By Dan Weikel / Los Angeles Times
Ending a long environmental battle, Orange County tollway officials agreed in a legal settlement Thursday to preserve San Onofre State Beach and withdraw their approval of a six-lane highway through the popular park.
The new agreement ends five lawsuits that targeted plans to lengthen the Foothill South toll road 16 miles to Interstate 5 in north San Diego County, using a portion of the state beach, which includes wildlife habitat, campgrounds, Indian sites and heavily used surf breaks, including Trestles.
“This agreement will guarantee that millions of Californians will be able to enjoy this magnificent park, its beaches and natural areas for years to come,” said Elizabeth Goldstein, president of the California Parks Foundation and representative for the Save San Onofre Coalition, a group of 12 state and national environmental organizations.