Regarding the opinion piece, “Help keep Oceano Dunes SVRA free of vehicles forever” (April 23), I have serious concerns.
As a local who supports keeping access to the Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area open, I’m curious who exactly the “local” residents and businesses behind the Oceano Beach Community Association are. A visit to their website raises more questions than answers. Their calendar shows no activity. No beach cleanups. No community meetings. No visible engagement. There isn’t even a clear list of the local businesses or members they claim to represent.
So which “local businesses” are advocating for closure? And what measurable benefits do they believe come from restricting access? During past temporary closures, what economic improvements did they actually see? And what do they expect from a long-term or permanent shutdown?
Transparency matters, especially when a small group claims to speak for an entire community. The future of the Oceano Dunes impacts far more than just Oceano, it affects the entire Five Cities region.
One line from the opinion piece stands out: “Patronize local businesses to increase revenues during the closure and prove that vehicles on the beach do not generate income.” That argument doesn’t hold up. If vehicle access truly has no economic impact, why the need to “prove” it through redirected spending?
And which businesses are we supposed to support? Only those aligned with closure efforts? Or are locals free to support businesses that recognize the value the SVRA brings?
If this is truly about community, then transparency, accountability, and honest economic discussion should come first.
Corey Clendenen
Grover Beach
This article appears in May 14 – May 21, 2026.