It’s amazing that the Coastal Commission continues to let Steve Hoye out of his cage. The man can’t so much as speak in public or write a letter without making a fool of himself. Take, for instance, his letter in last week’s paper where he says, “What kills beaches and steals sand are impermeable objects like houses…”
Gee. All these years of living here, and I thought it was uncaring visitors with their garbage and general disrespect for the environment who fouled our beaches. Of course, Steve can’t possibly blame them. The Coastal Act requires that Steve believe in the perfect harmony between public access and coastal protection, as ridiculously oxymoronic as that mandate is.
And Steve, much as you and Peter Douglas like to delude yourselves to the contrary, the Coastal Act does not enjoy the same support today as it did 30 years ago, primarily because it has been abused by the likes of you. As one person recently told me, “At the time, we thought we were voting to control hotels and shopping centers. We had no idea they’d use it to attack innocent homeowners.”
So here, Steve, are some pearls of wisdom for you to consider. Most people would rather own a home on the beach than visit the beach. Most people prefer to mind their own business and not meddle in the business of others. On both of those counts, you’re obviously in the minority. But keep on crusading. We need the laughs.
Wade Major