Director Lester is an attack on the Coastal Act itself. It is a power grab
in an attempt to undermine the Coastal Program, gain control over an independent staff, and make the Commission
more developer-friendly without any public accountability or transparency. Director Lester has gained major
accomplishments for the protection of theCA coast. It would be a shame to fire this man who has done so much to
preserve the California Coast, which is widely known for its natural unspoiled beauty. His detractors claim he is
incompetent, yet I believe they want him to disappear because he IS so competent and fair-minded. Development
that is done with no concern for local impacts has had an irreversible effect on so much of California's coast and it's
hard to imagine why anyone would want to see that continue and even expand. But that sounds like exactly what
the people that want to terminate Dr. Charles Lester want.
Joel & Kian Schulman
1832 Lookout Road
Malibu, CA 90265
---------------------------------~----------
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Gretchen Vurbeff <gvurbeff@gmail.com>

Statu sOfExecutiveD i rector@Coasta I
Measure A- Attention Chair Steve Kinsey
Dear Chair Steve Kinsey,

As a citizen of North County and of Carlsbad, as well as a local neighbor who lives off of Cannon Road just
east of the Measure A designated site, I would like to ask you to take a moment to seriously consider the impact
of Measure A on my family, our community, and on North County.
We love our seaside community and we love the access we have to the lagoon and the ocean. It is a 2.5 mile
run for me to the beach, which I often enjoy, looking at the beautiful views to the west of the lagoon and ocean
as I am heading west, as well as the amazing Palomar Mountain range as I head east on Cannon. It is my
understanding that this roadway is one of the last scenic highway opportunities in California which has the
potential to be destroyed by the development proposed by Caruso in Measure A. Not only do we care about the
views, but we love the lagoon. It was a main attraction to us when we purchased our home 15 years ago in
Kelly Ranch. We use the lagoon for kyacking and paddleboarding. It is a very special place and brought a lot
of joy to our family. There are sensitive habitats and marine resources in and around this lagoon which need to
be protected and preserved for the generations to come. Caruso does not care about any of this. This is what so
saddens the hearts of many of us living in Carlsbad. Please help us protect this precious lagoon and the
surrounding areas.
My husband is an environmental planner for the City of Encinitas. He has read the initiative front to back and
keeps me very informed of what is more easily understood by those who in the field. It is amazing to me how
many loop holes Caruso has been able to maneuver through with our City Council and Mayor. However, the
facts remain - Caruso is buying off our city officials.
I would like to commend Dr. Lester for his courage to demand a public hearing allowing the public to weigh in
on this awful attempt to fire him. He is to be commended for his long list of accomplishments over the past 4.5
years as the Executive Director of the Coastal Commission which are not limited to:
1) The Commission recently received new administrative authority from the California Legislature that allows
the Commission staff to administer penalties against individuals who violate the Coastal Act's coastal access
provisions, with a $11,500 fine per violation per day.
2) The Commission completed an important Sea Level Rise guidance document to help local governments
better plan for and adapt to sea level rise and the impacts of climate change.
3) The Commission just received a $3 million budget increase to make permanent 25 positions to focus on sea
level rise planning -the largest augmentation to the Commission's budget in 15 years.
4) The Commission has made tremendous strides in the past few years updating Local Coastal Plans for 24
cities and counties across California.
5) Dr. Lester and his staff have increased public transparency by creating a new state-of-the-art database that
enables the public to more easily access information on projects
We, the people of Carlsbad, are asking you, the Commission to stop the power grab for developers and let's get
busy helping to protect our coastline and preserve the beauty which remains here in Carlsbad. We do not want
LA or Orange County. Vote NO on Measure A! Please take a stand with us.
1
From:
Sent:
To:
Cc:
Subject:
Preston Brown <pbrown.pab28@yahoo.com>

Tuesday, January 26, 2016 9:41 PM
Statu sOfExecutiveDi rector@Coasta I; StatusOfExecutiveD i rector@Coasta I;
StatusOfExecutiveDirector@Coastal; StatusOfExecutiveDirector@Coastal;
Statu sOfExecutiveDi rector@C oastal; StatusOfExecutive Di rector@Coastal;
Statu sOfExecutiveDi rector@Coastal; StatusOfExecutive Di recto r@Coasta I;
StatusOfExecutiveDirector@Coastat; StatusOfExecutiveDirector@Coastal;
Statu sOfExecutiveDi rector @Coastal; Statu sOfExecutiveD i rector@Coasta I;
Statu sOfExecutive Director@ Coastal; Statu sOfExecutiveDi rector@ Co astat
Statu sOfExecutiveD i rector@Coastal; StatusOfExecutiveDi rector@Coasta I;
StatusOfExecutiveD i rector@Coasta I; StatusOfExecutiveDi rector@Coasta I;
StatusOfExecutiveDi recto r@Coastal; StatusOfExecutiveDi rector @Coasta I;
Statu sOfExecutiveDi recto r@Coastal; StatusOfExecutive Di recto r@Coasta I;
StatusOfExecutiveDirector@Coastal; StatusOfExecutiveDirector@Coastal
Support Dr. Lester, Reject Development of the Coast
Dear Coastal Commission,

As a resident of Marin County, I reject the notion that development can increase along the CA. Coastline.
Dr. Charles Lester, the executive director of the commission is being unfairly ousted, seemingly so that developers
can find someone who is more development friendly. This is unacceptable politics that is interfering with the will of
voters who demand public access to the coast. I urge you to support Dr. Lester and to also reject the demands and
political power-struggle initiated by the pro-development community. Reject development of the coast!
Best
Preston Brown
Marin County Resident since 1980
Voter in Steve Kinsey's District, Lagunitas, CA.
Laura & Bob <rvdixons@yahoo.com>

Monday, January 25, 2016 1:32 PM
StatusOfExecutiveDi rector@Coastal
Director Dr Charles Lester possible termination
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
I am writing to you on this 40 h anniversary of the California Coastal Act- a visionary law enacted illustrating our pride in
California's long history of global leadership in coastal protection and my strong support for California Coastal
Commission Executive Director, Dr. Charles Lester. I am one of hundreds of thousands of Californians from all over the
state, from urban residents to rural coastal dwellers. I am deeply concerned over the unjustified and misguided attempt
currently underway to terminate Dr. Lester.
Under Dr. Lester's leadership, the Coastal Commission has successfully applied its new administrative penalty authority
to remedy violations of public access, completed a state-of-the-art guidance document to help local governments better
plan for and adapt to sea level rise and the impacts of climate change, and made tremendous strides in updating Local
Coastal Plans for 24 cities/counties across California. The Commission has increased public transparency by creating a
modern database that provides the public easier access to information on projects, improved interagency collaboration,
and significantly reduced processing times for permits and appeals.
Threats to our coast and ocean have never been more pressing. A changing climate is bringing rising sea levels, ocean
acidification, and greater vulnerability to all of our coastal resources. Firing the Coastal Commission's Executive Director
would undermine our state's effectiveness on coastal protection at a time when the need for such protection is at an alltime high.
Thank you for your environmental leadership, and urge your continued support for the fundamental tenants of the
California Coastal Act- protection of coastal access and coastal resources for all Californians - now and in the future.
And we urge you to support Executive Director Charles Lester and your entire team in their continued efforts to achieve
these goals.
Very respectfully,
Laura Smith
21321 Fleet Ln.,
Huntington Beach, CA 92646
714-968-3154
In God We Trust
From:
Sent:
To:
Cc:
Subject:
Charlotte Chapman <charlotte.a.chapman@gmail.com>

Friday, January 22, 2016 11:08 AM
Statu sOfExecutive Di rector@Coasta I
Schwartz, Noaki@Coastal
Charles Lester
Good morning,
I am writing to find out the details of Charles Lester's termination. What are the specific details of his
management style that is the reason for his termination? As the Executive Director of the Coastal Commission,
the decisions he makes must honor the California Coastal Act. From researching his working history, the
decisions he has made have upheld these values and laws.
Looking over the history of the voting commissioners, it seems like the decisions they have made recently have
supported big business I development and has not kept the Coastal Act in mind in these decisions. For example,
the commissioners in 2014 approved the building of a 40 acre hotel on eroding sand dunes in Monterey, which
are critical habitats for coastal wildlife, including local and migratory birds, such as sanderlings.
Please share my support of Charles Lester as Executive Director of the Coastal Commission.
Cheers,
Charlotte Chapman
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Catherine Hyde <catherineryanhyde@me.com>

Charles Lester
To whom it may concern at the Coastal Commission:

I am writing in support of Director Lester.
It is with great disappointment that I read of the effort underway to unseat him from the Coastal Commission. It
has not escaped anyone's attention (no matter what they may say) that developers and others with a financial
interest in the coast are in constant battle for control of the commission. But the job of the commission is to
protect the coast, not to give it away to a moneyed few. Not only is the area environmentally sensitive, there is
the subject of economic justice. This is another battle that needs constant defending.
I worry that Lester will be dismissed and a much more pro~development director given his seat. Please don't
allow this to happen. If it does happen, please know that the citizens of the California coast are watching, and
not as easily fooled as some like to think.
Thank you for considering my views.
Catherine Ryan Hyde
Author of 30 published and forthcoming books.

Visit my website or my Amazon author page.
From:
Subject:
Los Angeles Times Article Today About Possible Dismissal of Steve Lester
-----Original Message----From: Michael Goode [mailto:michaelg@trumpetworkspress.com]

Sent: Thursday, January 21, 2016 1:45 PM
To: Schwartz, Noaki@Coastal
Subject: Los Angeles Times Article Today About Possible Dismissal of Steve Lester
Thursday, January 21, 2016
Hi Noaki,
Read the article in the LA Times today about Steve Kinsey and the Coastal Commission wanting to fire Executive Director
Charles Lester.
If Steve and the Commission fire Charles Lester, they might as well call themselves a real estate agency for the Coast of
California. Aren't the Commissioners ashamed of themselves? Please keep Charles Lester on as Executive Director and
listen to him.
Firing Charles Lester makes Steve Kinsey and the Commissioners look like a bunch of greedy, pro-development business
people who could care less about protecting the coastal environment of California and makes the Commission look like a
joke.
Please pass this along to Commissioner Kinsey and the rest of the Commissioners. I have hundreds of people down here
in Southern California who feel the same way as I do. What a corrupt disgrace the Coastal Commission has become.
Michael Goode
310-823-5176
From:
Sent:
To:
Cc:
Subject:
esp3800@aol.com
Thursday, January 21, 2016 3:48 PM
skinsey@marincounty.org; Staben, Jeff@Coastal
Reed, Jessica@Coastal; Gregcoastal@sdcounty.ca.gov; cgroom@smcgov.org;
newstips@latimes.com; mmcclureccc@co.del-norte.ca.us; hschmeltzer@coastal.ca.gov;
mluevanocoastal@gmail.com; Dayna.bochco@bochcomedia.com; Cox, Greg;
cgroom@co.sanmateo.ca.us; sarahcoastalcom@yahoo.com; Henry, Teresa@Coastal;
Coastal Meetingnotice; district7@longbeach.gov; ehowell@pismobeach.org; Pederson,
Chris@Coastal
CRD3 -- Dr. Lester in the news ... and the doghouse for certain developers.
Sir:
Dr. Lester deserves a fair hearing or hearings and nobody can come to sing his praises or blast his behavior in Morro Bay
alone ...
Can they?
http://www.latimes.com/science/la-me-coastal-commission-20160121-story.html
Though there are numerous considerations and Morro Bay is a nice sleepy Iii town, it would make sense to hold additional
hearings; or take testimony from a socal and a nocal venue via Skype to a large monitor that can be filmed by a camera in
Morro Bay. Clever, right?! Maybe set a precedent. Apparently, MB is 45 miles north of Santa Maria, so
yikes.
Where does the commission stay for exparte canoodling up there in case I have to show up? Can members of the coastloving public get the CCC rate? Or better to stick with the AAA rate?
Kinsey, I'm pretty sure yer smart young tech team will instantly agree that you could provide such linkage for next to
nothing from Burton Chace Park in MdR and someplace comparable in SF --Why not?
Yer public is clamoring for this ... (and I know we can send letters- and will- but it's not the same). A lot of folks seem to
want to defend the guy. Hard for me to say as my knowledge is limited ... and I can only hold accountable the
COMMISSIONERS who voted on information that --without hesitation-- was defective and they knew it... The
commission owes the public a much more thorough 'splanation about Boat Central.
But I digress... This is about Dr. Lester!
Eric Preven
CRD3
818-762-7719
818-645-2616 mobile
Sheila Kuehl is the Third district supervisor down here. Do you know her?
Thomas Bliss
4235 Kester Av
Sherman Oaks, CA 91403

45 Fremont Street #2000
Via telecopier (415) 904-5400
Re: Executive Director
Big mistake to fire your Executive Director and favor development interests. The California
Coastal acts is a landmark legislation that has provided Californians with dramatically improved
access to the coast and slowed the Miami-ization of our beautiful coast. I know because I've
lived in Southern California for 60+ years.
Why develop the coast now? What's the hurry? We have centuries to do so; why do you want to
min it? Why now? Some short term gain?
Big mistake.
Sincerely,
Thomas Bliss
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Karen Proffitt < rumreggae@sbcglobal.net>

director
We are in support of the current director, and don't want to see him ousted from his position. Keep
your meetings open and accessible to the public, please! Karen Proffitt.
Karen Proffitt
Rum Reggae
805 649 4820

www.rumreggae.net
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Attachments:
Terry Welsh <terrymwelsh@hotmail.com >

Sunday, January 24, 2016 9:54 PM
Keep Dr. Lester
I am writing in support of keeping Charles Lester as Executive Director .... docx
1124116
I am writing in support of keeping Dr. Charles Lester as Executive Director of the California Coastal
Commission (CCC).
I am writing as a coastal activist and one with great experience with the Coastal Commission during the last 9
years. I have attended innumerable Coastal Commission hearings (and have spoken at many) and have met
with every current commissioner and many previous commissioners. I have also spoken with many
Commission staff during these years. I should add that none of the commissioners or staff has discussed
one word with me of the current situation concerning Dr. Lester.
The main point I want to make is that many of the proposed development projects along the coast, especially the
larger ones, involve many exceedingly complex issues. The issues take a lot of time to analyze in an objective
manner. This is especially true of impacts to Environmentally Sensitive Habitat Areas (ESHA) and wetlands,
but also ofNative American sites, water quality, infrastructure, air quality, coastal access and other issues.
1.
That these issues are analyzed in an independent and objective manner by the Commission staff is extremely
important because, as I am absolutely convinced and have observed over the years/ the developers/ paid
consultants are biased/ to varying degrees, towards the developers' project(s).
2.
Despite the intelligence and dedication of our commissioners, these issues are simply too complex to be
sorted out by the commissioners in the short time they have before each hearing/ as the commissioners are
also busy with their own careers and/or responsibilities as elected officials across the State. Again, I speak
from the experience of a long-time coastal activist who has spent hundreds of hours reading thousands of
pages of documents concerning just one proposed project. The information can be overwhelming and the CCC
staff and their reports are essential to analyzing this data if the commissions are not to rely solely on the word
of the developer (or environmentalist).
3.
In short, the Coastal Act is best carried out with a full-time independent staff who submit well-researched and
objective reports to the commissioners, upon which the commissioners can make their decisions.
To this end, it is my opinion that Dr. Charles Lester has done an exemplary job. He oversees a dedicated and
professional staff that is overworked but still delivers, each month, a collection of excellent staff reports on
every item on the agenda. It is a staff that will not sway to developers' money and political influence, nor will it.
sway to the impassioned pleas of the environmental community. Rather, it is a staff that is driven by one
mandate ... The Coastal Act.
To conclude, while political expediency and money and environmentalists' passion may rule the day at the local
level, they are stopped at the door of the Coastal Commission by Dr. Charles Lester. We have Dr. Lester to
1
unlikely to find anyone who can do the job better.

Thank you,
Terry Welsh, M.D.
Costa Mesa, California
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Danielle Derrick <daniellederrick@hotmail.com>

Ccc@daynabochco.com; mmcclureccc@co.del-norte.ca.us; wendy@katzmitchell.com;
erik@erikhowell.com; Cox, Greg; cgroom@smcgov.org; effietlaw@yahoo.com;
mkshallenberger@gmail.com; roberto.uranga@longbeach.gov; SKinsey@co.marin.ca.us;
mluevano@gmail.com; Mark@mark-vargas.com; Staben, Jeff@Coastal
CCC Director Lester
Commissioners,
Please keep Charles Lester as Executive Director of the Coastal Commission.
Don't let politics interfere with the position ofthe Executive Director.
Lester is an effective Executive Director who, guided by the Coastal Act, successfully balances the interests of
both environmentalists and development; and he upholds the Coastal Act.
Sincerely,
Danielle Derrick
283 78 Rey de Copas Lane
Malibu CA 90265
To: Members of the Coastal Commission

From : The Malibu Coalition for Slow Growth
Re: Charles Lester
Hearing Date 2-10-16
The Malibu Coalition for Slow Growth would like to voice our thoughts on the potential dismissal of
Charles Lester as Executive Director of the Coastal Commission.
Although we don't always agree with the Staff recommendations and Commission decisions, we think
Charles Lester has been an effective Executive Director and want him to continue in his position.
What we like about Charles is his thoughtful and quiet but effective style. He makes his decisions based
on projects that he believes conform to the Coastal Act.
The publically expressed concern of the Commissioners desiring his dismissal are not fair statements.
With the cutbacks in staff and staff hours it is impossible for staff to move more quickly and still do an
effective job. Charles himself has hundreds of projects to look at and juggle each month while still
answering Commissioners questions on the various projects before them monthly. He also cannot be
expected to meet every single demand of each of 12 commissioners.
While the stated reasons are related to his "performance", it appears from what we have read that the
underlying reasons relate to matters pertaining to control of the Commission and whether or not it is
independent of the Governor and following the Coastal Act to protect the coast.
The public in supporting the Coastal Act wanted the Coast protected both now and into the future. The
Coast is threatened every day by those that want to exploit it for personal gain. Charles is doing a good
job at balancing the interests of those who want to develop and exploit with those that want to
preserve.
We are urging you to vote to retain Charles Lester and allow the Commission to move forward on a
more positive note to do the job it was empowered to do- protect the coast and access to it for future
generations.
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
John Simpson <johnnytrikke@gmail.com>

Dr Lester and the California Coastal Commission
To Whom This May Concern:

I write to you on this 40th anniversary of the California Coastal Act- a visionary law enacted under your
leadership as Governor in 1976- to voice my pride in California's long history of global leadership in coastal
protection and our strong support for California Coastal Commission Executive Director, Dr. Charles Lester. I
am deeply concerned over the unjustified and misguided attempt currently underway to terminate Dr. Lester.
Please support Executive Director Charles Lester and his entire team in their continued efforts to achieve the
goals of the Coastal Act.
Thank you for your service and support for a clean, healthy California coast!
Sincerely,
John Hurndall Simpson
Carpinteria, CA
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Angelika Kempter <geliarine@gmx.de>

StatusOfExecutive Di recto r@Coasta I
Sincerely,
Angelika Kempter
Auwiesenstrasse 1
Reutlingen, ot 72770
DE
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Sheila D <policaudillon@hotmail.com>
StatusOfExecutiveDi recto r@Coasta I

Sincerely,
Sheila D
1701 5th St SW
Small Town, MN 56201
us
----------------------------~
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
--
------~-----
-----
--~-------
Stella Gambardella <stella.gambardella@yahoo.it>


Sincerely,
Stella Gambardella
Via Maestro Gaetano Capocci 24
Roma, ot 00199
IT
-----------------------------------------From:
Sent:
To:
Cc:
Subject:
Brian Trautwein <bearnewt@gmaiLcom>

Governor@Governor.ca.gov
Retain Executive Director Charles Lester

I've lived in California 46 years and I treasure our coastline. Our coast belongs to all Californians and the Coastal
Commission's independent, professional staff has been central to our ability to protect public access, open space and to
ensure compliance with the Coastal Act, arguably the most important coastal protection law in the nation.
Over the last several years under the direction of Executive Director, Dr. Charles Lester, the CCC has reached out to local
government holding hearings and workshops and greatly increasing collaboration between towns, counties and the CCC
staff.
In addition, as I've seen through my attendance at CCC meetings and through working with local government, the
Commission's staff has been extraordinarily effective under Dr. Lester; staff has accepted considerable new
responsibilities in dealing with climate change and public access, there is an unprecedented level of transparency to the
public and more than 90% of all development projects presented have been approved.
In spite of this, I was alarmed to hear that the Commission is considering the termination of Dr. Lester, without reason.
This attack on the professional staff is an attack on the Coastal Act and our coastal access and open space. Dr. Lester
and his staff represent the public interest and it is vital that they have the ability to act independently and without fear of
political reprisal for their efforts to uphold state law.
I urge you to stand up for the independence of staff. Please ensure a fu/ly transparent and open process and retain Dr.
Lester who has performed his duties with admirable result since taking over tf?is position in 2011.
Sincerely, and With Kind Regards,
Brian Trautwein
158 Verona Ave.
Goleta, CA 93117
cc:
Governor Brown
Speaker Toni Atkins
Senate President pro Tempore Kevin De Leon
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Lee Heller < lee@leeheller.net>

