Coastal Commission fires executive director
-By Dick Mason
The California Coastal Commission voted 7-5 Wednesday night to terminate Executive Director Charles Lester. Photos by Dick Mason.
Commissioners met in Morro Bay, heard more than six hours of public testimony
–The California Coastal Commission, an agency that regulates development along 1,100 miles of scenic mountains, cliffs and beaches along the Pacific Ocean, voted 7-5 Wednesday night to terminate Executive Director Charles Lester.
More than 500 environmental activists from throughout California attended the Coastal Commission meeting at the Community Center in Morro Bay. The issue was the continued leadership of Lester. The commissioners heard more than six hours of public testimony overwhelmingly in support of Lester at the meeting. One speaker said that more than a million people were represented through groups like the Sierra Club, Surfriders, Audubon Society and others.
The commissioners heard more than six hours of public testimony overwhelmingly in support of Lester at the meeting.
Commissioners have repeatedly complained that Lester and other members of the staff had been slow to respond to their requests for information and to process routine applications for development along the coast, according to the NY Times.
The decision was announced after an hour long meeting in closed session in Morro Bay. Ultimately, the board met in closed session and voted 7-5 to dismiss Dr. Charles Lester.
Lester thanked the Commission for his four and a half years service. He also thanked the public for their support.
The California Coastal Commission meeting continues Thursday at the Inn at Morro Bay.
