There's something to be said about the California coast. Something about the vast open southern beaches drifting into ragged northern coastlines laden with redwoods. Something about the surf. Something about hidden explorations waiting to be had in unique and biodiverse habitats, untouched and unseen by many. There's something there that makes the rest of the world desire that California Dream.

But something might change that.

For 40 years, California has upheld its beautifully undeveloped coastline due to Coastal Commissioner Charles Lester's efforts and success in deterring coastal development. This quiet feat is one that likely never crossed most people's minds--but there's a reason that you can drive from Santa Barbara to Monterey on the 1 without coming across a single stoplight. Developers and lobbyists have continuously tried to fiend their way in to corrupt these previously untainted grounds. And now, that may just be possible.

These lobbyists and land developers have now swayed the commission to fire Lester as executive director.

Whether you surf, like to go fishing, enjoy beach adventures, are an environmentalist, or like to admire from afar...this affects you. And here's why.

The California coast actually belongs to you, Californians. This California Dream that you so rightfully own or have public access to, is being slipped from under you for the sake of profit.

Not only that, but critical habitats will be diminished in the wake of new developments. There are many species that would be threatened by the destruction of our coastline and it is these species that make up the romanticized dream of California terrain.

In the past, the Commission has unwaveringly fought for this cause despite the constant badgering of developers, lobbyists, state legislators and governors. With Lester's leadership, they have preserved your right to private landownership and public access. Developments such as huge resorts will abolish this right; and there is no question that they will begin to infest the coastline if the new "Executive Developer" is put into place (as The Inertia has coined him).

The California Coastal Commission was created by the California Coastal Act of 1976. It's duty is to "protect, conserve, restore, and enhance the California coast and ocean for environmentally sustainable and prudent use today, tomorrow and for future generations." They are to uphold the act in protecting our coast and the "distinct and valuable natural resource of vital and enduring interest to all people and exists as a delicately balanced ecosystem.”

As the LA Times wrote, Lester believes "the public trust is at stake" and that he is "not giving up without a fight."

In defense of Charles Lester, there is a public hearing at the commission's office in Morro Bay on Wednesday Feb. 10.

The Inertia wrote, "Sign and share the petition, send a letter to Governor Brown, and most of all, attend the public hearing February 10th in Morro Bay, where the Coastal Commissioners will decide whether to keep the Executive Director or not. This hearing was timed to be in Morro Bay because it’s out of the way and less accessible, so less people would show up to defend our coast."

If you care about this cause:

Attend the public hearing in Morro Bay

Sign the Surfrider Foundation's Petition

Don't let this issue go unnoticed. Don't let it be whispered sellout dealings of irreplaceable landscape for mere profit.

There's something to be said about the California coast. Don't let that something be lost.