StatusOfExecutiveDirector@Coastal; governor@governor.ca.gov
Defending the integrity of the Coastal Commission
Dear Chair Kinsey,

The Coastal Commission is the agency most responsible for enforcing California's Coastal Act, which protects our
precious coastal zone from over- and mis-development and ensures public access. The Commission's independent,
professional staff has been central to its effectiveness. Over the last several years under the direction of Executive
Director Dr. Charles Lester, the Commission's staff has been extraordinarily effective: staff has accepted considerable
new responsibilities in dealing with climate change and public access, there is an unprecedented level of transparency to
the public, and more than 90% of all development projects presented have been approved.
And yet, I understand that the Commission is considering the termination of Dr. lester.
This attack on the professional staff is an attack on the Coastal Act and our coastal access and protection. It is critical
that CCC staff have the ability to act independently and without fear of political reprisal for their efforts to uphold state
law.
I urge you to stand up for the independence of staff. Please ensure a fully transparent and open process, so that Dr.
lester, who has proven a worthy successor of Peter Douglas, may continue to serve the people of California.
Sincerely,
lee E. Heller, Ph.D., J.D.
PO Box 1592
Summerland CA 93067
805-451-5787
Sent from my iPad
From:
j angel! <jangell@earthlink.net>
Sent:

StatusOfExecutive Director@Coasta I
To:
Subject:

Sincerely,
j angel!
ponderosa rd
rescue, CA 95672
us
Zelman, Walter A. <wzelman@exchange.calstatela.edu>

Firing of Exec director
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
I strongly oppose the firing of the CC executive director. The grounds given appear specious, obviously hiding the larger
motive of opening up the coast to more development.
I think we should forego the few dollars in property taxes that Ca might reap from allowing more development on the
coast and save what is now a priceless asset for all Californians and the millions who come to visit. If you open up this
floodgate, it will be open for decades to come and possibly forever.
Walter Zelman
WALTER A. ZELMAN
Professor and Department Chair
California State University, Los Angeles

5151 State University Drive 1 Los Angeles, CA 90032
T 323.343.4635 1 wzelman@calstatela.edu
www.calstatela.edu
II:Jfllil
"ENGAGEMENT, SERVICE, AND THE PUBLIC GOOD"
From: Michael Goode [mailto:michaelg@trumpetworkspress.com]

Sent: Thursday, January 21, 2016 1:45 PM
Subject: los Angeles Times Article Today About Possible Dismissal of Steve Lester
Thursday, January 21, 2016
Hi Noaki,
Read the article in the LA Times today about Steve Kinsey and the Coastal Commission wanting to fire
Executive Director Charles Lester.
If Steve and the Commission fire Charles lester, they might as well call themselves a real estate agency
for the Coast of California. Aren't the Commissioners ashamed of themselves? Please keep Charles
Lester on as Executive Director and listen to him.
Firing Charles Lester makes Steve Kinsey and the Commissioners look like a bunch of greedy, pro~
development business people who could care less about protecting the coastal environment of
California and makes the Commission look like a joke.
Please pass this along to Commissioner Kinsey and the rest of the Commissioners. I have hundreds of
people down here in Southern California who feel the same way as I do. What a corrupt disgrace the
Coastal Commission has become.
Michael Goode
310~823~5176
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
LauraMorneo <wordpress@jukelabs.com >

Wednesday, January 27, 2016 2:04PM
Support Coastal Act and Executive Director Lester

leadership as Governor in 1976 -to voice my pride in California's long history of global leadership in coastal
am deeply concerned over the unjustified and misguided attempt currently underway to terminate Dr.
Lester. Please support Executive Director Charles Lester and his entire team in their continued efforts to
achieve the goals of the Coastal Act.
Sincerely,
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
wordpress@jukelabs.com
Wednesday, J9nuary 27, 2016 2:04 PM
Support for Coastal Act and Executive Director Lester
Sincerely,
1/24/16
I am writing in support of keeping Dr. Charles Lester as Executive Director of the California Coastal
Commission (CCC).
I am writing as a coastal activist and one with great experience with the Coastal Commission during the
last 9 years. I have attended innumerable Coastal Commission hearings (and have spoken at many) and
have met with every current commissioner and many previous commissioners. I have also spoken with
many Commission staff during these years. I should add that none of the commissioners or staff has
discussed even one word with me of the current situation concerning Dr. Lester.
The main point I want to make is that many of the proposed development projects along the coast,
especially the larger ones, involve many exceedingly complex issues. The issues take a lot of time to
analyze in an objective manner. This is especially true of impacts to Environmentally Sensitive Habitat
Areas (ESHA) and wetlands, but also of Native American sites, water quality, infrastructure, air quality,
coastal access and other issues.
1.
That these issues are analyzed in an independent and objective manner by the Commission staff
is extremely important because, as I am absolutely convinced and have observed over the years,
the developers' paid consultants are biased, to varying degrees, towards the developers'
project(s).
2.
Despite the intelligence and dedication of our commissioners, these issues are simply too
complex to be sorted out by the commissioners in the short time they have before each hearing,
as the commissioners are also busy with their own careers and/or responsibilities as elected
officials across the State. Again, I speak from the experience of a long-time coastal activist who
has spent hundreds of hours reading thousands of pages of documents concerning just one
proposed project. The information can be overwhelming and the CCC staff and their reports are
essential to analyzing this data if the commissions are not to rely solely on the word of the
developer (or environmentalist).
3.
In short, the Coastal Act is best carried out with a full-time independent staff who submit wellresearched and objective reports to the commissioners, upon which the commissioners can
make their decisions.
To this end, it is my opinion that Dr. Charles Lester has done an exemplary job. He oversees a dedicated
and professional staff that is overworked but still delivers, each month, a collection of excellent staff
reports on every item on the agenda. It is a staff that will not sway to developers' money and political
influence, nor will it sway to the impassioned pleas of the environmental community. Rather, it is a staff
that is driven by one mandate ... The Coastal Act.
To conclude, while political expediency and money and environmentalists' passion may rule the day at
the local level, they are stopped at the door of the Coastal Commission by Dr. Charles Lester. We have
Dr. Lester to thank for an independent, objective and thoroughly professional Coastal Commission staff
and we will be unlikely to find anyone who can do the job better.
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
carol mortensen <carolmortensenO@gmail.com >

Executive Director Action
We strongly urge the Board Members of the California Coastal Commission to retain Charles Lester as the
Executive Director of the Commission. Any other action will be tantamount to caving in to developers who
would spoil one of the most beautiful coastlines in the world not to mention their desire to limit public access to
certain areas of the coast.
Richard & Carol Mortensen
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Constance Hughes <conniebhughes@me.com>

Comments re Dr. Charles Lester
Having lived near the CA coast for 60 years, I am MOST concerned about the direction and special interests the
Coastal commission is appearing to favor. We have only ONE coastline and we must preserve it for our everburgeoning population to enjoy and future generations to cherish. Once it's "sold", we cannot get it back.
The California coastal Commission has a moral and ethical duty to be stewards of this precious resource. From
what I understand, Dr. Lester is diligent and serving us well. Therefore, I am resolutely AGAINST removal or
replacement of your current director. He appears to be an advocate, while the other commissioners' motives
seem a bit suspect. Where is the dedication to preserve the last remains of the coasts pristine environment?I'm
pretty appalled at all four of Governor Brown's appointees!
I implore you to NOT sell out to special developer interests. Stand firm! Honor your commitment.
Thomas & Constance Hughes

24492 Jutewood Place
Lake Forest, CA 92630
949-768-8560
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Carol Harris <crhmail@aol.com>

Statu sOfExecutiveD irector@ Coasta I
Attention Chair Steve Kinsey
January 24, 2016

Dear Mr. Kinsey,
I commend the entire staff at the Coastal Commission for their dedication and public service. I wish to add my voice in
support of Dr. Charles Lester for his courage to demand a public hearing to allow the public to weigh in on a shameful
attempt to fire him.
The Commission has been effective at protecting our coast. We need to step up now, to stop a baseless power grab for
developers and have you return to the busy work of protecting our beautiful coast. The work of the Coastal Commission
is to protect public access, sensitive habitats, marine resources, and scenic view sheds. Their mission is not to promote
the interests of powerful and wealthy individuals and developers.
The Coastal Commission is the only agency standing between. The environment and the pollution of the oceans and
rivers that comes from over-development. I implore you to further protect our beautiful California coast by keeping Dr.
Lester on the Commission.
Sincerely,
Carol Harris
Native Californian
Sent from my iPad
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Don Harvey <harveydonw@juno.com>

Opposition to the Proposed Ouster of Dr. Charles Lester as the Executi
the California Coastal Commission
ve Director of
Don Harvey, Ph. D.

2039 Port Weybridge Place
Newport Beach, CA 92660
To: California Coastal Commission
Via e-mail
Subject: Opposition to the Proposed Ouster of Dr. Charles Lester as the Executive Director of the California Coastal
Commission
Dear Chair Kinsey, Vice-Chair Bochco, and Commissioners:
My wife and I live in Newport Beach; we oppose the proposal to oust Dr. Charles Lester as the Executive Director of the
California Coastal Commission.
Under his leadership, the public has maintained access to our coastline, a fact that might not remain true in his absence.
The California coast belongs to the public. To maintain recognition of that, we ask that Dr. Lester be maintained as
Executive Director of the California Coastal Commission.
Sincerely,
Don Harvey
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
joe and barb crowley <jcrowley_1@charter.net>

support for Dr. Lester
Dear Mr. Kinsey and Commissioners,

We write to support protection of the coast as has been administered during the tenure of Dr. Lester.
We live in Cambria and am active with the residents who support the Vacation Rental Ordinance of San Luis Obispo
County. A few years ago (2013), your Commission approved the amendments to the Ordinance. These changes have
been very productive to help maintain the balance between tourists and residents in our goal (as you stated) to
appreciate and occupy together this lovely area of the coast.
Dr. Lester was the director at this time and I believe his prudent compromise on this issue exhibited a good balance for
all parties. To pass the Ordinance, originally in 2003, and the amendments in 2013 demonstrated his good decision
making and you, theCA Coastal Commission's, willingness to view all sides and decide on a compromise to affect all
California's right to access to our coastal treasures.
We commend Dr. Lester's courage to demand a public hearing. We will attend the hearing and listen to the arguments
that are being raised.
The coast has been given to all of us to appreciate and to protect for preservation of its delicate balance which
sometimes runs counter-protective to coastal development such as more building and more water projects to support
this development. You have been appointed our representatives and as stewards to ensure good management. No
political bias is needed when we weigh the tremendous responsibility to protect and savor the beauty of our land and
sea so that future generations can also receive this gift of nature that we are presently enjoying.
Please, please place any political considerations aside and let good stewardship of our nature be the only criteria for
your decision. Let Dr. Lester help you keep these habitats protected and at the same time be mindful of California's right
to appreciate this coast. To this point, you have performed admirably in your goals. Continue the pledge you made to
protect our coast unbiased and let Dr. Lester help you administer the pledge.
Regards,
Barbara and Joe Crowley
January 24, 2016
Dear Governor Brown,

As a long-time resident and land owner on the Central Coast, I write to protest a movement
which seems to be directed towards ousting Coastal Commission Director, Dr. Lester. I know
from my children and grandchildren who are located in Pismo Beach and Santa Margarita that
Dr. Lester and his staff have done an excellent job in increasing public transparency, updating
local coastal plans, sea level rise planning, and in protecting public access, sensitive habitats
and marine resources of our vulnerable coastline. I urge the Commission to turn its attention
away from hungry developers and direct it towards the precious and environmentally fragile
coast.
Sincerely,
Landon Young zopiloteyoung@gmail.com
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
karen <cayucoskaren@hotmail.com>
Sunday, January 24, 2016 10:44 AM
Attention: Steve Kinsey
Re: Dr. Charles Lester

Dear Mr. Kinsey,
I am writing in support of Dr. Charles Lester. I find it shameful that a faction of the California Coastal
Commission has launched an all out attack by trying to fire Executive Director of the Commission, Dr. Charles
Lester. I thoroughly commend Dr. Lester for exercising his right to demand a public hearing.
I, as are my coastal neighbors, very pleased with the tireless dedication and public service of the entire staff at
the Coastal Commission. We are so pleased with the tremendous effort involved in preserving the Hearst
property in San Simeon. I, my family, my friends and neighbors in Cayucos are in the water every week, on the
beaches, hiking the splendid trails, enjoying the scenic beauty and rejuvenating ourselves with our pristine
coastline.
I implore you to reconsider in your efforts to continue to protect our marine resources, sensitive habitats,
public access, and scenic view sheds, rather than succumb to development.
Thank you so very much for your kind consideration of this matter.
Karen Craig
888 Saint Mary Ave.
Cayucos, CA 93430
(805)235-4332
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Dee Osborne <seadmo@aol.com>

Sunday, January 24, 2016 9:59AM
Support LESTER
Please support Director Lester!!!

Sent from my iPhone
From:
LeeGshack@yahoo.com
Sunday, January 24, 2016 6:16AM
Retain Charles Lester
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Sent from Mail for Windows 10
Dr. Lester has worked diligently and efficiently to protect the environment and keep a balance of good
economics on California's coast. The demands by developers for more rapid destruction of natural habitats
should not lead to the dismissal of a capable administrator.
Lo~~OSJ!~~~~~~~!41 N. Parson Ave.
CA 95340
This email has been sent from a virus-free computer protected by Avast.
www.avast.com
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Debbie Highfill <debbiehighfill@yahoo.com>

Saturday, January 23, 2016 6:15 PM
Attention: Steve Kinsey
Dear Mr. Kinsey, I am writing in support of Dr. Lester, who has had the courage to ask for input from the people that he
represents on the coastal commission.
I have lived near the coast for the last 60 years of my life, I am in the ocean weekly and very dedicated to protecting the
natural beauty of our California coastline.
I recognize that all the commissioners work very hard and I ask that a priority be put on the natural conservation.
As we all know, once the coastline is developed commercially it is never regained. The natural beauty is priceless and
future generations deserve to enjoy it as much as we have.
Thank you for your attention.
I will be attending the February 10th meeting in MorroBay.
Sincerely,
Debbie Highfill
retired teacher
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Pea rltra ns@ aol.com

Keep Dr. Charles Lester
Dr. Charles Lester has done a good job as Executive Director of the CA Coastal Commission. Keep him in that
position. It is understandable that the Commission would have a division between development proponents and
conservationists. The Commission must set limits on developers, to preserve the beauty and wildlife that are such an
advantage to our state, and a tourist attraction.
Thank you.
Pearl Munak
3770 N. River Rd.
Paso Robles, CA 93446
-------------------------------~--
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
rosemary wilvert <rwilvert@sbcglobal.net>

Attn: Chair Steve Kinsey
Dear Chair Kinsey and California Coastal Commission,

As longtime residents of coastal California, we treasure its public access and scenic views.
We commend the Coastal Commission and Dr. Lester for their efforts to protect these
sensitive habitats and marine resources that are integral to our state's appeal to residents
and visitors alike.
Developers, seeking their own profit, must never be allowed to take away or diminish the
commons, what belongs to all of us. Instead of firing Dr. Lester, a courageous advocate for
conservation, the Commission needs to get back to its job of protecting the coast. We will
be attending the hearing on February in Morro Bay.
Sincerely,
Rosemary and Cal Wilvert
San Luis Obispo, CA
805-544-8365
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Laura Morgan <thesquig@yahoo.com>

StatusOfExecutiveDi recto r@Coastal
Keep Charles Lester as Executive Director of the California Coastal Commission
The residents of Sonoma County went through a traumatic experience in the 1960s, when we were forced into taking
action as a group of private citizens to stop Pacific Gas and Electric from covertly constructing a nuclear power plant at
Bodega Head. Dr Bill Kortum was instrumental in that successful struggle and in the passing of Proposition 20, which
created the California Coastal Commission.
As members of the Commission, you should be well aware of the history leading to your existence and your implicit
promise to the citizens of California to uphold the principles and actions necessary to continue the Coastal Commission's
inceptive mission.
Any laxity in protection of our coast can only be construed as influenced by the ambition and greed of those who stand
to profit from development and privatization of our common inheritance.
Charles Lester is a solid proponent of the original mission and purpose of the California Coastal Commission.
Inappropriate pro-agriculture, pro-development bias and the swaying of less wary Commission members threatens
everything we have worked so long and hard to preserve for future generations.
My colleagues, family, friends and I urge you to retain Mr. Lester in his current position for the greater good of our state
and its unique aesthetic coastal resources.
Sincerely,
Laura Morgan, MD
West Sonoma County Health Services
510-926-0351
Sent from my iPad
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Mary <webb.mary599@gmail.com>
Oppose Removal of Exec. Director Lester
February 10, 2016

Agenda Item 8-10
Good afternoon Commissioners,
Due to terrible global climate impacts caused by ongoing inaction to curtail climate change, we are already
experiencing huge costs associated with flood, fire, drought and destruction of habitat for people and
wildlife. We must act now to stop the destruction and the economic freefall, if it isn't too late
already. Californians deserve the strongest Coastal and Environmental Protections possible for our beautiful
CA Coast, which means we need the strongest CA Coastal Commissioners and Staff right now, not the weakest,
most ineffective and least objective. The CA Coastal Commission is the only agency that exists in CA to help
offset the overarching influence of the billionaire class of greedy, ignorant and careless developers who use
their inflated salaries and expense accounts to buy ever more power.
According to all news sources, the Governor's appointees to theCA Coastal Commission are attempting to oust
Executive Director Charles Lester. If true this is shameful and shocking. Dr. Lester has been one of the most
reasonable Directors on this Commission, far less aggressive than former Exec. Director Peter Douglas. In fact
many complain that the staff spends much of their time and energy (at our expense) working with rogue
developers in efforts to rework their projects into compliance. This time could be spent in the communities and
at county planning offices educating to reinforce the Coastal Act which could stop those projects from moving
forward to the Coastal Commission in the first place.
Cambrians were made aware that it was the Governor's Natural Resoures Agency appointee, Janelle Beland,
that was responsible for preventing theCA Coastal Commission from doing their job by trying to bring the
Cambria Community Services District disastrous brackish water desal project into compliance with the Coastal
Act in the fall of2014. That unpermitted water project, which the CSD had been trying to build for 20 years,
was rushed thru under a faked emergency scenario without proper permits, promptly becoming the target of a
Stanford Lawsuit. Caving into the pressures of deep pocketed developers lobbying for seawater desalination
with no mitigation, no permits, and no oversight is disappointing and dangerous. Locating multimillion
dollar public works projects and chemical storage in the middle of food prone riparian areas containing
endangered species and State Parks Campgrounds is just one example of how foolish it is to ignore the Coastal
Act and rush ahead with no limitations and no stakeholder process.
We cannot sacrifice everything that is precious about the CA Coast and sell it to the highest bidder. These lands
and ocean belong to all of us and bring billions of dollars into the CA economy from visitors all over the
world. The unholy alliance of State Agencies with billionaires and lobbying groups like CalDesal that charge
$5000 memberships, water purveyors looking to privatize our resources, developers, industry hacks, middle
eastern desal interests, energy companies, oil and gas companies and their greedy California land and sea grabs
have gone too far.
We ask that all CA Coastal Commissioners throw their full support behind Executive Director Charles Lester,
and that you give him all the resources he needs to defend our coast to the fullest.
1
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Dorin <dorins1234@gmail.com>
Support of Dr. Lester
Attention Chair Steve Kinsey:

I support Dr. Lester remaining as Executive Director of the California Coastal Commission and strongly oppose the heavy handed
attempt to remove him.
The California Coast is a unique natural resource and national treasure and it's important to protect public access, sensitive habitats
and marine resources, and scenic view sheds.
Dr. Lester has shown strong leadership and courage in enforcement of the California Coastal Act and this attempt to remove him is
shameful and underhanded by special interests who have only a profit motive and desire to trash the Coastal Act for their own selfish
purposes.
The staff at the Commission has worked hard to keep the Act as it was intended--to protect our fragile coast and resources from
irresponsible entities that would destroy it for profit.
We need Dr. Lester to keep his leadership on the Commission to maintain the fight to protect our coast and not let special interests
destroy the protections we all worked hard to gain over many years.
Keep Dr. Lester as Executive Director of the California Coastal Commission.
Patricia J Dorin
251 0 Banbury Road
Cambria, CA 93428
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
victoriaslastresort@gmail.com on behalf of Victoria <info@victoriaslastresort.com>

A TIN: STEVE KINSEY
Dear Mr Kinsey,
As a California native and lifetime resident, I understand the complexities of preserving the
resources that line our coast. As the valuable asset for both public use and nature habitat, it is our
responsibility to speak for all who cannot speak for themselves.
The coast is revered by all Californians and our most inland cities often visit the nearest
coastline. We pay premium prices to live here and part of that comes a responsibillty to steward
the land we reside on for generations to come.
Dr. Lester should NOT be fired and I support his courage and I thank the staff of the Coastal
Commission for their tireless efforts and public service. Having served on a local Destination
Tourism Board, I fully understand the efforts put forth by all of the people who fight the good
fight.
Developers have money as their motivation. We have altruistic motives and big, loud
voices. Cambria took back the Fiscalini Ranch Preserve from developers who wanted a gated
community and a gold course. This tiny little village made it a forever open space. When Governor
Brown asked the state to conserve water, we did it best. Now, you are coming to Morro Bay, our
neighbor. .. we look forward to talking with you in person about what matters to us. You'll recognize
us, we'll be wearing BLUE.
#seaofblue
Thank you!
Victoria
victoria's Last Resort ... Bed and Brunch

