Why I prefer the Alternative Southern Route for the East Section of SR-76

The DEIR (Draft Environmental Impact Report) is out for the eastern section of this route, and in my opinion it does appear to favor the Existing Northern Alternative. However, it really makes better sense to leave the existing Pala Road (SR76) as a county road, and use the Southern Alternative for several reasons:

It would provide a better route for beach, casino, and trucking traffic to bypass the existing residential areas, would certainly be a better potential for designating SR76 as a scenic highway (eligible) and the existing road would then be a frontage road for the local population.

I may sound like a NIMBY (Not in my Backyard), but that is not my issue. We need this road improved, but the Southern Alternative would give us essentially four new lanes plus the two existing lanes. The DEIR seems to make you think that the entire Vessels property would be taken, but it appears to me that it would use just a portion of it and then the ranch could still operate as it is now.

See for yourself – come to Caltrans’ public meeting on Thurs., Sept. 23 between 5 and 8 p.m. at the Bonsall Community Center. Make yourself heard. Public stenographers will be there to record your input, or mail your comments (deadline November 2) to Debra Soifer, Acting Chief Environmental Analyst, Branch A, California Department of Transportation, 4050 Taylor Street, MS242, San Diego, CA 92330. Email to: [email protected]. More information can be found at

http://www.keepfallbrooksafe.com.

Joan Voigt