DEL MAR, CALIF. — Federal officials hoping for decorum laid down the rules at the outset of Monday's public hearing on whether to build a toll road through a state park: no booing, no cheering.
The public's response: Boos and cheers reminiscent of February's raucous marathon public meeting here in which the California Coastal Commission turned down the proposed road through San Onofre State Beach.
A crowd estimated at more than 6,000 over the course of the day packed a hot, stuffy hall at the Del Mar Fairgrounds for Monday's hearing before three representatives of the U.S. Department of Commerce, to which the Irvine-based Transportation Corridor Agencies appealed the California Coastal Commission's ruling.
Acoustics were bad in the cavernous, corrugated-roof hall. Speakers at times couldn't be heard clearly, and the noisy crowd exasperated the federal attorney presiding over the hearing.
"Please keep the yelling down so we can hear the speakers," said Jane Luxton, general counsel for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, which is part of the Commerce Department. The department has jurisdiction because the project falls under the Coastal Zone Management Act, a federal-state partnership that regulates development.
Advocates say the proposed $1.3-billion extension of California 241, which would slice through San Onofre State Beach and connect Rancho Santa Margarita with Interstate 5 in San Diego County, is needed to ease traffic congestion in growing south Orange County.
They also argue that it would create jobs and provide an alternative transportation link in the event of wildfire or other disaster.
"This project is essential to Southern California. It's key to the economic well-being of Southern California," said Art Leahy, chief executive of the Orange County Transportation Authority.
Opponents say the six-lane road would spoil one of California's most popular parks, endanger animal species and ruin the world-famous Trestles surf break.
"The immense harm from this road would far outweigh any alleged benefit," said Jim Moriarty, chief executive of the Surfrider Foundation.
In the muggy hall, opponents fanned themselves with "Save Trestles" signs and waved dollar bills when politicians spoke in favor of the project.
When a demonstrator in colorful board shorts toting a handmade sign that read "If you want more freeways, move to the East Coast" wandered to the front of the hall, security officers turned him back.