Private Chef - Personal Retreat
3003 Ardath Drive Cambria, California 93428
805-927-2275
Website: www. VictoriasLastResort. com
Facebook: www. fb. com !VictoriaslastResort
Twitter: @CambriaVictoria
Pinterest: @CambriaVictoria
1
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Flossie Horgan <horganf@gmail.com>

Saturday, January 23, 2016 1:54PM
Charles Lester
January 23, 2016
Dear Chair Kinsey,
The move to replace the current Executive Director, Charles Lester is a political maneuver. Hopefully, the
commissioners will not be politically influenced by this attempt.
Mr. Lester has demonstrated clear objective leadership of the Staff. For many years the commission staff has
worked under impossible conditions. Budget cutbacks have attempted to weaken the robust staff reports. Now,
the move to fire current Executive Director is another move to further reduce the role of the Commission's
Executive Director and staff in executing their duties.
Please reject the effort to remove the Executive Director.
Sincerely,
Flossie Horgan
Co-founder Bolsa Chica Land Trust
Flossie
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Lee Perkins <futures03@hotmail.com>

Statu sOfExecutiveDi recto r@Coasta I
Public Hearing for Dr. Lester
Executive
It is my understanding Dr. Lester has been asked to step down not with standing that he has stood
against pro-development forces. California has a marvelous coast and every inch of it must be protected
against development. It is owned by the taxpayers and residents of California.
Also the oil train issue, Phillips 66 proposal, will inventually come before the Coastal Commission. It is
critical that we have leadership like Dr. Lester to recognize the safety issues to the land, water, beaches
and all the people that live along the tracks embedded in this project.
I am registering support for Dr. Lester. He is doing a good job, keep him on!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Lee Perkins
Atascadero CA
805466-2448
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Support of Dr. Charles Lester

I support Dr. Lester remaining as Executive Director of the California Coastal Commission and strongly oppose
the heavy handed attempt to remove him.
The California Coast is a unique natural resource and national treasure and it's important to protect public
access, sensitive habitats and marine resources, and scenic view sheds. My work in capturing the unique beauty
of a portion of this heritage can be viewed at: melvindorin.com and it shows my love for this treasure and
concern that we protect our environment from the development that has caused much of the loss of this
wonderful environment.
Dr. Lester has shown strong leadership and courage in enforcement of the California Coastal Act and this
attempt to remove him is shameful and underhanded by special interests who have only a profit motive and
desire to trash the Coastal Act for their own selfish purposes.
The staff at the Commission has worked hard to keep the Act as it was intended--to protect our fragile coast and
resources from irresponsible entities that would destroy it for profit.
We need Dr. Lester to keep his leadership on the Commission to maintain the fight to protect our coast and not
let special interests destroy the protections we all worked hard to gain over many years.
Keep Dr. Lester as Executive Director of the California Coastal Commission.
Melvin Dorin
2510 Banbury Road
Cambria, CA 93428
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Christine Heinrichs <christine.heinrichs@gmail.com>

Charles Lester Public Hearing
23 January 2016
StatusOfExecutiveDirector@coastal.ca.gov
To the Coastal Commission:
I live on California's Central Coast and am committed to do all I can to protect its beauty. Charles Lester has
done an excellent job of leading the Coastal Commission in its mission of protecting the coastline. Allow him to
continue in his position as executive director and continue the Commission's work.
I've been an elephant seal docent since 2007 and write the elephant seal column for the local weekly, The
Cambrian. We are so fortunate to have this protected coastline where the seals can feel safe,
http://wv.,w.sanluisobispo.com/news/local/community/cambrianlcambrianopinionlarticle51162255.html#emlnl=Cambrian Newsletter.
I tell visitors to the Piedras Blancas rookery that California holds this unique landscape in trust for the world.
Indeed, visitors come from all over the globe to appreciate this area. Dr. Lester should continue in his role at the
Coastal Commission to fulfil that promise.
The Coastal Commission's entire staff works tirelessly to save the coastline from being destroyed by
development. Once construction has started, the pristine quality is lost.
Dr. Lester is to be commended for requesting a public hearing on his dismissal. I support him and ask the
Commission to continue him in office.
Thank you.
Christine Heinrichs
1800 Downing Ave.
Cambria, CA 93428
From:
Terry Delapp <terrydelapp@gmail.com>

Dr. Lester
Sent:
To:
Subject:
This blatant pro-growth move by members of the commission is against the very reason the Coastal
Commission was founded. Those members seeking development of the California coast should resign and
become pro-growth lobbyists which would be an honest solution to an otherwise dishonest and corrupt coup on
their part.
-Terry
~.TerryDeLam:>.c<>.m-
Click to Visit
www.avast.com
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Linda Seeley <lindaseeley@gmail.com>

StatusOfExecutive Di rector@Coasta I
Coastal Commission Chair
I have lived on the Central Coast for 33 years, and I have appreciated the Coastal
Commission's efforts to protect public access to all beaches, unlike those on the East
Coast, where the wealthy control access to the most beautiful coastline. California's
marine resources and sensitive habitats have benefitted from your Commission's care
and protection.
Now I have learned that Dr. Lester's position as Chair of the Coastal Commission is
being threatened by those who would prefer to see more development on our coastline,
by the billionaires who stand to gain monetarily by implementing this change. I
commend Dr. Lester for his courage to demand a public hearing and allowing the public
to weigh in on this unethical attempt to fire him. Dr. Lester has done a fine job in his
tenure as Chair. Peter Douglas would be proud of him.
Under Dr. Lester's leadership, the Commission received new administrative authority
that allows the Commission staff to administer penalties against individuals who violate
the Coastal Act's coastal access provisions.
The Commission completed an important Sea Level Rise guidance document to help local
governments better plan for and adapt to sea level rise and the impacts of climate
change.
The Commission just received a $3 million budget increase to make permanent 25
positions to focus on sea level rise planning - the largest augmentation to the
Commission's budget in 15 years.
The Commission has made tremendous strides in the past few years updating Local
Coastal Plans for 24 cities and counties across California.
Dr. Lester and his staff have increased public transparency by creating a new state-ofthe-art database that enables the public to more easily access information on projects.
This power grab is abhorrent to those of us who love and respect our precious coastline,
and the Commission should spend its time on things of much more significance - like
coastal protection - rather than ousting one of the finest Chairmen it has ever had.
Linda Seeley
Los Osos, CA 93402
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Marni Magda <marnimagda@gmail.com>

Coastal commission director
The Coastal Commission must not fire its director. He at least attempts to get a balanced message to the commission.
The people of California deserve protection from development of our precious last open lands in California. Big money is
winning all the battles lately and it is a terrible loss for the people of California. We must save our ocean and our bays
and the wildlife within them from the onslaught offurther development. I saw all of the Coastal Commission in action
when you let SCE have a 20 year permit to make San Onofre a nuclear Waste dump. You couldn't use radiation as a
denial but you didn't use any of the ways you might have prevented this unsafe use of our coast. Too many of the
Commission are hard line anti environment. I couldn't even get members to talk to me. They had talked to SCE and
that was it. Finished. We need a director who represents the people not special interests.
Marni Magda
949 4941373
460 Oak Street
Laguna Beach, CA 92651
Marnimagda @gmail.com
Sent from my iPhone
--------------------------~------
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Jeanne Fobes <jeannefobes@gmail.com>

Support Executive Director Dr. Charles Lester
This is to express my support for and gratitude to California for passing the Coastal Act and for setting up the California
Coastal Commission forty years ago to enforce this act and thus to protect our coastline from the predatory invasion of
developers.
Do you realize what a souce of pride and of joy our beautiful protected coast is to millions of Californians? Have you
shared your love of our free access to the untrammelled beauty with friends from such states as Florida, who cannot
believe that we in California have been successful at keeping the wealthy and powerful from taking all this away from us?
What a remarkable achievement!! This marks California as a wondrous place to live or to visit, as nothing else could.
The present Director, Dr. Charles Lester, has been and continues to be an eminent exemplar of the leader that we need
to continue to chair this Commission. It is inconceivable that the coterie of pro-developers could gain the power--despite
their money--to unseat this excellent director!
This is a serious attack on our beloved coast.
Please support Dr. Lester!
Sincerely,
Jeanne Fobes
Newport Beach
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Lynn Lorenz <lynnierlo@aol.com>

Dr. Lester
I have written a letter to the LA Times, Governor Brown and am now appealing to you to intervene and refuse to carry
through with plans to fire Dr. lester. It not only makes a political mockery of the institution which has protected our
beautiful coastline, it is an unjust way for commissioners who feel like Dr lester is standing in their way, to dispose of a
man who represents what is good and respectable about the Commission.
Lynn Lorenz, Newport Beach, Cal
lynnierlo@aol.com
Sent from my iPhone
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
PARSll@aol.com
StatusOfExecu tiveDi rector@Coastal
Leave Lester Alone!
This is a ploy that will backfire on all of you. Its just too obvious what is happening.
Merle Moshiri
19412 Pompano Lane.
Huntington Beach,CA 92648
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
rob lo <rlopuck@hotmail.com>
Saturday, January 23, 2016 4:20AM
I support the current Executive Director Charles Lester
It is shameful that a protector of our pubic trust is being attacked by political appointee's, who's interest run
counter to the will of the people. The California coast is for all of the people not just a selfish rich guitar
players, and bands of "investors". The commission is lead by a strong environmentalist and need to remain as
a counterbalance to the overeager political appointee's who's goal is contrary to the coastal commissions
mandate.
RobertS Lopuck
From:
Sent:
To:
sharon borrege <tiggeroo02@yahoo.com>

StatusOfExecutiveD irector@ Coasta I
http://www.coastal.ca.gov/mtgcurr.html
Where are the reasons for the proposed dismissal of the Executive Director of the CCC so that members of the public
may review before the hearing?
http://www .coastal.ca.gov/roster. html
Why are the following bios inactive (hovering over name fails to produce text box)?
dennis.baker@diandden.net on behalf of Dennis Baker

< Dennis.Baker@OCRiverPark.org >
Friday, January 22, 2016 10:03 PM
Dr. Charles Lester Termination Proceedings
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Chair Kinsey and Commissioners,

I oppose the removal of Dr. Lester from the staff. I've had dealings with the commission over the years and have always
found staff and the current and previous directors to be extremely helpful. The real problem is the Commission is
starved for funds. You have a very dedicated staff and director which is underpaid, overworked and underappreciated,
and they have been for as long as I can remember. Obviously this would present management challenges as it would in
any organization.
It's time for the state to properly fund the Coastal Commission instead of starving it.
Board Director
Orange Coast River Park, Inc.
PO Box 12932
Newport Beach, CA 92658-5079
Mobil - 949.274.3226
http://ocriverpark.org
111m.
-.-=-:"-"'-"=C..:...::.:""-
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Kathy Teufel < kathyteufel@gmail.com>

Friday, January 22, 2016 9:56 PM
StatusOfExecutive Directo r@Coasta I
Executive Director
Commissioners,
I am writing this letter to object to the dismissal of Coastal Commission Executive Director Charles Lester in a closed
session meeting. There are no grounds for his removal. he has worked tirelessly over the past several years to improve
the agency's efficiency and consistency. I believe that if Charles Lester goes so goes the agency's independence,
effectiveness, and ability to maintain it's mandate to protect our beautiful coast.
I also request that the discussion and vote about the director's dismissal be held in an open session with public comment
and transparency and then rejected!
I am 69 years old and I have lived all my life in coastal California from Manhattan Beach to Malibu to San Luis Obispo
where I have seen the amazing benefits from the Coastal Act. Please support the citizens of California by allowing the
Coastal Commission and Dr. Lester to continue to do their jobs.
Kathy Teufel
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
rob lo <rlopuck@hotmail.com>
Non tranparency to reach coastal commisioners/ in regards to action against Executive
Director Charles Lester
First off, coastal commission official should have a direct number to be reached so that the public can speak
with them, or at least leave a message. not a generic phone (415 904 5200) number where everything seems
to lead in circles.
More importantly,
I support the current Executive Director Charles Lester

It is shameful that a protector of our pubic trust is being attacked by political appointee's, and
those who's interest run counter to the will of the people. The California coast is for all of the
people not just selfish rich guitar players, and bands of "investors ...
The commission is lead by a strong environmentalist and need to remain as a counterbalance
to the overeager political appointee's, and those with goals contrary the public good, and to
the coastal commission's mandate.
Robert S Lopuck
2607 San Marcos dr

Pasadena ca 91107
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Koken, Debby [HMA] <dkoken@hmausa.com>

Do not fire Charles Lester!
To the California Coastal Commission

The California Coastal Commission is n attempting to fire Executive Director Charles Lester despite a
long list of accomplishments during his short tenure as Executive Director of the Commission.
This is an attempt to weaken the ability of the Coastal Commission to preserve California's coastal
resources for the benefit of the people of California and future generations.
In words taken from Governor Brown's 2015 inaugural speech, let us "build for the future, not steal
from it; to live within our means and to keep California ever golden." If you remove the impartial and
effective Executive Director of the Coastal Commission it will severely damage your ability to
maintain coastal access and protect the California coastline.
This is not about Charles Lester. This is about protecting public access and California's coast in
accordance with the Coastal Act. Do the job you were appointed to do!
Deborah Koken
1778 Kenwood Place
Costa Mesa, CA 92627
The information in this email and any attachments are for the sole use of the intended recipient and may contain privileged and
confidential information. If you are not the intended recipient, any use, disclosure, copying or distribution of this message or
attachment is strictly prohibited. We have taken precautions to minimize the risk of transmitting software viruses, but we advise you
to carry out your own virus checks on any attachment to this message. We cannot accept liability for any loss or damage caused by
software viruses. If you believe that you have received this email in error, please contact the sender immediately and delete the email
and all of its attachments.
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Attachments:
Bill McCarty <billmccarty2012@gmail.com>

Please retain Dr. Charles Lester
Retain Dr Charles Lester 01-25-16.pdf
Dear California Coastal Commissioners:

I'm writing today to most adamantly request that you retain Dr. Charles Lester as Executive Director of the
California Coastal Commission. Dr. lester has been a tireless advocate of the California Coastal Act and has
demonstrated his objectivity in administering his duties time and time again.
I understand the frustration some commissioners may feel about the time it takes to analyze coastal projects.
However, most of projects in the coastal zone are exceedingly complex and include impacts to environmentally
sensitive habitat areas (ESHA) and wetlands, Native American sites, water quality, infrastructure, air quality, coastal
access and myriad other issues.
The scope of these issues can generate applications that run into the thousands of pages, and can be far tao
complex and lengthy for busy commissioners to evaluate on their own in the short time prior to hearings. Nor can
commissioner get the objective information they need from summaries prepared by applicants or opponents of
proposed projects, since those for or against projects, and their paid consultants, have an inherent bias toward
their own desired outcomes.
Continued analysis by an independent and objective CCC staff, answerable only to the tenets of the California
Coastal Act, is the only way to ensure that commissioners receive the information they need to make informed and
legally-defensible decisions.
We have Dr. lester to thank for that independent, objective and thoroughly professional staff, and you are unlikely
to find anyone more qualified to carry on that crucial role.
Sincerely
Bill McCarty
Bill McCarty
2012 N. Capella Court
January 25, 2016

Francisco, CA 94105

Dr. Lester has been a tireless advocate ofthe California Coastal Act and has demonstrated his objectivity in
administering his duties time and time again.
However, most of projects in the coastal zone are exceedingly complex and include impacts to
environmentally sensitive habitat areas (ESHA) and wetlands, Native American sites, water quality,
infrastructure, air quality, coastal access and myriad other issues.
The scope of these issues can generate applications that run into the thousands of pages, and can be far too
complex and lengthy for busy commissioners to evaluate on their own in the short time prior to hearings. Nor
can commissioner get the objective information they need from summaries prepared by applicants or
opponents of proposed projects, since those for or against projects, and their paid consultants, have an
inherent bias toward their own desired outcomes.
Coastal Act, is the only way to ensure that commissioners receive the information they need to make
informed and legally-defensible decisions.
We have Dr. Lester to thank for that independent, objective and thoroughly professional staff, and you are
unlikely to find anyone more qualified to carry on that crucial role.
Sincerely
Bill McCarty
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Holly Sletteland <hslettel@calpoly.edu>

Please retain Dr. Lester as Executive Director!
Dear Commissioners,
I am writing to let you know that I was very dismayed to read in the paper about the letter from
Chairman Steve Kinsey informing Executive Director Dr. Charles Lester that the commissioners
planned to discuss his termination in closed session at their upcoming February meeting. I'm glad
that Dr. Lester opted to exercise his right to a public hearing, as I can't imagine the Commissioner's
grievances will hold up under public scrutiny in the light of day.
By all accounts of people I know who have worked for him or with him, Dr. Lester has been a very
successful leader of the organization. He has some major accomplishments under his belt, including
managing the development of a guidance document for adapting to sea level rise associated with
climate change, winning new authority for the agency to issue fines for violations of coastal law and
securing a $3 million dollar budget increase for the agency this year. More importantly in my view, he
has been firm in upholding the Coastal Act by supporting staff recommendations to deny or modify
some ill-conceived development projects. He undoubtedly ruffled a few feathers in the process and
one can't help but speculate that this might have some bearing on the move to terminate him.
Dr. Lester should not be faulted for doing his job. It seems to me he has squarely met the mandate of
the Coastal Commission as stated on your web page:
"The Commission is committed to protecting and enhancing California's coast and ocean for present
and future generations. It does so through careful planning and regulation of environmentallysustainable development, rigorous use of science, strong public participation, education, and
effective intergovernmental coordination."
This mandate should guide the actions of each of you commissioners as well. I trust you will keep this
in mind when you decide whether Dr. Lester will retain his position at the helm of the agency in
February. I plan to be there, as do many others, who feel our interests of protecting the coast are
being well served by the current leadership and do not support a change.
Very Sincerely,
Holly Sletteland
4849 See Ranch Lane
Templeton, CA 93465
Holly Sletteland
Projects Manager
Friends of the Fiscalini Ranch Preserve
1
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Attachments:
Cathy Boyd <cathyboyd666@gmail.com>

StatusOfExecutiveDi rector@Coasta I
Please retain Dr. Charles Lester
Retain Dr Charles Lester- 01-25-16 CB.pdf
California Coastal Commission. Dr. Lester has been a tireless advocate of the California Coastal Act and has
demonstrated his objectivity in administering his duties time and time again.
However, most of projects in the coastal zone are exceedingly complex and include impacts to environmentally
sensitive habitat areas (ESHA) and wetlands, Native American sites, water quality, infrastructure, air quality,
coastal access and myriad other issues.
can commissioner get the objective information they need from summaries prepared by applicants or opponents
of proposed projects, since those for or against projects, and their paid consultants, have an inherent bias toward
their own desired outcomes.
Coastal Act, is the only way to ensure that commissioners receive the information they need to make informed
and legally-defensible decisions.
Sincerely
Cathy Boyd
Cathy Boyd
2012 N. Capella Court
January 25, 2016

Francisco, CA 94105

Dr. Lester has been a tireless advocate of the California Coastal Act and has demonstrated his objectivity in
administering his duties time and time again.
However, most of projects in the coastal zone are exceedingly complex and include impacts to
environmentally sensitive habitat areas (ESHA) and wetlands, Native American sites, water quality,
infrastructure, air quality, coastal access and myriad other issues.
can commissioner get the objective information they need from summaries prepared by applicants or
opponents of proposed projects, since those for or against projects, and their paid consultants, have an
inherent bias toward their own desired outcomes.
Coastal Act, is the only way to ensure that commissioners receive the information they need to make
informed and legally-defensible decisions.
Sincerely
Cathy Boyd
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Tzur, Maxine <maxine.tzur@hoag.org>

Steve Kinsy
You need to STOP the development of Banning Ranch.

