Oceano is a community divided—literally—by a land-heavy, low-utility, extremely costly fixed-wing airport: Oceano Airport L52. So, is closure the best option? We think not. We propose modernization over maintenance. It’s an option that will take us past the same tired story of Oceano being abused by wealthier interests with a blind eye to the environment and environmental/economic justice.
Oceano Airport is geographically redundant. Within approximately 15 miles, we have two full-service regional airports in San Luis Obispo and Santa Maria. Just beyond are airports in Paso Robles, Lompoc, Santa Ynez, and New Cuyama. Maintaining a seventh fixed-wing runway in a coastal zone is no longer a strategic necessity; it is a luxury the disadvantaged community of Oceano should not be forced to subsidize with its coastal land.
The proposal is simple: The county must right-size the facility. By transitioning L52 into a dedicated helipad/vertiport, they preserve the modern and critical aeronautical functions and keep the “national system” intact while liberating at least 60 acres of prime coastal land for uses such as wetlands, solar, recreation, visitor services, housing, or, most important, a direct and safe route to the beach from downtown Oceano.
The Coastal Act requires maximizing public access and protecting sensitive habitats.
This underutilized, costly fixed-wing runway mainly serves a small number of hobbyists.
This is not asking to “close” Oceano’s airport; this is asking to evolve it.
We urge the SLO County Board of Supervisors to help ensure that Oceano’s future is defined by public access and environmental justice, choosing modernization over maintenance.
Bonnie Ernst, Lucia Casalinuovo, and Allene Villa
Oceano Beach Community Association
This article appears in June 4 – June 11, 2026.
