City Of San Clemente Strongly Supports Senator Bates’ Newly Introduced Bills To Protect Open Space

Press release from the City of San Clemente:

February 25, 2021

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

City of San Clemente Strongly Supports Senator Bates’ Newly Introduced Bills to Protect Open Space

SB 760 Would Stop the SR-241 Toll Road Extension from expanding past its current terminus; SB 761 Would Prevent Any Government Agency from Building a Major Thoroughfare through Protected Open Space in the City of San Clemente

2/25/2021…San Clemente, California… Senator Patricia Bates (R-Laguna Niguel) has introduced two new bills seeking to protect the quality of life for residents of San Clemente and South Orange County. SB 760 codifies the March 12, 2020, decision by the TCA to abandon its proposed SR-241 Toll Road Extension through the City of San Clemente. SB 761 will follow the model of AB 1426 (signed into law last year), prohibiting the financing and construction of a major thoroughfare through protected open space in the City.

“Once again, Senator Bates has stepped up to protect the residents of San Clemente. These bills are commonsense measures to protect the quality of life for our residents and simply follow what is actually occurring in the region,” said Kathy Ward, Mayor of San Clemente. “We are extremely appreciative of Senator Bates, who continues to be a champion for our San Clemente residents and the entirety of South Orange County. Once these bills pass, we look forward to working together with the TCA, the OCTA and the County to implement real solutions for decreasing traffic in the region.”

“Nothing is more important to me than protecting the health and safety of residents of South Orange County, If these bills are signed into law, they will finally give San Clemente residents the certainty they need to move forward with real regional traffic solutions,” stated Senator Patricia Bates (R-Laguna Niguel). “The time has come for the TCA to put the SR-241 extension behind them. I will continue to fight for the preservation of open space for residents and taxpayers throughout the region.”

SB 760 deletes from the state highway system the portion of State Route 241 from State Route 5 south of the City of San Clemente to Oso Parkway east of the City of Mission Viejo.

SB 761 prohibits specific governmental entities from constructing, funding, operating or taking property to construct, fund, or operate, a major thoroughfare in San Clemente in an area that is subject to a conservation easement or is designated as open space protected by a local initiative.

2-25-21 Press Release - Senate Bills

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This press release was produced by the City of San Clemente. The views expressed here are the author’s own.