It will be the same as Porter Ranch.
Leave it to the animals- the people will end up sick, like Porter Ranch.
-Share your love of the coast, and why it's important to protect public access, sensitive habitats and marine resources,
and scenic view sheds
-Commend Dr. Lester for his courage to demand a public hearing allowing the public to weigh in on this awful attempt to
fire him
-Commend Dr. Lester for his incredible list of accomplishments during his 4 1/2 year tenure as Executive Director of the
Coastal Commission, including
1)
The Commission recently received new administrative authority from the California Legislature that allows
the Commission staff to administer penalties against individuals who violate the Coastal Act's coastal access provisions,
with a $11,500 fine per violation per day.
2)
The Commission completed an important Sea Level Rise guidance document to help local governments
better plan for and adapt to sea level rise and the impacts of climate change.
3)
The Commission just received a $3 million budget increase to make permanent 25 positions to focus on
sea level rise planning -the largest augmentation to the Commission's budget in 15 years.
4)
The Commission has made tremendous strides in the past few years updating Local Coastal Plans for 24
cities and counties across California.
5)
Dr. Lester and his staff have increased public transparency by creating a new state-of-the-art database that
enables the public to more easily access information on projects.
-Tell the Commission to stop this baseless power grab for developers and get busy improving its environmental voting
record and protecting our coast
;Ma.xjne rr'zur
Sr. Admin. Asst.
Hoag Hospital Pastoral Care and CPE
307 Placentia, #103
949-764-8358 ph
949-764-8320 fax
maxine.tzur@hoag.org
Please note that the information contained in this message and any files transmitted with it are privileged and
confidential and are protected from disclosure under the law, including the Health Insurance Portability and
Accountability Act (HIPAA). Ifthe reader ofthis message is not the intended recipient, or an employee or agent
responsible for delivering this message to the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any dissemination,
distribution or copying of this communication is strictly prohibited and may subject you to criminal or civil
penalties. If you have received this communication in error, please notify the sender by replying to the message
and delete the material from any computer. Thank you, Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian and its Affiliates
1
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
N. Fee <nhf009@gmail.com>
StatusOfExecutiveD i rector@ Coasta I
Coastal Act and Executive Lester
Dear California Coastal Commission and Governor Brown, I write requesting urgently that you support the fundamental
tenants of the California Coastal Act and Executive Director Charles Lester, whose has a proven track record of diligent
stewardship of the Coastal Act. Please protect and maintain his effective leadership.
Sincerely,
Nancy Fee
San Francisco, California
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Attachments:
Penny Elia <greenp1@cox.net>

Dr. Charles Lester and upholding the Coastal Act
Dr. Lester email.pdf
Dear Chair Kinsey:

During my very recent public comments on January 14, 2016 in San Diego, I had no idea that an
attack on Executive Director Lester and the Coastal Act was well underway. I am shocked and
disappointed to say the least.
When I spoke to the Commission on the 14th I recalled an extremely bad incident that we all
witnessed on January 8, 2015 when pro-development lobbyists and developer's attorneys were
allowed to take control of an agenda item and literally script one of the Governor's appointees on
exactly how to make a motion for approval of a destructive project and a complete dismissal of staff's
recommendations. This has happened far too often over the past few years and certainly has been a
harbinger for the coup that is now being organized by the pro-development Commissioners that have
absolutely dismal environmental voting records that they are apparently quite proud of since
"developer-friendly" is the rule of the day.
When I asked all of you on the 14th to use the Coastal Act as it should be used to protect and
preserve our finite natural resources, I now understand the sneers I received from the dais by several
of these same Commissioners that are attempting this coup. This isn't just about firing Dr. Lester, this
is all about undermining the integrity of the Coastal Act and everything the Coastal Commission was
created to protect and preserve.
I told you I would work on not being long-winded in 2016, so will close by saying that I find it rather
ironic that this attempt to terminate Dr. Lester comes at a time of strong Commission
accomplishment. No cause has been given for this drastic action and the fact that it was all launched
secretly is inexcusable on all levels.
February 101h is just around the corner and I look to you to help lead us out of this turmoil, Chair
Kinsey.
Penny Elia
Save Hobo Aliso Task Force
Sierra Club
Dear Chair Kinsey:

During my very recent public comments on January 14, 2016 in San Diego, I had
no idea that an attack on Executive Director Lester and the Coastal Act was well
underway. I am shocked and disappointed to say the least.
When I spoke to the Commission on the 14th I recalled an extremely bad incident
that we all witnessed on January 8, 2015 when pro-development lobbyists and
developer's attorneys were allowed to take control of an agenda item and literally
script one of the Governor's appointees on exactly how to make a motion for
approval of a destructive project and a complete dismissal of staff's
recommendations. This has happened far too often over the past few years and
certainly has been a harbinger for the coup that is now being organized by the
pro-development Commissioners that have absolutely dismal environmental
voting records that they are apparently quite proud of since "developer-friendly" is
the rule of the day.
When I asked all of you on the 14th to use the Coastal Act as it should be used to
protect and preserve our finite natural resources, I now understand the sneers I
received from the dais by several of these same Commissioners that are
attempting this coup. This isn't just about firing Dr. Lester, this is all about
undermining the integrity of the Coastal Act and everything the Coastal
Commission was created to protect and preserve.
I told you I would work on not being long-winded in 2016, so will close by saying
that I find it rather ironic that this attempt to terminate Dr. Lester comes at a time
of strong Commission accomplishment. No cause has been given for this drastic
action and the fact that it was all launched secretly is inexcusable on all levels.
February 1oth is just around the corner and I look to you to help lead us out of this
turmoil, Chair Kinsey.
Penny Elia
Save Hobo Aliso Task Force
Sierra Club
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Connie Gannon <connie@greenspacecambria.org>

Statu sOfExecutive Di recto r@Coastal
Review of Charles Lester's employment as Executive Director
To the California Coastal Commissioners:

As a fifth-generation coastal Californian and director of a small community land trust on California's Central
Coast, I would like to thank the Coastal Commission for its history of protection and careful rulings regarding
this uniquely beautiful and environmentally critical area. I am writing today to ask that the Coastal Commission
continue its fine record by supporting the work of Executive Director Charles Lester.
When Dr Lester was hired, the entire Commission recognized "the unique experience, unwavering integrity and
clear vision" that he brought to the position of executive director (CCC Press Release, 9/8/2011 ). He has done a
fine job integrating the requirements of the Coastal Act and the needs of communities to help ensure that
recreational, residential, commercial and educational projects will serve both people and the coastal ecosystems
we depend upon.
I must question the motivations behind the Commission's recent move to ask Dr Lester to resign or face a public
hearing on his employment. Dr. Lester is a public servant, and the public has not been informed of any
wrongdoing on his part that would prompt such a personnel action. In consequence, many have come to the
conclusion that pressure from the anti-protection and pro-development corporate sector has led to the
Commission's action. It appears to be a politically motivated decision, driven by a desire to appease those who
would damage and even destroy the environmental and long-term economic value of our coast for the sake of
short-term profit.
Those of us who work hard to protect the natural ecosystems that help to protect key areas from climate change,
and to sustain our communities' health and well-being protest this dangerous misstep by the Commission. We
ask that you retain Dr. Lester as your executive director and allow him to continue working effectively for the
well-being of the California coast and all its residents.
Thank you.
Sincerely,
Constance Higdon Gannon, Ph.D.
Executive Director
Greenspace - The Cambria Land Trust
To cherish what remains of the Earth and to foster its renewal is our only legitimate hope of survival.
-- Wendell Berry
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Paul Hostetter < music@lutherie.net>

Please stand up for the Coastal Act
To whomever-
I shouldn't have to tell you this, but the entire point of the Coastal Commission is to prevent overdevelopment. Now
development interests are trying to run off their opposition.
This is unacceptable.
There
is
no
justification whatsoever to
terminate
the
Commission
and
its
mission are
at
professionalism of
the
staff
are
essential
Dr.
stake;
to
Lester. The
integrity
the
independence and
its integrity.
Do whatever it takes to repudiate and neutralize this effort to get rid of Charles Lester. The state depends on a
functioning Coastal Commission.
Yours,
ph
QQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQ
Paul Hostetter
Bonny Doon, CA
of
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Lucia Moser < lucia.moser@acterra.org >

California Coastal Commission's Executive Director Charles Lester.
Please stand up for the Coastal Act and support the California Coastal Commission's Executive Director Charles
Lester.
Thank you,
Lucia Moser
Lucia Moser
Development Manager
Acterra: Action For A Healthy Planet
3921 East Bayshore Road
Palo Alto, CA 94303-4303
(6so) 962-9876 ext 346
Acterra brings people together to create local solutions for a healthy planet. We are a 501(c)3.
Support our environmental work by visiting www.acterra.org.
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Pat Blevins <seaglass103@sbcglobal.net>

StatusOfExecutiveD irector@Coasta I
I am writing to protest the attempted ouster of Director Lester. This appears to be an

attempt by the 4 commissioners appointed by Governor Brown to force out Mr. Lester, in
order to give preferential treatment to the requests of developers, while ignoring the
mandate of the Coastal Commission to protect the California Coast for all the people of
California to enjoy.
Patricia Blevins
San Jose
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Laurel Hoctor Jones <laurelhoctorjones@gmail.com>

Keep the Executive Director of the Coastal Commission in place
Don't hand our coastline over to developers.
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Anne De Carli <anne.decarli@sbcglobal.net>

Copy of my letter to Governor Brown
Dear Governor Brown,

I support retaining Dr. Lester and oppose the effort by some commissioners to get rid of him.
The Committee for Green Foothills' position on this matter is my position also. Our coastline is
important to me and an asset to all Californians.
Sincerely yours,
Anne DeCarli
485 Woodside Road
Apartment 4216
Redwood City, CA 94061
650 361 1773
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Emily Renzel <marshmama2@att.net>

Please retain Dr.Charles Lester as Executive Director
Dear Members of the Coastal Commission: I am dismayed at your blatant attempts to undermine Coastal Protection in
California by attempting to fire Dr. Charles Lester, the Executive Director. Our Coast is a priceless treasure belonging to
all the people of California and I hope you will follow the Coastal Protection Act and make sure that our Coast continues
to be a significant asset to the State. Please support Dr. Lester. Sincerely, Emily M. Renzel, 1056 Forest Avenue, Palo
Alto, CA 94301
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Pauline Seales <paulineseales120@gmail.com>

Sta tusOfExecutiveDi rector@ Co asta I
Dr Lester
Please reinstate Dr Lester. At this time with rising sea levels and stronger storms we need a strong independent
Coastal Commission more than ever.
Pauline Seales
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
lorenzo@footh iII. net

comment
As one who has lived on or near the coast in Santa Barbara, Santa Cruz, and Half Moon Bay I have always considered a
strong costal commission one of the most important aspects in saving what is left of our coast.
I am appalled to hear of a move to replace the current executive director by a group that seems more tied to special
interests and development interests. As a lifelong citizen of this state I want to go strongly on record in support of Dr
lester. I am looking to you to do the same.
Thank You,
lawrence Brann-Smith
Palo Alto and Auburn, Calif
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Lois Robin <robin@baymoon.com>

Monday/ January 251 2016 11:13 PM
Statu sOfExecutiveDi rector@Coasta I
Importance of retaining Charles Lester

As someone who has paid attention to coastal issues for many years, living near the Monterey Bay, I
strongly urge you to retain Charles Lester as Director. In my view he has been doing a perfectly
competent,outstanding job of adhering to the full values of the Coastal Act.
Sinerely,
Loi4 1<~
4701'ittw4 V~t.
SM14~.&4
181 464-8989
et!.@.,
Loi4'1<~. ~
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Jon Silver <jon3silver@yahoo.com>

Statu sOfExecutiveDi rector@ Coastal
Please stand up for the Coastal Act: Retain Dr. Charles Lester Executive Director
Re: Support for California Coastal Commission Director Dr. Charles Lester
Dear Commissioners,
I strongly urge you to support the retention of Dr. Charles Lester as the California Coastal Commission's
Executive Director. There is no justification whatsoever to terminate Dr. Lester. The integrity of the
Commission and its mission are at stake; the independence and professionalism of its staff are essential.
Over the past 40 years, the people of California have overwhelmingly supported protecting our irreplaceable
coastline and providing access for all.
I am deeply concerned by reports that a number of more development minded commissioners are part of an
attempted a coup to weaken the Commission. I fervently hope that you will stand against this.
Respectfully,
Jon C. Silver
Former Mayor, Town of Portola Valley
Former Chair, Planning Commission, County of San Mateo
355 Portola Road
Portola Valley, CA 94028
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Virginia Smedberg <virgviolin@hotmail.com>

Governor@Governor.ca.gov; StatusOfExecutiveDirector@Coastal
Coastal Commission Exec. Dir. situation
Hello- I am writing because I have heard that a behind-the-scenes effort by developer-friendly Coastal
Commissioners to fire Executive Director Dr. Charles Lester, has just come to light. The four commissioners
appointed by the Governor appear to be the chief instigators.
This effort is an attack on the integrity and independence of the Coastal Commission. The coast belongs to all
the people. As a native Californian I ask you to defend the Coastal Act and the Coastal Commission's
independent staff on this, the 40th anniversary of the Coastal Act. As Peter Douglas, the former Executive
Director of the Coastal Commission said, "The Coast is never saved, it is always being saved." Developers are
not interested in the views (opinions as well as wonderful ocean vistas) of us ordinary citizens; the job of the
Commission is to represent US individuals.
Rather than quietly resign, Dr. Lester has asked for a public hearing, which is his right. The hearing will be
February 10 at the Coastal Commission's meeting in Morro Bay. I ask that you listen to the public.
Sincerely,
Virginia Smedberg
441 Washington Ave
Palo Alto CA 94301
From:
Sent:
To:
Cc:
Subject:
Carolyn Straub <carolyn.rosyfinch.straub@gmail.com>

Statu sOfExecutiveDi rector@Coastal
Re: Dr. Charles Lester Hearing; the Commission's Mission:
"Protecting & Enhancing California's Coast

The Commission is committed to protecting and enhancing California's coast and ocean for present and future
generations. It does so through careful planning and regulation of environmentally-sustainable development, rigorous
use of science, strong public participation, education, and effective intergovernmental coordination."
- Mission Statement- http://www.coastal.ca.gov/whoweare.html
We are supporting the position taken by the Palo Alto Committee for Green Foothills that you retain Dr. Charles Lester
and do not give in to the wishes of four developer-friendly members whose goal is to build the coast, altering the
mission of the California Coastal Commission .. Our coast is spectacular as it is.
Please keep this mission in mind as you try to unseat Dr. Charles Lester on Feb. 10. California residents in favor of the
coast and its scenic environs especially in northern California, may not appreciate this if they knew.
Thank you for your interest.
Sincerely,
Carolyn Straub
Steve McHenry
Members
Peninsula Conservation Center
3921 East Bayshore Road
Palo Alto CA 94303
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
David Dunsmoor <david.dunsmoor@yahoo.com>

CA Coastal Commission
I moved to CA from Florida about eight years ago. I was amazed at how CA has preserved its coast and protected it so that the
public has access and the environment has been paid attention to. Florida has not done so well in these areas, and I commend
CA for its efforts to preserve the coast for the people, wildlife and plants - especially sensitive habitat for endangered species. I
am also impressed with leadership in CA and its commitment to transparency and honest government.
So you can imagine that I was surprised to hear that developer friendly commissioners on the CA Coast Commission are
attempting to replace Dr. Lester, a true professional committed to the original mission of the Coastal Commission, with a
director who would likely change the balance from the public interest to the developers' interests.
I urge you to keep Dr. Lester in his position and act in support of the Commission's original mission.
David Dunsmoor
Newport Beach CA
---
----------------------------------------
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Jim Mosher <jimmosher@yahoo.com>

Please retain Dr. Lester
To: California Coastal Commission

Not being privy to your closed session discussions, I was startled to see the press accounts announcing the Commission
is considering terminating the employment of Dr. Charles Lester as Executive Director.
In my experience of Coastal Commission hearings, Dr. Lester has consistently offered quiet, calm, well~reasoned and
objective guidance. It seemed to me he was very thoughtfully navigating the fine line between the protection of private
property rights and the protection of coastal resources in a way I would assume the Commission would want their Director
to act.
Last July I had the pleasure of hearing Dr. Lester speak at a public symposium hosted by the University of California,
Irvine, on making coastal communities climate change resilient. Dr. Lester again struck me as a passionate but balanced
advocate for the California coast.
I believe Dr. Lester is the kind of public servant California needs more of, not less.
I strongly support Or. Lester's retention as Executive Director of the California Coastal Commission.
Furthermore, if hearings are to be held on Dr. Lester's employment, and it is Dr. Lester's wish to do so, then I also
strongly urge that all aspects of the hearings be conducted in public.
Yours sincerely,
Jim Mosher
2210 Private Road
Newport Beach, CA. 92660
Amanda Mascia <amandamascia77@gmail.com>

Statu sOfExecutiveD irector@ Coasta I
I SUPPORT DR. LESTER
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:

I am writing to express my support for Dr. Lester.
As a nature lover and adventurer along California's coast, I am extremely grateful for the hard work Dr. Lester has
undertaken to PROTECT our coast from rampant development. There are currently 16 projects in my immediate
area for consideration and approval under the coastal commission. OUR COAST IS UNDER ATTACK FROM
DEVELOPERS.
Any attempts to oust Dr. Lester as Director will be perceived by the public as attempts to threaten our coasts,
themselves.
Uphold the standards of the California Coastal Commission, quit bowing down to developers' interests, PROTECT
Dr. Lester, his ethics and his vision.
WE STAND BEHIND DR LESTER
~Amanda
Mascia, Volunteer with Citizens for North County
Oceanside, California 92056
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Thomas Cowley <thomascowley8@gmail.com>

StatusOfExecutiveDirector@Coasta I
Lester
Hello,
Are there examples of how Doctor Lester's job performance is detrimental to public interest?
Thomas Cowley
Thomascowley@kw.com
All the best,

Thomas Cowley
Cell 408-500-1413
Office 408-694-9805
thomascowley@kw.com
From:
Sent:
To:
Cc:
Subject:
Ahna Dominski <AhnaHoliday@earthlink.net>

Coastal Act--Save OUR Coast!
Dear Governor Jerry Brown,

Please save & protect our Coastal Act! With so much development going on, especially in California, we need our coast
to be protected. This area is a very fragile area. So many living things depend on this area to thrive. OUR coast, not
Your Coast or My Coast, needs to be preserved for ALL people---not just the wealthy who want to develop this sacred
land. Please Governor Brown----SAVE our COAST and replace commissioners who only see the value of the coast through
their greed. This land needs to be protected for future generations of California and kept as pristine as possible. One
cannot put a monetary figure on our beautiful coast. It is an asset more valuable and visited by people from all over the
world-----more visitors than the Golden Gate Bridge!
Ahna Dominski
Rockaway Beach
Pacifica, CA
From:
Sent:
To:
Cc:
Subject:
Ahna Dominski <ahna@westedgemetals.com>

Ahna Dominski
Fwd: Coastal Act--Save OUR Coast!
> Dear Coastal Commissioners:

>
> Please save & protect our Coastal Act! With so much development going on, especially in California, we need our
coast to be protected. This area is a very fragile area. So many living things depend on this area to thrive. OUR coast,
not Your Coast or My Coast, needs to be preserved for ALL people---not just the wealthy who want to develop this
sacred land. Please, SAVE our COAST! I Commissioners who only see the value of the coast through their greed need to
be replaced with Commissioners who respect this land and the people they serve. This land needs to be protected for
future generations of California and kept as pristine as possible. One cannot put a monetary figure on our beautiful
coast. It is an asset more valuable and visited by people from all over the world-----more visitors than the Golden Gate
Bridge!
>
> Ahna Dominski
> Rockaway Beach
> Pacifica, CA
>
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Tanya Brooking <tanyabrooking@gmail.com>

StatusOfExecu tive Director@ Coasta I
ATTN: California Coastal Commission Chair Steve Kinsey
Dear Mr. Kinsey,

I cannot stress enough the love I have for our coast, nor how critical it is to protect public access,
sensitive habitats and marine resources, and scenic view sheds.
I commend Dr. Lester for his courage to demand a public hearing allowing the public to weigh in on
this awful attempt to fire him. Dr. Lester is well known for his accomplishments in protecting our
coastline, during his 4 1/2 year tenure as Executive Director of the Coastal Commission,
It is abundantly clear that there is a power grab in this state by developers and corporations. They
operate with little to no impunity for horrific disasters they perpetrate against our ecosystems, people,
and air quality (i.e. Gaviota oil spill, the current Porter Ranch gas fire burning for four months now,
etc.). This is not hyperbole. We need MORE Dr. Lesters protecting our great state, not less!
Please, protect our coast, give Dr. Lester a public hearing and keep him in hisposition
as Executive Director of the CCC. Do not bend to the lobbyists! This is OUR state, not
theirs!
Sincerely,
Tanya Hutchison Brooking

Carlsbad, CA
~Please consider our impact on the environment before printing this e-mail.
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Vari MacNeil <v@vmacneil.com>

Protect our coasts
I strongly support Dr. Lester's continued leadership of the CCC.

