SURFING SOAPBOX: United in Onofre victory

“People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.”

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Yesterday at the Del Mar fairgrounds in San Diego, there were thousands who cared. People of all ages gathered to let their voices be heard.

One side supported the 16-mile proposed 241 toll road extension that would enter into San Onofre State Park, and on the other side were those who opposed the road.

Well, minus the TCA (Transportation Corridor Agency) workers who were paid to be there. They were dressed in bright orange T-shirts, waving signs and shouting in support of this toll road.

Those against the road had signs of their own, my personal favorite “Arnold wouldn’t go,” in reference to Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger’s backing of the project and legendary Hawaiian surfer Eddie Aikau.

Eddie drowned while trying to paddle his way into the night to find help for the distressed boat that he had been aboard. Years later a bumper sticker was born with the words “Eddie would go,” and it was obvious here, that depending on what side of the toll road you were on Arnold was not a fan favorite.

It was great to see all of those from Laguna who showed up saying “No on the 241” and especially nice seeing the high school students.

There is a lot of truth behind the great saying “United we stand, divided we fall,” and today we stood.

After 12 hours of deliberation, the California Coastal Commission voted down the proposed toll road and for a day environmental passion won over big business. Never in my 18-plus years as a professional surfer have I seen such a united front of support. Surfrider should be a very proud organization today in bringing these passionate people together. May this victory be a reminder that we can all make a difference “” and united together we can all make an even bigger difference.

Peace.

JAMES PRIBRAM is a Laguna Beach native, professional surfer and founder of the Aloha School of Surfing. He can be reached at Jamo@Alohaschoolofsurfing.com