Re: “State Parks Scandalpalooza”

We hope the North Coast Journal will keep digging deeper on these State Park issues!! http://www.northcoastjournal.com/news/2012/05/17/dig-deeper-parks/ The performance of Ms Coleman has long been a topic of concern. http://www.wildcalifornia.org/blog/state-parks-director-resigns-amidst-finance-scandal/

Re: “Caltrans Claims Victory in Richardson Grove Decision [Updated]”

@ Thirdeye:

Perhaps reading Ryan's previous article on this issue will assist you in understanding the implications of the federal order, and how this recent state order does seem at odds with what the federal court decided in April:

http://www.northcoastjournal.com/news/2012/04/19/tall-order/2/

Ryan sums up what the federal judge wrote in his decision in that article. As Ryan writes:

"Judge Alsup ruled that Caltrans’ analysis of the project’s impacts was “based off of false data,” that its fact-finding was “arbitrary and capricious” and that the discrepancies and omissions “raise serious questions about whether Caltrans truly took a ‘hard look’ at the effects of the project and made an informed decision.” He ordered Caltrans to prepare a more complete environmental assessment, with maps signed by a qualified engineer."

The legal proceedings in both federal and state court are ongoing, and we certainly hope that local media will continue to give this and other important issues the coverage that they merit.

Re: “Caltrans Claims Victory in Richardson Grove Decision [Updated]”

Many EPIC staff and supporters were at the late March hearing. Not one local media person was present to hear the plaintiffs arguments, nor the Caltrans defense, nor the discussion about other relevant issues related to this case. This decision that Ryan reports on in this blog is an important order in an ongoing case. Plaintiffs are disappointed in the ruling, and will comply with the judges ruling to participate in the ongoing proceedings. We suggest that Thirdeye, and others, read the early April order from Judge Alsup of the Northern District Federal Court and understand that the statement that Caltrans based their analysis on "false data" is a direct quote from that order from the federal court, not something that is being made up to provide fodder for trolls in the local blogosphere. The state and federal legal proceedings are ongoing, and a read of the decision that Ryan includes a link to above will confirm that fact. Thanks Ryan for making an effort to get other voices into the reporting and provide timely updates.

Re: “Marine Protected Areas From On High”

The images are gorgeous Drew, thanks for the great video of a really memorable flight!