He follows the Coastal Act, which acknowledges that the coast is for ALL Californians, not just the few.
The coast is also for our native and migratory wildlife. So much has already been developed that little open
space remains must be vigourously protected. When is enough enough? When exhausted birds just die because
the little postage stamp sized piece of open space they depended on is gone? Our coasts are a key part of a
global ecological system that cannot withstand any more destruction.
The staff and Dr. Lester have done an exemplary job. He has followed the law. He has enforced the Coastal Act.
For that he should be rewarded, not dismissed.
People remember, and future generations will remember, those who protected the remaining open spaces on our
coast. Those visionaries will be honored, even revered. No one will honor those who facilitated yet another
condo complex. The likelihood is that if they are remembered at all, it will be with disdain and contempt. Which
do you want to be?
VARI
MACNEIL
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Joan Scott <jscottpr@aol.com>

Dear Sirs,
California's world-renowned coastal protection program is under attack. A behind-the-scenes effort by
developer-friendly Coastal Commissioners to fire Executive Director Dr. Charles Lester, has just
come to light. Rather than quietly resign, Dr. Lester has asked for a public hearing, which is his right.
This attempted coup is an attack on the integrity and independence of the Coastal Commission. The
coast belongs to all the people. All Californians need to speak up for the coast, and defend the
Coastal Act and the Coastal Commission's independent staff on this, the 40th anniversary of the
Coastal Act. As Peter Douglas, the former Executive Director of the Coastal Commission said, "The
Coast is never saved, it is always being saved."
Sincerely,
Joan Scott
PORTOLA VALLEY
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Richard S. <argalite@gmail.com>
Statu sOfExecutiveDirector@Coasta I
Executive Director
I just want to say that, having grown up in California, I appreciate the openness ofthe coastline, and do not
want developers building anything more along the coast. Now with Climate Change, adding Rock revetment is
an act of folly, as it is just going to get worse. Hindering coastal development is what is needed, and the
Executive Director has been doing a great job. The the "Appointees" to be wanting his ouster, is just sick. The
Governor should rein them in.
Richard Smith
Sacramento
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Mattias Cape <mattias.cape@gmail.com>

Letter of support for Charles Lester
To Whom It May Concern:

I am writing to you today to express my support for Charles Lester ahead of the upcoming Coastal Commission
hearing in Morro Bay. Since taking the position in 2011 he has upheld the spirit of the commission by faithfully
and fairly balancing the protection of our California coastline with the many demands for coastal development
Having such a voice as executive director of the CCC ensures a broader and longer-term perspective regarding
the future of our coastline.
With this in mind, the ongoing proceeding to oust Charles Lester from his position appear as a blatant and
arbitrary attempt to make the commission more developer-friendly by dismissing one of its most influential
members. Special interests, such as developers or land owners, wield significant influence via political
connections and for all intents and purposes limitless monetary and legal resource, which they can pour into
lobbying efforts for coastal development Broadly speaking, these interests will favor short term gains for the
few over long-term outlooks for the state's many residents. This poses an issue when the Commission is tasked
with representing California residents equally and fairly, and protecting the coastline from egregious
development Charles Lester has insured that few, powerful individuals do not dictate the future of theCA
coastline, a common and finite good that once developed cannot be returned to its natural, pristine state. His
potential dismissal is in my eyes unwarranted.
Beyond a simple prime location for development, the California coastline is home to unique terrestrial and
marine ecosystems, serves as a source of joy for millions ofbeachgoers visiting from all over the world, and
stands as an iconic image of the state in general. Potential development projects along the coast should take into
account how these different facets will be affected, and what the long-term outlook might be. I am confident
that Charles Lester lends a fair-minded voice to these concerns on the CCC, and that he should remain in his
current position for years to come.
Best regards,
Mattias Cape
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Vanessa Vasquez <vanessa.mckenna.vasquez@gmail.com>

Keep Dr. Lester--It's our coast!
Dear Coastal Commission,

I am a proud Californian and I love our beautiful coastline. Please do not cow-tow to developers and business
interests who do not respect public access and the Coastal Act. The beautiful Californian coast is unique in this
world. Let Dr. Lester get back to work and do what you are supposed to--protect this incomparable resource for
all Califomians ... not just the wealthy.
Vanessa Vasquez
Plumas County, California
I am myself and what is around me; and ifl do not save it, it shall not save me -- Jose Ortega y Gasset
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Vicki Kojola <vkojola@comcast.net>

Please keep Dr. Charles Lester as Executive Director of the Coastal Commission.
The coast belongs to all people!
Victoria and Paul Kojola
140 Escanyo Way
Portola Valley, CA
94028
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Bev Lipman <bevlipman@sbcglobal.net>

We support Director Charles Lester, who was hand-picked to carry on the legacy of Peter Douglas, the creator of the
California Coaster Commission. He is doing a wonderful job of honoring the commission's mission of balancing the
protection of the state's coastal resources with allowing development projects that were respectful of the environment.
Peter and Beverly Lipman
Portola Valley CA
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Carolyn Ziegler-Davenport <zbonmot@earthlink.net>

Possible replacement of director
I am a native Californian (Pasadena) and have been swimming in California's ocean waters for nearly 75 years. In fact,
my family on both sides has resided in California since 1920. We know our state history and resources. I am strongly in
favor of strict protection of our coastline and very much against lining our shores with development.
Please, do not replace a very good man who is very protective of our waters and shoreline.
In addition to this message, I will be contacting Governor Brown and encouraging him to replace any pro-development
members of the Commission. Helping developers is not the job of the Commission. I plan to attend the meeting in
Morrow Bay and will address the issue If there is an opportunity to speak.
Sincerely,
Carolyn M. Ziegler
16812 Sandalwood Drive
Pine Mountain Club, CA 93222
661-242-2025
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Judith Kahle <44starlight@sbcglobal.net>

Continued leadership of Dr. Lester
To the California Coastal Commission:

I am writing to oppose the removal of Dr. Lester as Executive Director of the California Coastal Commission.
This is merely an effort by wealthy developers to remove obstacles in order to develop and destroy the beaches that
belong to the people and the wildlife of California. Dr. Lester has done a fantastic job of balancing the needs of wildlife
(who do not have expensive lawyers to protect their migratory pathways, their habitat, their ability to survive and
reproduce) with the needs of the citizens of California, the millions of tourists who come here every year to enjoy or
beautiful coast, small businesses who rely upon tourism, and the developers who already own enough of our land.
This land should continue to remain in the public domain. Do not remove Dr. Lester from his position. He has done a
fantastic job. You do not have the right to give away our land and land rights to private developers at the expense of the
people of California, and our wildlife -who would be at risk without his continued leadership. We do not want our
coast to look like Miami, or Las Vegas. The coast needs to keep what is left of its wildness and its ability to support all
stakeholders, including and especially for our wildlife.
Judith Kahle
343 Wyoming St.
Fairfield CA 94533
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
KnowWho Services <noreply@knowwho.services>

Support the Executive Director of the Coastal Commission
Dear CA Coastal Commission,

I support the California Coastal Act. I want to make sure the coast is accessible and that environmental values are
preserved.
Therefore, I am disappointed to learn that your appointees to the Coastal Commission are working to drive out the
Commission's executive director, Charles Lester.
Mr. Lester and his staff have appropriately enforced the Coastal Act and have been effective in ensuring that climate
change impacts are considered as coastal development plans are updated.
I urge you to support Mr. Lester and let your appointees to the Commission know of that support.
Sincerely,
Sincerely,
Dawna Knapp
7251 Ullivale Court
Citrus Heights, CA 95621dawna.knapp@sierraclub.org
4153202213
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
KnowWho Services < noreply@knowwho.services >


preserved.
Sincerely,
Sincerely,
Lauren White
85 2nd St Fl2
San Francisco, CA 94105lauren.white@sierraclub.org
(925) 708-1487
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
0 BRIEN YOUNG <obyoung@sbcglobal.net>

Attn. Chair Steve Kinsey
Dear Sir:
The Coastal Commission's long and proud history of protecting California's coast is once again being threatened by
developers. Dr. Charles Lester's accomplishments and leadership have been exemplary. I am proud to support him.
Ms. O'Brien Young, 1354 Kearny Street, San Francisco, CA 94133
From:
BobMisc at Cox <bobsmisc@cox.net>
Sent:
Friday, September 19, 2003 1:32 AM
To:
Dr Lester
Subject:
Dear Sir:
I moved to Newport Beach in 1971, so the coast of CA is very special to me. I've always been proud of our state for preserving and
protecting public access and sensitive habitat. I was disappointed to hear that commissioners are considering firing Dr. Lester, who has
been a strong and effective leader in upholding the public's intentions in creating the Coastal Commission.
I was especially disappointed to learn that replacing him could mean a change in direction -toward more extensive development, less
public access and destruction of sensitive habitats. Please don't abandon the intent of the people of CA. I urge you to keep Dr. Lester in
his position and act in support of the Commission's original mission.
Robert Kopicki
Corona Del Mar, Ca 92625
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Joel Schulman <jnschulman@gmail.com>

Ccc@daynabochco.com; wendy@katzmitchell.com; cgroom@smcgov.org;
mkshallenberger@gmail.com; roberto.uranga@longbeach.gov; mluevano@gmail.com;
Mark@mark-vargas.com; Staben, Jeff@Coastal
Fwd: Keep Coastal Commission Executive Director Charles Lester
We, and all the friends and neighbors I have talked with, are outraged by this attack on Coastal Commission
Executive Director Charles Lester. It is a blatant attempt to exploit the remainder of our protected coastland for the
benefit of a few politically connected business interests. This is a frontal attack on the independence of the
Commission and the Coast. Lester is the symbol, not the real issue. The threatened termination of a
strong environmental leader is an outrageous move. The Coastal Commission needs to be stronger in protecting our
coast from "development" not less vigilant. The desires of a few wealthy individuals or the greed of those who wish
to exploit the California coast must be stopped.
This behind-the-scenes attack on Executive Director Lester is an attack on the Coastal Act itself. It is a power grab
in an attempt to undermine the Coastal Program, gain control over an independent staff, and make the Commission
more developer-friendly without any public accountability or transparency. Director Lester has gained major
accomplishments for the protection of the CA coast. It would be a shame to fire this man who has done so much to
preserve the California Coast, which is widely known for its natural unspoiled beauty. His detractors claim he is
incompetent, yet I believe they want him to disappear because he IS so competent and fair-minded. Development
that is done with no concern for local impacts has had an irreversible effect on so much of California's coast and it's
hard to imagine why anyone would want to see that continue and even expand. But that sounds like exactly what
the people that want to terminate Dr. Charles Lester want.
Joel & Kian Schulman
1832 Lookout Road
Malibu, CA 90265
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Valerie Love <vlove@biologicaldiversity.org>

Support for Dr. Lester
Protecting Califonias coast is essential for ensuring a bright future for our state.
Dr. Lester has done an excellent job in his role, and I feel strongly that there should be a public hearing
allowing the public to weigh in on this shameful attempt to fire him.
Thank you to the entire Coastal Commission for their tireless dedication and public service under difficult
conditions.
Please stop this power grab for developers and get back to protecting our beautiful coast!
Respectfully,
-Valerie Love
Valerie Love
Clean Energy Campaigner
vlove@biologicaldiversity.org
cell: 510-274-9713
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:


preserved.
Sincerely,
Sincerely,
jeff ligouri
456 s 21st st.
san jose, CA 95116jeffl6019@yahoo.com
(408) 644-6537
From:
linda gibbs <lindamgibbs@mac.com>

Sent:
To:
Subject:
Honorable Commissioners,
Please keep Charles Lester as Executive Director of the Coastal Commission. Don't let politics interfere with
the position of the Executive Director who is supposed to remain neutral. He is an effective Executive Director.
Guided by the Coastal Act he successfully balances the interests of Environmentalists and development and
upholds the Coastal Act.
Linda Gibbs
6744 Dume Drive
Malibu, CA 90265
0
0
0
0
0
>!<.
0
0
>*}}}}>
linda gibbs
"Earth Care, People Care, Fair Share"
--------------------------------
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Steven Martin <arcata.steve@gmail.com>

StatusOfExecutiveDirector@Coastal; CNRA Office of the Secretary
Coastal Commission, Charles Lester
Do not sell our coastline to developers! Stay independent and stand up to developers and their lobbyists. Do not
force Charles Lester to resign and do not fire him.
Thank you.
Dr. Steven Martin
Arcata, CA
From:
Heather Shields < Heather.Shields@patagonia.com >
Sent:
To:
Cc:
Subject:

On Dr. Lester

Our coast belongs to all Californians and the Coastal Commission's independent, professional staff has been central to our ability to
protect public access, open space and to ensure compliance with the Coastal Act, arguably the most important coastal protection
law in the nation. Over the last several years under the direction of Executive Director, Dr. Charles Lester, the Commission's staff has
been extraordinarily effective; staff has accepted considerable new responsibilities in dealing with climate change and public access,
there is an unprecedented level of transparency to the public and more than 90% of all development projects presented have been
approved. In spite of this, I was alarmed to hear that the Commission is considering the termination of Dr. Lester, without reason.
This attack on the professional staff is an attack on the Coastal Act and our coastal access and open space. Dr. Lester and his staff
represent the public interest and it is vital that they have the ability to act independently and without fear of political reprisal for
their efforts to uphold state law.
I urge you to stand up for the independence of staff. Please ensure a fully transparent and open process and retain Dr. Lester who
has performed his duties with admirable result since taking over this position in 2011.
With best regards,
Heather Shields
3980 Telegraph Rd., #13
Ventura, CA 93003
Heather Shields
Testing and Standards Engineer, Technical Knits
Patagonia, Inc.
259 W. Santa Clara St., Ventura, CA 93001 USA
Phone: (805) 667-4867
*Please consider the Environment before printing this email.
***CONFIDENTIALI1Y NOTICE-This email and any files/attachments transmitted with it may contain confidential and privileged information. If you are not the
intended recipient, DO NOT read, copy, print, or disseminate this communication. Non-intended recipients are hereby placed on notice that any unauthorized
disclosure, duplication, distribution, or taking of any action in reliance on the contents of these materials is expressly prohibited. If you have received this
communication in error, please delete this information in its entirety (including all attachments) and immediately notify the sender via a separate e-mail that you
have received this communication in error.
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Karl Hutterer <khutterer@SBNATURE2.0RG>

letter of concern
Mr. Steve Kinsey


An environmentally healthy, protected, and publicly accessible coast is one of our state's most precious resources. I am
alarmed by the possibility that the Coastal Commission's Executive Director, Dr. Charles Lester, may be forced to leave
his position for opaque, and possible politically motivated, reasons.
Since his appointment, Dr. Lester and his staff have done excellent work in representing the citizens' shared interest in
the coast. It is vital that they be able to pursue their task professionally, independently, and without fear of political
interference or reprisal.
I urge you to stand up for Dr. Lester and his staff and ensure that their professionalism and independence be protected.
Doing so will benefit the public good rather than any specific agenda or interest. Please ensure that the process of
reviewing Dr. Lester's tenure be done in a fully transparent and open manner.
Thank you for your consideration.
Karl L. Hutterer
790 Mission Canyon Road
Santa Barbara, CA 93105
805-453-8162
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Suzanne Dunning <suzannedunning@gmail.com>

Coastal Act
Dear Coastal Commission- I am writing to urge you to please stop

obstructing Dr. Lester and to please, please, please defend our California
coastline- it is one of the greatest resources we have. We will all suffer if we
let financial interests rob us of our right to have plentiful access to the ocean.
Please make the right choice.
best,
Suzanne Dunning
707 798 0158
2148 Western Ave.
Arcata, CA 95521
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Kristen Kolada Caplan <kkolada@gmail.com>

StatusOfExecutiveD irector@ Coasta I
Upcoming Coastal Commission hearing
To the California Coastal Commission,

Please protect the independence of the California Coastal Commission and do not let developers influence the
leadership of the Coastal Commission. Our coastline is an invaluable asset for the millions of residents and
visitors who enjoy its miles of access, open space, and relatively limited development. I have traveled all over
the world and seen first hand how special the CA coastline is, in terms of limited development and public
access. In the words of an eloquent OpEd by Steve Blank in the LA Times, "Do we want to look at miles of
beaches behind locked gates and wall-to-wall condos and ask, "Did he sell out 40 million Californians for a few
rich developers?" Or, do we want to share with our grandchildren the same open vistas and glorious beaches
that we have enjoyed and say, "Jerry Brown left all of us a coastline like no other in the world"?" (1126/16).
Thank you for your time,
Kristen Caplan
Glendale, CA
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Jeff Segall <jeff_segall@yahoo.com>

Fw: Retain Dr. Charles Lester as the Executive Director of the Coastal Commission
Dear members of the California Coastal Commission,
The California Coast is a world treasure, and the people of California wisely acted to protect that incredible resource 40
years ago with the Coastal Act. A strong, independent and vigilant Coastal Commission has been the strongest force for
protecting the coast from those who would monetize and privatize our coast. The move to replace Dr. Lester certainly
looks like an attempt to bring the commission to heal to the interests of the powerful and against the interests of the
millions who support the Coastal Act and the protection of the coast.
I ask that you support Dr. Lester as Coastal Commission Executive Director.
Thank you!
Jeff Segall
655 California St.
Mountain View, CA 94041
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Gary Bailey <tigergary@earthlink.net>

Dear Commissioners:
Please do not fire Executive Director Dr. Charles Lester, who is doing a good job. The
Coastal Commission should protect the coast for all Californians, not just for developers.
Thank you,
Gary Bailey
941 W. Cardinal
Sunnyvale, CA 94087
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Robert Moddelmog <robertmoddelmog@gmail.com>

Our coast doesn't need an 'Executive Developer'
January 26, 2016

It was with great disappointment that I heard that several of your members are trying to undermine
the Commission's great work of protecting the California coast. California boasts a beautiful coastline
that is a jewel of America, and an envy of the world. However, these Commissioners are attempting to
replace the Executive Director with an 'Executive Developer.' As a resident of Newport Beach, I am
also personally harmed by these Commissioners' efforts to pave over some of Southern California's
last preserved coastal bluffs with over 1,000 homes at Banning Ranch.
Now is the time for visionary leadership to address sea level rise and loss of public spaces on the coast,
not the time to destroy the coast. Even if the Paris climate agreements are met, sea levels will still rise
by several feet, which will result in seawalls and destruction of beaches for California's residents. In
one hundred years, when there are less beaches and more people, we will need every coastal bluff and
open area we can get. Now is the time to prepare for sea level rise and preserve coastal open space
while we can. The Coastal Act and the California Constitution command that the coast be preserved
for future generations of Californians, and we must not let our grandchildren down. We need a
visionary Executive Director- not an 'Executive Developer.'
Sincerely,
Robert Moddelmog
J.D. Candidate, Class of 2017
University of California, Irvine School of Law
Robert Moddelmog
J.D. Candidate, Class of 2017
University of California, Irvine School of Law
------------------------------------------
From:
Sent:
To:
CanDoJack <candojack@gmail.com>
Hands off Lester

I agree with the following:
Want to do something but cannot attend the meeting? WE NEED YOUR HELP! Spread this event and send an
email letter today to the California Coastal Commission, Attention Chair Steve Kinsey, at this address:
StatusOfExecutiveDirector@coastal.ca.gov
- Share your love of the coast, and why it's important to protect public access, sensitive habitats and marine
resources, and scenic view sheds
- Commend Dr. Lester for his courage to demand a public hearing allowing the public to weigh in on this shameful
attempt to fire him
- Commend the entire staff at the Coastal Commission for their tireless dedication and public service under difficult
conditions
-Tell the Commission to stop this baseless power grab for developers and get busy protecting our coast instead
BEST if you can attend the hearing and lend your support and wear BLUE so they know that our #SeaofBiue is a
sea of support for our oceans and coastal habitats!
jack
"It ain't so much the things we don't know that get us into trouble. It's the things we DO know that just
ain't so." --Artemus Ward
From:
Sent:
Subject:
Marshall < marshall@prvideo.tv>

erlk@erikhowell.com; Cox, Greg; cgroom@smcgov.org; effietlaw@yahoo.com;
Keep Charles Lester as Executive Director of the Coastal Commission
Importance:
High
To:
Dear Commissioners,
Please keep Charles Lester as Executive Director of the Coastal Commission. My family lives in Malibu and we support his
defense of the fragile coastal zone. Don't let politics interfere with the position of the Executive Director who is
supposed to remain neutral. He is an effective Executive Director. Guided by the Coastal Act he
successfully balances the interests of Environmentalists and development and upholds the Coastal Act.
Respectfully yours,
Marshall Thompson 310-403-2507

Bilingual writer .producer .director .photographer
prvideo.tv
Vie tell
30745 Pacific Coast Hwy, # 243, Malibu, CA 90265
LGS .Angeles Chapter
~
WORLD
TURTLE DAY'
May23rd
www.avast.com
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Dr. Georgia Goldfarb, M.D. <georgia.goldfarb@healthequality.net>

mluevano@gmail.com; 'Mark@mark-vargas.com.'; Staben, Jeff@Coastal
Charles Lester, Executive Director
Commissioners,
As a taxpayer, citizen and environmentalist, I am asking that, instead of considering firing Mr. Lester, you commend
him. If you are nought but a pawn in the developer game, you have the wrong job. You could work for the
Roundtable. We need ever stronger environmental protection, not less. Ensuring that there is less or no development is
a critical part of the Commission's purpose.
Regards,
Georgia Goldfarb, MD
Diplomate in Sleep Medicine
and Pediatric Pulmonology
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Beverly Sansone < hmeybsan@verizon.net>

Wednesday, January 27, 2016 9:59AM
Support for Charles Lester
I urge you to support Charles Lester as Executive Director of the California Coastal Commission. Appropriate
enforcement of the California Coastal Act is necessary to protect our invaluable coast for all to enjoy. This is what Mr.
Lester has been doing. Please let him continue to do his job.
Hildy Meyers
Huntington Beach, CA
From:
Sent:
To:
Cc:
Subject:
Dennis Thompson <dennis@thompsonnaylor.com>

StatusOfExecutiveDirector@Coastal; 'Governor'
'Owen Bailey- Environmental Defense Center'
Retain Coastal Commission Executive Director
Coastal Commission Chair Kinsey and Governor BrownI object to the attempt to remove Dr. Lester as Coastal Commission E. D. He and his staff have done an excellent job
protecting our coast, and he should be allowed to continue his work in the interest of all Californians.
Dennis Thompson, AlA, LEED AP
Thompson Naylor Architects
900 Philinda Ave., Santa Barbara, CA 93103
(805) 966-9807 ext.1
website facebook houzz
From:
Sent:
To:
Cc:
Subject:
Dan Emmett <demmett@douglasemmett.com>

Executive Director
I do not know the details of objections to Dr. Lester but the effectiveness of the staff of the Commission over
the years has been the principal driver in enforcing the Act, preventing the California coast from becoming the
highly developed mess that we see around the world, and keeping California special.
I am both in the real estate business in coastal California and a long time advocate of protecting coastal
resources. I think the balance that has been in place in recent years has generally been excellent and will be
appreciated by our children and grandchildren.
As a resident of a coastal community and one who daily enjoys our coastal resources, I implore you not to bend
to pressures of interest groups intent on more intense development of coastal areas. Let us maintain California's
environmental leadership and protection of natural resources along the coast.
Thank you.
Dan A. Emmett
156 Rincon Point Rd
Carpinteria, CA 93013
Important Notice: This message is intended only for the person or entity to which it is
addressed. The information provided is confidential. Accordingly, any review, retransmission,
dissemination or other use of this information by, or disclosure of it to, anyone other than the intended
recipient could have significant adverse effects and is prohibited. This message does not constitute
an offer to purchase or sell any securities or other interests.
From:
Sent:
To:
Cc:
Subject:
Robert Buelteman <info@buelteman.com>

Governor Jerry Brown
Please Honor the Coastal Act
The coast of our beloved California belongs to all of us. Please support our existing Executive Director Charles
Lester who respects the Coastal Act as it was intended: to preserve the land for future generations.
Pillar Point HarborRobert Buelteman:
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Citizen With a Voice <citizenwithavoice@gmail.com>

Retain current Executive Director of CA Coastal Commission
This is a vote to retain current Executive Director, Dr. Charles Lester.

