SB 760 & SB 761
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
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.
03-09-21 Letter of Support for SB 760
03-09-21 Letter of Support for SB 761
SB 1373
After being approved on a bipartisan 12-0 vote from the Senate Transportation Committee,
SB 1373, authored by Senator Pat Bates (R-Laguna Niguel), is set to be voted on by the full Senate on or before June 25, 2020. The City of San Clemente is asking residents to support that measure and urges you to let the Members of the State Senate to know of your support. Please contact Senator Bates and the other Members of the State Senate at https://www.senate.ca.gov/senators.
Click here for a list of senate email addresses.
SB 1373 will be a win for South Orange County regional mobility, the environment and taxpayers.
“Once again, the City of San Clemente is encouraged by the fact that SB 1373 is moving forward and has the opportunity to protect South Orange County from future decisions that may create devastating economic and environmental damage to protected open spaces,” said Laura Ferguson, Mayor Pro Tem of San Clemente.
“SB 1373 fixes the issues with the original SR-241 Toll Road alignment,” stated Councilmember Chris Hamm. “As a surfer and environmentalist, I supported the TCA’s settlement to not put the Toll Road Extension through Trestles. However, trading one environmentally-sensitive area for another is not the right move either.”
“It is great to see SB 1373 go to the full Senate floor for a vote,” stated Senator Patricia Bates (R-Laguna Niguel). “SB 1373, when signed into law, will memorialize the March 12, 2020 decision by the TCA and allow South Orange County residents to sleep well, with the knowledge that their beautiful cities will not be bisected by a toll road.”
This bill is necessary to remove from the books a highway that state and regional transportation agencies have decided to abandon due to its devastating environmental, economic, cultural, and societal costs. SB 1373 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.
SENATE BILL No. 1373
Resident and Business Template SB 1373 Support Letter to State Senate
