This latest announcement means San O is safe, at least for another few decades. “California just signed a new deal with our federal partners to keep San Onofre open as a state park for another 25 years,” wrote California Governor Gavin Newsom on Friday night. “San Onofre’s beaches, hiking and biking trails, and campgrounds will continue to welcome visitors for years to come.”
San Onofre State Park is part of Camp Pendleton, a Marine Corps base owned by the U.S. Navy. In 1971, the land was leased to the California Department of Parks and Recreation for $1 as part of President Richard Nixon’s Legacy of Parks program. The original 50-year lease expired in 2021, but was subsequently given a three-year extension through Aug. 31, 2024.
San Onofre is one of the Golden State’s most loved surf zones is safe for another quarter century. The new lease agreement for San Onofre was hashed out by Federal and State officials, along with the tireless advocacy of folks at the San Onofre Parks Foundation and the Surfrider Foundation. “The San Onofre State Beach is a California treasure. I’m elated that we’ve reached a new long-term lease agreement that ensures Orange and San Diego County residents can continue to access and enjoy this beach and surf spot for years to come,” said U.S. Rep. Mike Levin (CA-49) in a release.
“For the Department of the Navy, our defense communities are critical to our success, and the State of California is a great partner,” said Meredith Berger, assistant secretary of the Navy for energy, installations and environment.
California Natural Resources Secretary Wade Crowfoot added, “We’re thankful to the Navy and Marine Corps for their close partnership making this possible and are proud to support Camp Pendleton and military installations across California as they advance our vital national defense mission.”
Back in March, FOX 5/KUSI reported on public concerns that there could be restricted access to the beach if a new agreement was not made before the current lease expired.
“The renewal of the lease for the San Onofre State Beach represents our continued commitment to our community and to the preservation of natural beauty and cultural heritage of the region,” said Brig. Gen. Nick I. Brown, commanding general of Marine Corps Installations West – Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton.
The beach attracts about 2.5 million visitors each year, the release stated.