We, born and raised Californians, want to protect the coastline from greedy developers and greedier lobbyists
that just want to line their pockets.
This action regarding potentially removing the ED raises all sorts of yellow flags.
To what degree, if any, have any of the commissioners become on the "take" just to push new unnecessary
developments on the coast?
DO NOT allow lobbyists and developers to influence any changes to the Commission.
FIGHT to protect the coast from unwanted development.
Thank you.
Mike Stevens
Los Angeles
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
KnowWho Services <no reply@ knowwho.services >


We are disappointed to learn that your appointees to the Coastal Commission are working to drive out the
Please support Mr. Lester and let your appointees to the Commission know of that support. Otherwise replace them:
see Steve Blank LA Times Op-Ed 1/27.
Sincerely,
Sincerely,
Mike and Barbara Sentovich
11642 Wallingsford Rd
Los Alamitos, CA 90720mbsent@msn.com
(562) 430-8209
From:
Sent:
To:
Cc:
Subject:
Stuart Kasdin <skasdinl@yahoo.com>


I am dismayed at the current situation with the coastal commission. My understanding is that the director has
supported staff and the commissioners want to encourage additional development of the coast. There is no
cause for terminating the directorship of Dr. Lester, except that the commissioners want a frecrer hand in
pursuing different policies; ones Dr Lester has inhibited.
You know that the coast once developed, doesn't grow back? It is irrevocable. If development proceeds
uninterrupted, then bit by bit, acre by acre the unspoiled coast will be gone. Of course developers want to make
money and build on the coast.
There are a lot of rock stars who would want to destroy coastal v>icws and habitats for their personal enjoyment.
It must be the latest California version of trashing hotel rooms. But the commissioners don't have to encourage
it.
We have already destroyed a lot. Our state symbol is the California Grizzly Bear. They're extinct. Orange County
has no oranges any more. Just subdivisions.
Let's not do that to our coast. Don't let the commissioners boot out the director so that they can go
ahead, override staff recommendations, and pursue additional developers. Don't treat out coast like
we live in a 3rd world country with business interests making the choices for wealthy people and
ignoring everyone else.
This coup de etat by developers is a disgrace. Don't let it end with the business interests taking over.
Sincerely,
Stuart Kasdin
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
eric biemuller <ebiemuller@mail.com>

Statu sOfExecutive Director@ Coasta I

Sincerely,
eric biemuller
PO Box 475
NJ, NJ 08515
us
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
TotallyHappy Stewart <totallyhappy@hotmail.com>

Dear sirs:
As a longtime supporter of the Coastal Commission, I am writing to urge you to support the retention of Lester
as Director of the Coastal Commission.
We in California have a lot to protect in our environment, and we need the independence of the Coastal
Commis:,iut1 to safeguard that environment. Charles Lester had done an excellent job of maintaining the
integrity of the Commission.
I hope that California can count on your support in retaining Lester as Executive Director.
Thank you.
Sincerely,
Robin Stewart
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Tom Comar <razzledazzle2005@hotmail.com>

Statu sOfExecutive Director@ Coasta I
FW: Public Hearing for Dr. Lester
From: Tom Comar

To: StatusOfExecutiveDirector@coastal.ca.gov
Subject: Public Hearing for Dr. Lester
Executive
It is my understanding Dr. Lester has been asked to step down even though he has consistently supported the
interest of the residents of Ca. and against pro-development forces. California has a marvelous coast and
every inch of it must be protected against unwanted and special interests' development. It is owned by
the people of California.
Also the oil-by-rail issue, proposed by Phillips 66 and the threat to the coastal areas, as well as cities,
schools etc. will eventually come before the Coastal Commission. It is critical that we have leadership like
Dr. Lester to recognize the safety issues to the land, water, beaches and all the people that live along the
tracks embedded in this project.
I am registering support for Dr. Lester. He is doing a good job, keep him on!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Tom Comar
5525 Cascabel road
Atascadero, Ca. 93422
805-610-0367
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Daniel Vee <daniel.p.yee@gmail.com>

In Support of Charles Lester
To Whom It May Concern,

I am writing this letter in support of Charles Lester to retain his position as Executive Director ofthe California
Coastal Commission.
As a PhD Student at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography, I believe that the preservation and freedom of
access to California beaches and coastline are rights of the pubic. Furthermore, I believe Mr. Lester has been a
responsible shepherd of the Commission's mandate to protect the beaches for the public and that calls to remove
him from power are unwarranted, and should be dismissed.
Sincerely,
Daniel Yee
Daniel P. Yee
Ph.D. Student, Marine Biology, Scripps Institution of Oceanography
M.Sc. Biology, University of California, San Diego
Phone: 626-715-6794
Office: Hubbs Hall 3400
https: //scripps. ucsd. ed u/la bs/mtresg uerres/dan iel-yee/
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Loren Walden <lorenwalden@gmail.com>

Governor@Governor.ca.gov; StatusOfExecutiveDirector@Coastal
Please back the Coastal Act and Support the California Coastal Commission's Director
Charles Lester
Dear Governor Brown and Coastal Commissioners,

My wife and I ask that you support Charles Lester and the integrity of our outstanding coastal protection
program. The coast belongs to the people of our great state and to the visitors who come to our state to enjoy
our special resources on the coast.
Thank you for your consideration and support of our valuable and irreplaceable natural beauty.
Sincerely,
Loren Walden
1 Coalmine View
Portola Valley, CA 94028
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Katie Davis <kdavis2468@gmail.com>

Strongly object to the efforts to oust Executive Director Charles Lester
Dear Commissioners,
I'm writing to express support for Coastal Commission Executive Director Charles Lester.
This is a transparent attack on the integrity of the Coastal Act that has protected our valuable coastline for
decades. It is unconscionable that the Commission would threaten and undermine staff in this way. The firing of
Lester would have a chilling effect and staffs ability to do its job in standing up to violations and threats to our
coastline.
Now in a time of rising seas, stronger storms and other environmental threats, we need independent and
science-guided coastal protections more than ever.
Any action to remove Lester will be a sad day for California, and I hope that you do not go down this road.
Sincerely,
Katie Davis
528 Woodleaf Lane, Goleta, CA 93117
805-451-4574
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Nora Hall <noramhall@gmail.com>

Executive Director Dismissal
To Whom It May Concern As a native San Franciscan, I grew up next to the beach alongside my seven (yes, seven) siblings. We never had
a lot of money, but my mother made it a point to get to the beach a few times a week for fun, play, and
exercise.
I attended college in Southern California where I studied environmental science, and the neighboring coastal
and wetland regions. This spurred my interest in marine biology, allowing me to further fall in love and
curiosity with our coast. Regardless of the amount of student loans I incurred, it was for the belief that I was
following my passion and doing some good that I continued my studies. If all of my work, effort, and love
amounts to our current state, I am absolutely ashamed and heartbroken.
I believe the executive director is doing a good job of protecting public access and protecting the coast. The
recent news of the executive director's dismissal displeases me greatly and is an embarrassment to our
California Coastal Commission. I will do everything in power to spread the word that this is happening and that
we should not accept this.
Sincerely,
A very concerned ocean lover,
Nora Hall
From:
Sent:
To:
Cc:
Subject:
Anna Christensen <achris259@yahoo.com>

celina.luna@longbeach.gov
The Battle of Morro Bay
In the not so civil war between those of us who believe in sharing a living planet and money hungry developers, Mr.
Lester has chosen to stand his ground at Morro Bay. The California Coastal Commissioners who are pressuring Mr. Lester
to abandon his defense of our coastline, must now face public outcry. Who are these individuals that now hold the very
life of our beaches and wetlands in their grasp? That they are politically well connected, there is no doubt- no ordinary
tree or seal hugger gets appointed or elected to such a powerful position. That they have rubbed shoulders with big
business and their duty to protect and preserve has become compromised, is also painfully clear. So one must ask, why
do we need commissioners who seek to remove an executive director who does his job too well? We do not. It is these
commissioners themselves who must resign or be removed, they are not fit to represent the people of California. Anna
Christensen achris259@yahoo.com
From: Linda Lucks

Date: 21 January 2016 at 20:36
Subject: State of the State/ Coastal Commission coup, #OscarsSoWhite - Press Play with Madeleine
Brand 01) KCRW
To: Mary Luevano <mluevanocoastal@gmail.com>
Cc: , Fran Diamond
Mary: please listen to this very short piece about the consequences of firing Charles Lester. Please do
Not vot to dismantle the Coatal protections of the last 40 years!
http:Uwww.kcrw.com/news-culture/shows/press-play-with-madeleine-brand/state-of-the-statecoastal-commission-coup-oscarssowhite#.VqGw-XJP-ng.mailto
Linda Lucks
310-505-4220
Sent from my iPhone so please excuse the typos
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Dan Nathan <dan.nathan@rocketmail.com>

Dr. Lester
I am a strong supporter of preserving the coast for all, and I also support the staff of the entire CCC.
Moreover, I strongly support Dr. Lester and his efforts at the CCC. The power grab and baseless attempt
to dismiss him should be criminal!
Dan Nathan
Malibu, CA
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Support of Commissioner Lester
I strongly support Commissioner Lester's directorship of the California Coastal Commision and commend his
leadership in the enforcement of The Coastal Act.
I strongly condemn the efforts on the part of those Commissioners seeking to replace him. They are
irresponsible and negligent in their duty to uphold the law.
Respectfully,
Melvin Dorin
251 0 Banbury Road
Cambria, CA 93428
dorins 1234@gmail.com
408-734-2307
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Status of Commissioner Lester
I strongly support Commissioner Lester's directorship of the California Coastal Commision and commend his
leadership in the enforcement of The Act.
I condemn the efforts on the part of those Commissioner's seeking to replace him. They are irresponsible and
negligent in their duty to uphold the law.
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
nancy tracy <osistah@yahoo.com>

Hi there,
I would like to state my support for the current director and his efforts to maintain a
tight reign on development of our coast.
Thank you,
Nancy Tracy
From:
Sent:
To:
Cc:
Subject:
Don Krotee <dkrotee@krotee.com>

Don Harvey
Re: Opposition to the Proposed Ouster of Dr. Charles Lester as the Executi
Director of the California Coastal Commission
ve
This letter and the other letter are examples of what's needed- thank you very much. I have written a couple and had
planned to send them Monday I will copy to the group.
Don
>On Jan 24, 2016, at 1:58PM, Don Harvey <harveydonw@juno.com> wrote:
>
> Don Harvey, Ph. D.
> 2039 Port Weybridge Place
> Newport Beach, CA 92660
>
>To: California Coastal Commission
>Via e-mail
>
> Subject: Opposition to the Proposed Ouster of Dr. Charles Lester as
>the Executive Director of the California Coastal Commission
>
> Dear Chair Kinsey, Vice-Chair Bochco, and Commissioners:
>
> My wife and I live in Newport Beach; we oppose the proposal to oust Dr. Charles Lester as the Executive Director of
the California Coastal Commission.
>
> Under his leadership, the public has maintained access to our coastline, a fact that might not remain true in his
absence.
>
>The California coast belongs to the public. To maintain recognition of that, we ask that Dr. Lester be maintained as
Executive Director of the California Coastal Commission.
>
> Sincerely,
>
>
>Don Harvey
>
>
> _____________________________________________________
>Ally Bank, Member FDIC
>Consistently competitive rates, 24/7 customer care, Member FDIC
> http://thirdpartyoffers.juno.com/TGL3131/56a548f77e83748f73db4st04duc
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Jack Eidt <jackeidt@yahoo.com>

Sunday, January 24, 2016 11:41 AM
Statu sOfExecutiveD i rector@Coasta I
Stop the Power Grab at the Coastal Commission
Attention: Chair Steve Kinsey

I have lived along the California Coast for over thirty years, educated on the shores of UCSB, where I studied
environment and urban planning. As Director of Wild Heritage Planners, an organization dedicated to solving
environmental problems through smart growth and regenerative design, I have come to understand the value of the
California Coastal Commission as integral to protecting the values of coastal access for all and protection of unique
and endangered environmental habitats in one of the most urbanized areas in the world.
As a lead advocate to stop a toll road extension that would have cut through a wildlife preserve, state park, and
along the beach in North San Diego County, I experienced first-hand the importance of a Commission that
understands how to place the greater good of society before the profit motive of special interests. Because of a
strong and powerful stance, a toll road literally to nowhere was rejected ... again and again. As an urban planner and
journalist, I have seen time and again the need for a decision-making body that puts the integrity of the Coastal Act,
and the scientific analysis required in understanding sensitive marine habitats, before the political and moneyed
interests that bent on destroying or co-opting them for private profit.
Dr. Charles Lester clearly understands the nature of this attempt at a power grab, and should be commended for
facing it head-on. The communities that I live and work in also stand behind his incredible list of accomplishments
during his 4 1/2 year tenure as Executive Director of the Coastal Commission. These include:
1) The Commission recently received new administrative authority from the California Legislature that allows the
Commission staff to administer penalties against individuals who violate the Coastal Act's coastal access provisions,
with a $11,500 fine per violation per day.
2) The Commission completed an important Sea Level Rise guidance document to help local governments better plan
for and adapt to sea level rise and the impacts of climate change.
3) The Commission just received a $3 million budget increase to make permanent 25 positions to focus on sea level
rise planning -the largest augmentation to the Commission's budget in 15 years.
4) The Commission has made tremendous strides in the past few years updating Local Coastal Plans for 24 cities and
counties across California.
5) Dr. Lester and his staff have increased public transparency by creating a new state-of-the-art database that
enables the public to more easily access information on projects.
It is an absolute surprise that Commissioners appointed by the very Governor who presided over the
formation of this respected decision-making body could get themselves involved running errands for
powerful corporate interests looking to push through projects with serious environmental issues, like
Banning Ranch, Huntington Beach Desalination, and maybe even the revival of the SR 241 Toll Road
Extension. Recent anti-Coastal-Act decisions by this body make this not just a conspiracy theory.
The Coastal Commission staff must remain independent. We support Dr. Lester, and call on the
Commission to get back to work protecting our coast and let the developers deal with the process as the
Coastal Act dictates.
Sincerely,
Jack Eidt
Director- Wild Heritage Planners
Publisher- WilderUtopia.com - Coexisting into the Great Unknown
Facebook and Twitter- @WilderUtopia
Office 323 362 6737
From:
Sent:
To:
Cc:
Subject:
Cooper, Terry <tlcooper@price.usc.edu>

StatusOfExecutive Director@ Co asta I
Cooper, Terry
I support Dr. Lester
I want you to know that I strongly support Dr. Charles Lester and his team. I urge you to do likewise and maintain his
employment status.
Sincerely,
The Maria B. Crutcher Professor in
Citizenship and Democratic Values
RGL 302
Los Angeles, CA 90089-0626
Sent from my iPhone
From: Constance Hughes [mailto:conniebhughes@me.com]

Sent: Saturday, January 23, 2016 10:25 PM

Cc: Constance Hughes
Subject: Comments re Dr. Charles Lester
I live in Southern CA, and I cannot drive to Morro Bay to submit my comments on February 10-12; my husband is undergoing
chemotherapy and I cannot be gone for an entire day.
However, having lived near theCA coast for 60 years, I am MOST concerned about the direction and special interests the Coastal
commission is appearing to favor. We have only ONE coastline and we must preserve it for our ever-burgeoning population to enjoy
and future generations to cherish. Once it's "sold", we cannot get it back.
The California coastal Commission has a moral and ethical duty to be stewards of this precious resource. From what I understand, Dr.
Lester is diligent and serving us well. The other commissioners are suspect...
I am absolutely AGAINST removal or replacement of your current director.
If you truly want public input, you must allow the millions of us a fair way to submit our views. If you only honor those of who can
afford the time and transportation, you are essentially ensuring that this gentleman will not have an honest hearing.
Sent from my iPad
,,
From: Rachel Kovesdi [mailto:rachel@kovesdiconsultinq.com]

Sent: Thursday1 January 21 1 2016 12:13 AM
To: Carl, Dan@Coastal
Subject: My Support ~
Good Evening Dan I hope you're doing well, though I fear otherwise. This afternoon, I heard about the schism on the Commission, and am just
beginning to understand the stress you must have been under lately.
All past and present projects and appeals aside, I simply want to reach out and tell you that I have always valued the
dedication, professionalism and passion that you and Charles bring to the Commission. I remember with such fondness the
collaborative process with the Stolo Winery, in Cambria- how agricultural, historic, and biological resources were protected
and enhanced, while allowing what I understand to be the fir~t coastal winery (a wonderful visitor-serving use) in San Luis
Obispo County since the passage of the Coastal Act. I also remember Charles' compassionate yet disciplined response to the
Big Sur fire in 2008- he and I spoke at length on the Hearst Ranch regarding how to best help residents rebuild their
decimated homes, while providing better protection for both human and other habitats in the region.
Coincidentally, Greg Frye called me this evening to tell me that he has independently organized a site visit at his Morro Bay
site with Commissioner Howell this weekend. (I believe that's happening Saturday.) I plan to attend, and to convey to
Commissioner Howell how valuable Charles' counsel and direction have been since I arrived in California, eighteen years
ago. I have never experienced anything other than forthright, constructive dialogue with either you or Charles. Coastal staff
has, in my experience, been consistently helpful in assisting applicants and jurisdictions to successfully implement LCP's and
Coastal Act policies.
I understand that the February meeting agenda may be in flux, but wanted you to know that I intend to be there regardless, to
voice my support for staff and the Executive Director. I look forward to seeing you and hope for a positive resolution. No
need to reply, but feel free to share this message if it has any value. Very best regards,
RKK
Rachel Kovesdi
Kovesdi Consulting
3940-7 Broad Street, #139
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
(805) 471-2948
Rachei@KovesdiConsulting.com
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Bartlomiej Tomczak <wom.bat@wp.pl>


Sincerely,
Bartlomiej Tomczak
Targowa 37
Lodz, at 90451
PL
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Susan Elliott <taitai@astound.net>


Sincerely,
Susan Elliott
4485 Deerberry Court
Concord, CO 94521
us
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Tena Scruggs <tenas7@gmail.com>

I Support Executive Director Dr. Charles Lester
Sincerely,
Tena Scruggs
PO Box 3131
Escondido, CA 92033
us
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
judy coleman <jacoleman@peacemail.com>

Please Support Executive Director Dr. Charles lester

Charles lester. I support the Coastal Act and the many accomplishments of your commission under his direction
Sincerely,
judy coleman
7634 hamilton st.
omaha, NE 58114
us
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Ruth Cain <salsharfel@gmail.com>


Sincerely,
Ruth Cain
2747 Via Capri
FL, FL 33764
us
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
cat col <caterina.colubriale@det.nsw.edu.au>


Sincerely,
cat col
sydney
sydney, ot 2221
AU
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
I write to you on this 40th anniversary of the California Coastal Act - a visionary law enacted under your
Sincerely,
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
I 'Write to you on this 40th anniversary of the California Coastal Act- a visionary law enacted under your
Sincerely,
-------------------------------------------------------------From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
LauraMoreno <wordpress@jukelabs.com>
StatusOfExecutiveDi rector@ Coastal
Support Coastal Act and Executive Director Lester

I write to you on this 40th anniversary of the California Coastal Act a visionary law enacted under your
Sincerely,
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
lstandring@comcast.net
Dr. Charles Lester
Hello,
I am writing to express my support of Dr. Charles Lester. As a 50 year resident of Northern
California I have personally witnessed the amazing job that the Coastal Commission has done. This
must continue in spite of the money that could be made by developers if the coast was to be built
on. Please protect our precious coastline and let Dr. Lester do his job. Developers need to be
stopped on the coast!
Lois Standring
Penngrove, CA
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Chris Cravens-Dang <evolvingsoulutions@gmail.com>

Keep Charles Lester
In the interest of preserving our planet, please support Charles Lester in keeping his role/position.
Namaste'
Chris Cravens-Dang
760-585-5641
Escondido CA 92027
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Amy Wolfberg <amyd1968@hotmail.com>


Charles lester. I support the Coastal Act and the many accomplishments of your commission under his direction
Sincerely,
Amy Wolfberg
1817 N. Fuller Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90046
us
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Jane Fehrenbacher <janeldyll@gmail.com>

Charles Lester
Dear Mr. John Laird and Commissioners,

PLEASE do NOT allow the wonderful work of the Coastal
Commission be hijacked by developers and lobbyists.
Mr. Lester and others have kept Highway 1 free from them
for the purpose of continuing the right of 40 million
Californians and countless people from around the
world to enjoy the pristine coastline and beaches.
PLEASE, LOOK INTO YOUR SOULS . This is a moral issue.
Are you be willing to sell out for a few rich developers?
I pray that cooler heads prevail.
Sincerely yours,
Jane Fehrenbacher
3662 Eileen Way
Santa Barbara, CA93105
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
jauer212@aol.com
Thursday, January 28, 2016 2:27AM
2/10 hearing in status of Executive Director
To the Commissioners:
We strongly support the continued leadership of Executive Director Charles lester on the CCC to keep our beloved
coasts protected far into the future.
Jane Auerbach & Robert Eberlein
10272 Dunleer Drive
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
goechargers@yahoo.com
RETENTION of Charles Lester
I support the retention of Charles Lester as Executive Director of the California Coastal Commission and I urge you to vote to support
him.
I also urge you to support the SeaWorld decision banning breeding of captive orcas. These sentient beings have suffered long enough.
People are now aware, more than ever the scope of not only their intelligence, but more importantly their emotional well being.
This is not about Charles Lester; this is about control of the coast. It is the development community that is seeking to destroy the
independence of the Commission and turn the coast over to energy and development interests.
Sincerely,
Jeannie Baker; Hemet CA
Sent from my HTC One max on the Verizon Wireless 4G LTE network
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Deb Preston <deepresto@gmail.com>

In support of E.D. Charles Lester
Dear California Coastal Commission;

I am writing as a concerned citizen to ask you to please support retaining Charles Lester as CCC's Executive
Director. As a resident of Sonoma County, which has a beautiful, wild coastline, I am well aware of the desires
of wealthy winery owners to develop our precious resource. And it is the same with development proposals all
the way down the coastline, for example A THOUSAND new homes planned at Newport Banning Ranch on the
largest undeveloped parcel left in Orange County.
In thanks for his conservation~ minded stance, Director Lester finds himself at odds with those who represent
development interests, including it seems, Governor Brown. How sad that this governor signed the Coastal Act
into law in his first term, and now his appointees are attempting to weaken it.
Charles Lester is the best choice for mitigating development. Our cherished, irreplaceable shoreline should be
kept wild and public, with equal access for all citizens, not just the ones who can pay the most.
Sincerely,
Deborah Preston
Sebastopol, CA
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
AniMae Chi <wolfgangbear1@gmail.com>


Sincerely,
AniMae Chi
405 North arnaz St
CA, CA 93023
us
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
jmpang@aol.com
Charles Lester
Dear Commissioners,
Your job is to protect California's greatest asset--our coastline. It belongs to all ofus, human, flora and fauna
alike. It is a source of beauty and economic activity, not there for the enrichment of a few. Trying to fire Mr.
Lester because he's not doing the bidding of developers is criminal. Shame on you. Your only mission is to
protect the water, beaches and coast. Mr. Lester is doing that. Leave him alone.
Judy Pang
Palos Verdes Estates, CA
---------------------------------------~-~~
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Barbara Kennedy <bkenn202@att.net>

Retain Executive Director Lester
To Whom it May Concern:

The attempt to fire Executive Director Lester is an effort by pro-development interests to undermine the effectiveness of
the state's Coastal Program and the independence of the Commission staff. Executive Director Lester refused an effort to
force him to resign quietly and, as the law allows, has called for a full public hearing on his proposed termination. Please
vote to retain Executive Director Lester. Thank you.
Barbara Kennedy, P.O. Box 29, 202 Lum Street, Weott, CA 95571.
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
jenkalt@gmail.com on behalf of Jennifer Kalt <jkalt@humboldtbaykeeper.org>

Fwd: Protect the Coast
fyi, I sent this email to Martha McClure today.
Jennifer Kalt, Director

Humboldt Baykeeper
1385 Eighth Street, Suite 228, Arcata, CA 95521
(707)499-3678
www.humboldtbaykeeper.org
---------- Forwarded message ---------From: Jennifer Kalt <jkalt@humboldtbaykeeper.org>
Date: Thu, Jan 28, 2016 at 10:24 AM
Subject: Protect the Coast
To: mmcclureccc@co.del-norte.ca.us
Dear Commissioner McClure,
I am writing today to urge you to support Dr. Charles Lester by voting to retain him as the Executive Director of
the Coastal Commission.
Dr. Lester has made great strides in improving relationships with cities and counties updating their Local
Coastal Plans, including Arcata, Eureka, Humboldt County, and Trinidad, all of which are terribly outdated,
causing confusion and lack of transparency for developers and coastal advocates alike.
Dr. Lester's leadership on the Commission's Sea Level Rise Guidance Policy is particularly important in
Humboldt - without it, the Commission's policy would have evolved project-by-project on the backs of
developers, similar to how the tsunami policy in the Humboldt Bay Area LCP was developed by Danco for the
Town of Samoa project.
Please take a stance for protecting the coast by voting to retain Dr. Lester.
Jennifer Kalt, Director

1
January 25, 2016

To: The California Coastal Commission
From: Nancy R. Anderson, PO Box 1417, Cambria California
Re: Item # 8 Consideration of Dismissal of the Executive Director on the Agenda for the
February 10, 2016 meeting of California Coastal Commission in Morro Bay.
As California citizen since 1958, a Cambria property owner in since 1987 and full time Cambria
resident since 2010, I am writing to encourage members of the Commission to carefully
consider the potential outcomes before casting a vote to dismiss Executive Director, Charles
Lester. Based on my observations to date it appears that Dr. Charles Lester has fulfilled his role
and has an outstanding record for protecting the California Coast. It is my understanding that
this is or should be the primary role of the Commission. I plan to attend the February meeting
but in the event I do not have an opportunity to speak I wish to register my concern regarding
these possible dismissal proceedings.
During these difficult times we are faced with ever increasing assaults on the environment and
more rapidly advancing changes in our climate than previously predicted. In the Summer and
Fall of 2015 I watched those changes occurring before my eyes here in Cambria when greater
numbers of deep ocean animals entered close to shore, record numbers of shore birds fed at
the water's edge and coastal ocean temperatures rose well above normal for the seasons.
Furthermore the United States pledged with other nations in the Paris Agreement to reduce our
negative impacts on the climate and our precious environment. Given Dr. Lester's commitment
to protect Coastal California I find it difficult to comprehend why the Commission is considering
his dismissal. I trust the Commission will reconsider and instead support and encourage him to
continue his work as Executive Director of the California Coastal Commission.
Respectfully,
Nancy R. Anderson, PhD
From:
Sent:
To:
Cc:
Subject:
Ken Lindke <klindke@gmail.com>

mmcclureccc@co.del-norte.ca.us
Wrongful termination of Charles Lester
Do not allow big money interests to take over the California Coast. Support Executive Director Charles Lester
by voting to retain him as the Executive Director of the Coastal Commission. Thank you.
Ken Lindke
Concerned Citizen
From:
Sent:
To:
Cc:
Subject:
ali <ali@mattole.org>
ED Lester of Coastal Commission

Do not allow big money interests to take over the California Coast.
Support Executive Director Charles Lester by voting to retain him as the Executive Director of the Coastal
Commission. The people of our great state deserve no less.
Thank you for supporting our precious coastline by supporting ED Lester!
Ali Freedlund
1304 Sunset Ave.
Arcata, CA 95521
(707) 822-44 77
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
jskinnermd@aol.com
Thursday, January 28, 2016 3:33PM
Dr. Charles Lester-- please do not fire him!
Dear Commissioners,
My husband and I were among those who voted for the creation of the Coastal Commission in
1972. With our votes came the hope that there would be an agency we could count on to preserve
California's coast forever while allowing access to the shore for everyone, not just those of us lucky
enough to live by the beach.
We are grateful for all the good work the Coastal Commission has done over the years and
appreciate having Executive Directors who are willing to stand firm in preserving our beautiful coast.
We strongly urge you to keep Dr. Charles Lester as Executive Director. He has been doing an
excellent job of carrying out the mandate of the people of California with regard to our coast while
being fair to everyone. Isn't that what you want of your Executive Director? That is certainly what the
people of California want!
Thank you.
Sincerely,
Nancy Skinner
1724 Highland Drive
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Dan & Elizabeth Songster <songster@cox.net>

district7@longbeach.gov; StatusOfExecutiveDirector@Coastal
Retain Coastal Commission Executive Director
The Hon. Roberto Uranga

333 W. Ocean Blvd., 14th Floor
Long Beach, CA 90802
district7 @longbeach.gov, StatusOfExecutiveDirector@coastal.ca. gov
Dear Commissioner Uranga:
I have lived here since 1965 and surfed most of those years. I also enjoy the coastal areas for sailing and fishing.
Also, my Children and Grandchildren also have a active relationship with the coast that I am so happy to see.
The role of the Coastal Commission includes protecting those areas so they continue to be accessible, and intact
for my great grandchildren to use as well some day. As a resident of the South Coast region, I ask you to protect
the integrity and independence of Coastal Commission by retaining Dr. Charles Lester as Executive Director.
Dr. Lester has been exemplary in his accomplishments and in his objective and fair application of the Coastal
Act. The secret attempt to oust Dr. Lester absent public input was an affront to all Californians. Please uphold
the Coastal Act and keep Dr. Lester on the job.
Sincerely yours,
Daniel Songster
23522 Cavanaugh Road
Lake Forest, CA 92630, Charles Lester
cc:
Commission Staff <StatusOfExecutiveDirector@coastal.ca.gov>
From:
Sent:
To:
Cc:
Subject:
Magliocco, Sabina <sabina.magliocco@csun.edu>

Independence of Coastal (omission Staff Essential
Dear Coastal Commission Chair Kinsey:

Our coast belongs to all Californians and the Coastal Commission's independent, professional staff has been
central to our ability to protect public access, open space and to ensure compliance with the Coastal Act,
arguably the most important coastal protection law in the nation. Over the last several years, under the
direction of Executive Director, Dr. Charles Lester, the Commission's staff has been extraordinarily effective;
staff has accepted considerable new responsibilities in dealing with climate change and public access, there is
an unprecedented level of transparency to the public and more than 90% of all development projects
presented have been approved. In spite of this, I was alarmed to hear that the Commission is considering the
termination of Dr. Lester, without reason.
This attack on the professional staff is an attack on the Coastal Act and our coastal access and open space. Dr.
Lester and his staff represent the public interest and it is vital that they have the ability to act independently
and without fear of political reprisal for their efforts to uphold state law.
I urge you to stand up for the independence of staff. Please ensure a fully transparent and open process and
retain Dr. Lester who has performed his duties with admirable result since taking over this position in 2011.
Sincerely,
Sabina Magliocco
Professor
Department of Anthropology
California State University - Northridge
sabina.magliocco@csun.edu
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
inksmithprinting@gmail.com on behalf of Marcia Yeates

<marcia@inksmithprinting.com>
Executive Director
I am deeply concerned by reports that the most pro-development

Coastal Commissioners are attempting a coup to weaken the
Coastal Commission's strong mandate to protect the coast.
Development pressures today are greater than ever,
and will undoubtedly increase as our state continues to grow.
There is no justification whatsoever to terminate Dr. Lester.
The integrity of the Commission and its mission are at stake;
the independence and professionalism of the staff are essential to
its integrity. Commission Chair Mary Shallenberger stated in
2011 when the Commission unanimously voted to appoint
Dr. Lester to the Executive Director position, "The entire
Commission recognized and appreciates the unique experience,
unwavering integrity, and clear vision Dr. Lester brings to
this position."
I agree and support the continued leadership of Dr. Lester, as the
Executive Director of theCA Coastal Commission.
Please support the continuation of Dr. Lester as Executive Director.
Marcia Yeates
Inksmith Printing
Your Partner in Printing
2423-G Old Middlefield Way
Mountain View, CA 94043
650-318-8033 650-318-8036 Fax
marcia@inksmithprinting.com
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Donna Carr, MD <DonnaCarrMD@aol.com>

Support California Coastal Program Executive Director Dr. Charles Lester
Dear Coastal Commission
1am writing to you on this 40th anniversary of the California Coastal Act- to voice pride in California's long history of
global leadership in coastal protection and strong support for California Coastal Commission Executive Director, Dr.
Charles Lester. I am deeply concerned over the unjustified and misguided attempt currently underway to terminate Dr.
Lester.
modern database that provides the public easier access to information on projects, improved interagency collaboration,
I urge you to support Executive Director Charles Lester and his entire team in their continued efforts to achieve these
goals.
Very respectfully,
Donna Carr, MD
1201 Sidonia Street
Encinitas, CA 92024
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Howard Storey <hcstorey10@gmail.com>

Dr. Lester
I am a resident of the South Coast region and I ask you to please allow Dr. Laster to continue in his current position.
Thank you.
Howard storey
Sent from my iPhone
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
E. Michael Weber <emichaelweber@gmail.com>

StatusOfExecutiveD irector@Coasta I
<no subject>

Our coast belongs to all citizens of the United States and those of Californian. The Coastal
Commission's independent, professional staff has been central to its ability to protect public
access, open space and to ensure compliance with the Coastal Act, arguably the most important
coastal protection law in the nation. Over the last several years under the direction of Executive
Director, Dr. Charles Lester, the Commission's staff has been extraordinarily effective. The staff
has accepted considerable new responsibilities in dealing with climate change and public
access. There is an unprecedented level of transparency to the public and more than 90% of all
development projects presented have been approved.
Thus I am alarmed to hear that the Commission is considering the termination of Dr. Lester,
without reason.
THIS KIND OF ACTION SENDS A MESSAGE TO ALL STATE EMPLOYEES THAT THERE
JOB IS AT RISK IF THEY DO NOT GIVE IN TO POLITICAL PRESSURE. IT IS DEMORALIZING
FOR ALL EMPLOYEES AND EXTREMELY DESTRUCTIVE TO THE WELL BEING OF THE
STATE ON ALL LEVELS OF GOVERNMENT. THE COASTAL COMMISSION'S JOB IS TO
ADMINISTER AND ENFORCE THE STATUTES. DR. LESTER'S PERFORMANCE, JUDGED ON
THAT BASIS, IS EXEMPLARY.
This attack on the professional staff is an attack on the Coastal Act and our coastal access and
open space. Dr. Lester and his staff represent the public interest and it is vital that they have the
ability to act independently and without fear of political reprisal for their efforts to uphold state law.
I urge you to stand up for the independence of staff. Please ensure a fully transparent and
open process and retain Dr. Lester who has performed his duties with admirable result since
taking over this position in 2011.
Sincerely,
E. Michael Weber
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Emma Jarvis <emma@jarvisartworks.co.uk>

StatusOfExecutive Director@ Coasta I
Dolphin and Whale Trade, Dolphins, SeaWorld
PLEASE support the retention of Charles Lester as Executive Director and vote to support him.
From all the reports of those concerned with environmental issues, scientists and animal welfare advocates, driving the
huge and justified opposition of SeaWorld's expansion and its continued plans to restrict, abuse and exploit the lives of
captive cetaceans for nothing but profit. I do not want my children growing up in a world where it's ok to treat god's
great creatures in this way. We live in the 21st century, a modern, forward thinking world where we educate the next
generation on how to do things better than we did.
I urge you to support the Sea World decision banning breeding of captive orcas. There is no need for captive Orcas I
cetaceans when they can be marvelled at in their own natural surroundings, the wild! If you are in any doubt watch
Blackfish, it will open your eyes and allow you to do the right, moral thing in this ugly, corrupt, greedy world.
From:
Sent:
To:
Carl Fullbright <carlemptydark@yahoo.com>

Thursday, January 28, 2016 11:58 AM
I grew up in Southern California and enjoyed relatively free access to the beaches and surf that were
available at the time which was in the 60's. I remember well when the breakwater at Dana Point was
constructed, ruining one of the best surfing spots ever in order to develop an area where very few
could afford to live. I would hate to see the destiny of our California Coast left in the hands of those
who would develop it for profit and personal gain.
Carl Fullbright, M.D.
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Paul Denver <jajidal@cox.net>

dr.Termination
I heartily support the termination of Dr Lester as his policies are skewed in favor of environmentalists and is
not balanced in terms of property protection of homeowners living near coastal bluffs.
Sincerely,
Paul Denver D.D.S
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Charlotte Pirch <dpirch@socal.rr.com>

district7@longbeach.gov; StatusOfExecutiveDirector@Coastal
Coastal Commission Executive Director

As a resident of the South Coast region, I ask you to protect the integrity and independence of Coastal Commission by
retaining Dr.
Charles Lester as Executive Director. Dr. Lester has been exemplary in his accomplishments and in his objective and fair
application of the Coastal Act. The secret attempt to oust Dr. Lester absent public input is an affront to all Californians.
Please uphold the Coastal Act and keep Dr. Lester on the job.
Those of us who are residents of Orange County's coastal cities know that without objective leadership of the
commission we would not have the lovely beaches that are a jewel in the crown of beaches in California. A sneak attack
on the commission's executive director is not good for California's economy. Our coast brings many tourists to California
to surf, sail and swim. The economies of many beach cities will suffer irreparable damage if the leadership allows
unregulated development on our beaches. The city of Pacifica is already experiencing loss of their coastal development.
Sincerely yours,
Charlotte Pirch
9826 Lewis Avenue
Fountain Valley, CA 92708
From:
Sent:
To:
Cc:
Subject:
Marcia Schmitz < marcia_schmitz@yahoo.com >

district7@longbeach.gov
Retaining Dr. Charles Lester as Executive Director

As a resident of the South Coast region, I ask you to protect the integrity and
independence of Coastal Commission by retaining Dr. Charles Lester as Executive
Director. Dr. Lester has been exemplary in his accomplishments and in his objective and
fair application of the Coastal Act. The secret attempt to oust Dr. Lester absent public
input was. an affront to all Californians. Please uphold the Coastal Act and keep Dr.
Lester on the job.
It is exceedingly important to the future of California and the country that we have staff
at the Coastal Commission that have high ethical standards and a strong science-based
reasoning behind decisions. The "Golden State" and the character of the U.S. continues
to be eroded by greed and self-interest of high-wealth individuals and developers. The
coast of California should be accessible to all, and protected for future generations. In
the coming years, climate change will put even more pressure on coastal resources; if
U.S. and LA County taxpayers are forced to bear the costs of maintaining coastal
infrastructure and paying for fire protection, then we should ALL benefit from enhanced
access and recreational opportunities, not just improvements that protect billion dollar
homes.
Campaigns like this one to ouster staff positions in key natural resource agencies only
prove the need for stronger protections against powerful interest groups that don't have
long-term public interests in mind.
Sincerely yours,
Marcia Schmitz
1619 Avalon St.
LA CA 90026
cc:
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Jackie Fox <jackiesfox@gmail.com>

Dr. Charles Lester

I write to you on this 40th anniversary of the California Coastal Act to voice my pride in California's long
history of global leadership in coastal protection and our strong support for California Coastal Commission
Executive Director, Dr. Charles Lester. I am deeply concerned over the unjustified and misguided attempt
currently underway to terminate Dr. Lester. Please support Executive Director Charles Lester and his entire
team in their continued efforts to achieve the goals of the Coastal Act.
Sincerely,
Jackie Fox
Manhattan Beach
Sent from my iPhone
From:
Sent:
To:
Cc:
Subject:
L Barlow <barlow.co@att.net>
district7@longbeach.gov
StatusOfExecutiveDi rector@Coastal; wet Ia ndact@ EARTH UN K. NET
Consideration of Dismissal of the Executive Director

As a resident of the South Coast region, I ask you to protect the integrity and independence of Coastal
Commission by retaining Dr. Charles Lester as Executive Director. Dr. Lester has been exemplary in his
accomplishments and in his objective and fair application of the Coastal Act. The secret attempt to oust Dr.
Lester absent public input was an affront to all Californians, and media coverage of this maneuver has been
extensive. There is a precedent for this kind of political targeting before, in 1996.
Peter Douglas survived a 1996 ouster bid over his opposition to a 900-unit development on environmentally
sensitive land in Bolsa Chica; Charles Lester is now faced with this situation playing out again. It's another
example of political appointees doing Brown's dirty work in order to allow coastal development. And thus
Brown refuses to intervene in stopping a massive private 151-acre development on a ridge of the Santa Monica
Mountains by The Edge, aka David Evans. The specific environmental preservation responsibility of the
Coastal Commission was established by voter initiative in 1972 (Proposition 20) and later made permanent by
the Legislature through adoption of the California Coastal Act of 1976. This attempt to undermine its charge
from the voters is plainly politically motivated, backed by private development money, and must be stopped.
Please uphold the Coastal Act and keep Dr. Lester on the job.
Sincerely yours,
Laurie Barlow, AIA
1107 Fair Oaks Avenue #14
South Pasadena, Ca 91030
http://www.barlowcoweb.com/
http://greenswardcivitas.blogspot.com/
https://twitter.com/barlowco
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
James Riley <jsrileySO@yahoo.com>

Cox, Greg; info@olgadiaz.com; StatusOfExecutiveDirector@Coastal
Re: Executive Director of the Coastal Commission
The Hon. Greg Cox

1600 Pacific Highway, Room 335
San Diego CA 92101
Dear Commissioner Cox and Alternate Diaz:
As a resident and owner of a home in each of San Diego and Orange Counties, I ask you to protect the integrity and
independence of Coastal Commission by retaining Dr. Charles Lester as Executive Director. Dr. Lester has been exemplary
in his accomplishments and in his objective and fair application of the Coastal Act. The secret attempt to oust Dr. Lester
absent public input was an affront to all Californians. Please uphold the Coastal Act and keep Dr. Lester on the job.
Sincerely yours,
James S. Riley
2021 Sheridan Ave, Encinitas
cc:
The Hon. Olga Diaz, San Diego Coast Alternate <info@olgadiaz.com>
Commission Staff < StatusOfExecutiveD i rector@coasta l.ca.gov >
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Judy Villablanca <judygrobv@gmail.com>

Director of the Coastal Commission
I am writing to support Charles Lester remaining as Executive Director of the Coastal Commission. He is
an effective Executive Director. Guided by the Coastal Act he successfully balances the interests of
Environmentalists and development and upholds the Coastal Act. Our priceless coastline needs strong
defenders, and Dr. Lester is able to provide unbiased leadership for this purpose. This is why the Coastal
Commission was created. Dr. Lester should remain as Executive Director.
Thank you for protecting our California coast.
Judith G. Villablanca, MD
27567 Winding Way
Malibu, CA 90265
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Charlotte Frieze <cmfrieze@gmail.com>

Staben, Jeff@Coastal
Executive Director Lester
Honorable Commissioner,
Please keep Charles Lester as Executive Director of the Coastal Commission.
He is an effective Executive Director.
Guided by the Coastal Act, Charles Lester upholds the Coastal Act
while successfully balancing the interests of both environmentalists and development.
Don't let politics interfere with the position of Executive Director that is supposed to remain
neutral.
Signed,
Charlotte Frieze Jones

30745 Pacific Coast Highway #279
Malibu, CA 90265
-~----------------------------------------------
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
James Riley <jsrileySO@yahoo.com>

Greg.Cox@sdcount.ca.gov; info@olgadiaz.com; StatusOfExecutiveDirector@Coastal
Executive Director of the Coastal Commission
The Hon. Greg Cox

1600 Pacific Highway, Room 335
San Diego CA 92101
Dear Commissioner Cox and Alternate Diaz:
As a resident and owner of a home in each of San Diego and Orange Counties, I ask you to protect the integrity and
independence of Coastal Commission by retaining Dr. Charles Lester as Executive Director. Dr. Lester has been exemplary
in his accomplishments and in his objective and fair application of the Coastal Act. The secret attempt to oust Dr. Lester
absent public input was an affront to all Californians. Please uphold the Coastal Act and keep Dr. Lester on the job.
Sincerely yours,
James S. Riley
2021 Sheridan Ave, Encinitas
cc:
The Hon. Olga Diaz, San Diego Coast Alternate <info@olgadiaz.com>
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
natasha salgado <viega113@bell.net>


Sincerely,
natasha salgado
5 maynard ave
toronto, MD 21122
CA
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Kelsey Eberly <kelsey.eberly@gmail.com>

Comment on Executive Director Lester

Our coast is a national treasure and a public trust resource that belongs to all of us, as Californians. The Coastal
Commission's independent, professional staff has been central to our ability to protect public access and open
space, and to ensure compliance with the Coastal Act, arguably the most important coastal protection law in the
nation. The Coastal Act's broad mandate to protect coastal and marine resources has empowered the
Commission, under the leadership of Executive Director Dr. Charles Lester, to take bold steps to stop
destructive development.
The Commission's staff has been extraordinarily effective under Dr. Lester's direction, accepting considerable
new responsibilities in addressing climate change and public access, and taking the courageous step of
recognizing and protecting orcas held at SeaWorld as a marine resource under the Coastal Act. This is why I
was alarmed to hear that the Commission is considering the termination of Dr. Lester, without reason.
This attack on the professional staff is an attack on the Coastal Act and on our coastal and marine resources. Dr.
Lester and his staff represent the public interest; it is vital that they retain the ability to act independently and
without fear of political reprisal for their efforts to uphold state law.
I urge you to stand up for the independence of staff. Please ensure a fully transparent and open process, and
retain Dr. Lester, who has performed his duties with admirable result since taking over this position in 2011.
Best regards,
Kelsey Eberly
Los Angeles, CA
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
jauer212@aol.com
2/10 hearing in status of Executive Director
To the Commissioners:
We strongly support the continued leadership of Executive Director Charles Lester on the CCC to keep our beloved
coasts protected far into the future.
Jane Auerbach & Robert Eberlein
10272 Dunleer Drive
Anthony A. Ciani
220 Walnut Street
Pacific Grove, California 93950
January 28, 2016

Chairman Steve Kinsey and,
Members of the California Coastal Commission
45 Fremont Street, Suite 2000
San Francisco, California 94105
Via email: StatusOtExecutiveDirector@coastal.ca.gov and Jeff.Staben@coastal.ca.gov
RE: Coastal Commission Meeting: Wednesday, February 10, 2016,Agenda Items 8- 10

Dear Chairman Kinsey and Members of the Commission:
Dr. Charles Lester, Executive Director of the Coastal Commission was hired to uphold and
promote the California Coastal Act of 1976. Following the legacy of former executive directors,
Dr. Lester has lead by example to carry out the goals of the citizens of California who voted in
1972 to protect the coastal zone. Dr. Lester is doing the job he was hired for: to provide the
management and governance to protect the public's access to, and enjoyment of, California's
coastal resources; balanced with ensuring the vitality and economic development of the coastal
zone for its residents and visitors.
As an architect whose practice has extended from the San Diego to Marin, I have represented
many clients developing in the coastal zone. (I obtained my first CDP in 1974.) As a citizen and
native Californian, I also participated in the Commission's efforts to prepare the 1975 Coastal
Plan, the preparation of Local Coastal Programs, adjustments to the Coastal Zone Boundary in
1979, and I have fought for and against the Commission in lawsuits to protect coastal, natural
and manmade resources, and public access to the coast. This experience has allowed me to
witness the Commission from both sides of the fence, private and public interests; and I believe
Dr. Lester provides balanced leadership to his staff and to you, to manage and govern the
California coastal zone.
As I ponder the Commission's online profile, I see great the great accomplishments you have
made, both in regulating development and planning for the future. If you fire Dr. Lester, you will
not only be firing him for achieving those goals, but you will also be demoralizing the will of the
entire staff. You will be letting a good man go for doing the job he is supposed to do, and letting
down his staff, the local agencies and their staff, and the people, all at the same time. Moreover,
the credibility of the Coastal Act and Commission will be significantly degraded.
Respectfully,
Anthony A. Ciani
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
KnowWho Services < noreply@ knowwho.services >

StatusOfExecutive Director@ Coasta I
Save the California Coast
Dear California Costal Commission,

Dear Honorable Commissioners,
California's coast and ocean are personally important to me. I am writing to voice my strong support for the California
Coastal Program and for Commission Executive Director, Dr. Charles Lester. I oppose efforts the effort underway to
terminate Dr. Lester without cause.
The Coastal Act is the strongest coastal protection law in the world. Created by initiative, it reflects the citizens of
California's fundamental connection with the coast. For forty years, the Coastal Act has prevented runaway
overdevelopment, protected coastal wildlife and habitat, and, through its coastal access provisions, helped ensure that
all Californians can enjoy a day at the beach. The Coastal Act success is apparent: a stunning coastline that provides
access for all citizens and visitors not just the few who can afford to own beachfront property. Californians support for
this visionary law is as strong as ever.
As Coastal Commission Executive Director, Dr. Lester has achieved many important accomplishments. His agency is
leading the charge to tackle the serious and growing threat of sea level rise and has successfully gone after Coastal Act
violators who have illegally obstructed public access to the beach. Dr. Lester should be commended for his service and
dedication. There is no justification for firing him and to do so would threaten the success of California's Coastal
Program.
I urge you to please maintain the integrity of the Coastal Act by supporting Dr. Lester, a steadfast professional who has
been diligent in his efforts to help manage and protect our coast for us and for future generations.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
David Pemberton
3727 Lewis Ave
Long Beach, CA 90807attentiondavid@gmail.com
(888) 888-8888
From:
Sent:
To:
Cc:
Subject:
Erin Rowe <erowemediate@yahoo.com>

preserve the coast

Support Executive Director Charles Lester by voting to retain him as the
Executive Director of the Coastal Commission.
Thank you,
Erin Rowe
Arcata, CA
From:
Sent:
Cc:
Subject:
Karpani Devi <blisshiker@gmail.com>

Protect the California Coast from Big Money Interests

Support Executive Director Charles Lester by voting to retain him as the Executive Director of the Coastal Commission.
Sincerely,
Barbara Burns
PO Box 412
Bayside, CA 95524
From:
Sent:
Cc:
Subject:
DK Green <newistaria@hotmail.com>
StatusOfExecutiveDirector@Coastal; watershed@smithriveralliance.org
stand up for the coast and support Executive Director Lester/Coastal Commission

Support Executive Director Charles Lester by voting to retain him as the Executive Director of the Coastal
Commission.
Sincerely, Kate Green
From:
Sent:
To:
Cc:
Subject:
Carol McFarland <cmfarl@gmail.com>

StatusOfExecutive Di recto r@Coastal
In support of Commissioner Charles Lester
Commissioner McClure:
Please heed our plea for the retention of Executive Director Charles Lester. There are so many of us here on the North
Coast who have worked long hours on our General Plan and who appreciate the goals the Coastal Commission.
We need Mr. Lester's leadership as Executive Director of the Coastal Commission.
As a representative of the Bloomfield Neighborhood Association, I can say without qualification that those hundreds of
us who attended a public meeting to caution against further development on the fragile Arcata Bottom: We stand in
support of Mr. Lester.
Carol McFarland
for the Bloomfield Neighborhood Assn.
From:
Sent:
To:
Cc:
Subject:
EllenE Taylor <ellenetaylor@yahoo.com>

Coastal Development
Dear Commissioner McClure, Dear Commissioner McClure,

I live on the California Coast, in the coastal zone, at the mouth of the Mattei River.
The coast contains numerous delicate ecosystems as well as playing a vital role is the life cycle of
fish species as well as anadromids who are threatened in our little watershed.
Please retain Executive Director Lester and support his defense of our coastal ecologies. Our country
needs to maintain awareness of marine environments and their importance and influence over our
human destinies. The Coastal Commission has saved our Lost Coast from the scourge of real estate
development and Executive Director has
maintained a clear vision of our country's long term interests.
Very Truly Yours,
Ellen Taylor P.O.Box 60 Petrolia Caifornia 95558
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
francesca dancutti <cesca@mcn.org>

StatusOfExecutive Di rector@Coasta I
support for the wild
As a native of Californian I ask that you please continue to protect this ama~ingly beautiful coastline through
supporting Executive Director Lester. We say
big money negatively influenced the south coast. As a resident swimmer of Mendocino I find that our economy is 100%
dependent on long term wildland protections and free access.
It has always been the goal of the California Coastal Commission to help by regulating and enforcing these important
values. The wild needs us to support Executive Director Lester.
Thank you for your time.
Francesca Ciancutti
9351 N. hwy 1
Mendocino, Ca. 95460
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Gerald Meral <jerrymeral@gmail.com>

Support for California Coastal Commission Executive Director Dr. Charles Lester
Steve Kinsey, chair

Dear Steve
Firing the Coastal Commission Executive Director for no apparent reason will weaken voter faith in
government, and will also weaken coastal protection in general. We urge you not to vote for removal of the
Executive Director.
Best personal regards
Jerry and Barbara Meral
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Eugene Perricelli <ceperr@sbcglobal.net>

Copy of letter to Martha McClure from a constituent
I am very concerned about some possibly political and development friendly changes taking place on the
commission. Please do not make a staff change with the intention of providing less protection to our public trust
coastal access and protection.
Claire Perricelli
Eureka
CA
From:
Sent:
To:
Cc:
Subject:
Susie Foot <bongoboycd@sbcglobal.net>

Support Charles Lester

Support Executive Director Charles Lester by voting to retain him as the Executive Director of the Coastal Commission.
Sincerely,
Jimmy and Susie Foot
Concerned Homeowners and
Business Owners, Bongo Boy Studio
Mckinleyville
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
T Scruggs <tenas7@gmail.com>
Very concerned about attempts to remove Dr. Lester
California Coastal Commission:

I am concerned about attempts underway to terminate Executive Director Dr. Charles
Lester. What warrants such drastic action?
There are reports that pro-development interests are behind this attack which is very
disturbing. Our Calif. Coastal Commission is too important to allow developers to
threaten its members.
I am unable to attend your upcoming meeting on this but wanted to share my concerns.
Sincerely,
Tena Scruggs
Escondido, California
. ~-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Angelika Engels <ottilielO@web.de>

StatusOfExecutiveD i rector@ Coasta I

I am writing to you on this 40th anniversary of the California Coastal Act- to voice pride in California's long history of
Lester.
goals.
Very respectfully,
Angelika Engels
Marbachweg 85
Frankfurt, ot 60435
Dear Members of the Coastal Commission,

Angel Law writes to express its strong support for Dr. Charles Lester as Executive
Director of the Coastal Commission. We have appeared on countless occasions
before the Coastal Commission since the early 90s, advocating for environmentally
sensitive coastal habitat and wetlands preservation, ocean water quality and public
shoreline access on behalf of our public interest clients, large (e.g., Sierra Club)
and smaller (e.g., Save Open Space/Santa Monica Mountains). While we do not
always agree (or fully agree) with staff recommendations, thats not the
point. Heres the point:
We much appreciate staffs time-honored tradition of keeping politics out of sound
coastal planning and good science. Staff must remain independent from the special
interests and, for that matter, the various stakeholders appearing before the
Commission. That is what has distinguished the Coastal Commission from staff of
most local governments, the coastal planning and development decisions of which
are driven by parochial interests often in conflict with fundamental purposes of the
Coastal Act.
If political machinations now result in terminating Dr. Lesters position and
stewardship, public shoreline access for underserved inland or minority
communities, and for citizens of low- or moderate income, will suffer
tremendously. So will coastal wildlife habitat protection. The message to the entire
Commission staff -- already stretched far too thin due to short-sighted fiscal
decisions in Sacramento -- will be one of intimidation. This is not a recipe for good
governance, California style. The Flint, Michigan water quality crisis is just the
latest example of what happens when politics and money collide with environmental
protection and most basic public welfare needs.
If anything, Dr. Lester deserves a resounding vote of confidence. The publics trust
in the Commission need not suffer more than it has already.
Respectfully,
*****
Frank P. Angel
Angel Law
2601 Ocean Park Blvd., Suite 205
Santa Monica, CA 90405-5269
Tel: (310) 314-6433
Fax: (310) 314-6434
angellaw.com
From:
Sent:
To:
Cc:
Subject:

please protect our coast!
Dear Coastal Commission Chair Kinsey and Assembly Speaker and Senate President pro Tem:
Our coast belongs to all Californians and the Coastal Commission's independent, professional staff has been central
to our ability to protect public access, open space and to ensure compliance with the Coastal Act, arguably the most
important coastal protection law in the nation. Over the last several years under the direction of Executive Director, Dr.
Charles Lester, the Commission's staff has been extraordinarily effective; staff has accepted considerable new
responsibilities in dealing with climate change and public access, there is an unprecedented level of transparency to
the public and more than 90% of all development projects presented have been approved. In spite of this, I was
alarmed to hear that the Commission is considering the termination of Dr. Lester, without reason.
This attack on the professional staff is an attack on the Coastal Act and our coastal access and open space. Dr. Lester
and his staff represent the public interest and it is vital that they have the ability to act independently and without fear
of political reprisal for their efforts to uphold state Jaw.
I urge you to stand up for the independence of staff. Please ensure a fully transparent and open process and retain Dr.
Lester who has performed his duties with admirable result since taking over this position in 2011.
With best regards,
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:


preserved.
Commission's executive di'rector, Charles Lester.
Sincerely,
Sincerely,
Please keep Charles Lester as Executive Director of the Coastal Commission. Don't let
politics interfere with the position of the E.D., who is supposed to remain neutral.
Mr. Lester has demonstrated himself to be an effective Executive Director. Guided by
the Coastal Act, he successfully balances the interests of environmentalists with those
of development and, most importantly, upholds the Coastal Act.
Most sincerely,

. species and critical habitat, and ensured access for everyone who loves and depends on the ocean.
Sincerely,
--------~-----------------------------------~---~---
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:


I am writing to you on this 40th anniversary of the California Coastal Act- to voice pride in California's long history of
Lester.
goals.
Very respectfully,
From:
To:
Subject:
Date:
Paul Denver
dr.Termination
Thursday, January 28, 2016 11:32:55 AM
I heartily support the termination of Dr Lester as his policies are skewed in favor of
environmentalists and is not balanced in terms of property protection of homeowners living
near coastal bluffs.
Sincerely,
Paul Denver D.D.S

CCC w8-s-2-2016

Uploaded by

Document Information

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

CCC w8-s-2-2016

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

EDMUND G BROWN JR.

STATE OF CALIFORNIA NATURAL RESOU RCE S AGENCY

CALIFORNIA COASTAL COMMISSION

California Coastal Commission and Interested Parties

Comments received as of 01/29/2016

Media Coverage and News Editorials and/or Op-Ed

NEWS EDITORIALS AND/OR OP-ED

MEDIA COVERAGE AND

Amid a battle between environmentalists and pro-development commissioners, a move to oust

BY JOHN HOWARD AND ALEX MATTHEWS POSTED 01.19.2016

survived the coup after environmentalists and conservationists aggressively complained.

CAdiverd Jenn an hour ago

Captain Nitpick 4 hours ago

JSM Captain Nitpick 2 hours ago

Coup' sought at California Coastal Commission?

Coastal Commission chief on the hot seat.

Staff Turmoil Shakes Powerful California Coastal Agency

'Coup' sought at California Coastal Commission?

Tony BarbozaContact Reporter

Steve LopezContact Reporter

I fell in love before I was out of grade school.

California Coastal Commission members to consider firing executive director

California Coastal Commission members to consider firing executive director

Staff turmoil shakes powerful California coastal agency

The coast of Half Moon Bay. (Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images

Gov. Brown is mute as Coastal Commission Coup gains steam

(Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

Rose Rodriguez, Whittier

Controversy Makes Waves in Coastal Commission

Email from Sara Wan to the environmentalists

Uranga, Kinsey and Cox need

Sara Wan Letter

Seismic Shift at the Coastal Commission

Paul Wellman (file) Charles Lester

California Coastal Commission via AP

Staff turmoil shakes state's powerful Coastal Commission

California Coastal Commission via AP

Staff turmoil shakes powerful California coastal agency

would harm an environmentally sensitive habitat. Commissioners who were Brown

California Coastline: Sold to the Highest Bidder?

Lawmaker backs executive director in Coastal Commission dispute

The coast at La Jolla. Photo: Dancestrokes)

HOWARD POSTED 01.28.2016

Dont defang coastal panel

The California Coastal Commission in October narrowly approved a sand-replenishment project

EDITORIAL JANUARY 29, 2016 1:07 PM

By the Editorial Board

ASSEMBLYMEMBER, TENTH DISTRICT

Printed on Recycled Paper

708 Gravenstein Hwy., N

Chair and Members

Re: Executive Director Charles Lester

~atura:l ~tspurte ~~it-~ttr

January 27, 2016

Mr. Steve Kinsey, Supervisor and Chair

~atu~al ~t,tWfC:e$ al:W af~f

FAX (916) 323-2232

January 27, 2016

Dr. Charles Lester, Executive Director

RE: February 1oth hearing on Charles Lester's employment

Coastal Commission Executive Director and Staff

Amy Trainer <calcoastaladvocates@gmail.com>

Dear Coastal Commissioners,

Please see attached letter from dozens of California organizations.