Treading Water

It would be difficult to miss all the protests, bumper stickers, media coverage and celebrity activism surrounding Trestles Beach in recent years. The problem in question is the extension of the 241 Toll Road—if the 241 is extended, it will run alongside and across the San Mateo Creek, which supplies the world-class beach with sediment and sand that help shape the famous well-shouldered waves of Lower Trestles.

Just like how all the creepy cookie-cutter communities springing up all over Orange County are a response to its growing population, the proposed extension of the 241 certainly would give you some more elbowroom compared to the cramped and crowded Interstate 5 during the Friday rush-hour parking lot. However, aside from the 241 extension encroaching on a national park that protects endangered species, the local and international surfers and nature enthusiasts argue that all the concrete and steel would interrupt nature's work.

The question is: Is saving 30 minutes on your commute really worth the destruction of that natural environment?

But all that "Save Trestles!" work is slow to harvest. Each day that Trestles stays untouched is indeed a victory, but any permanent, resounding proclamation from our government will probably take years. So, if you would prefer to do some instant-gratification work in the name of Trestles, come down and help Barefoot Wine clean up the beach. Trestles is the Beach Rescue Project's seventh and final stop on its national campaign, where not only will your work help the environment immediately, but also you'll be rewarded afterward with free wine, food and a live performance by Jill Cunniff of Luscious Jackson at the Rip Curl store in San Clemente.

Barefoot Wine Beach Rescue Project at Trestles Beach, approximately 3 miles south of San Clemente on the I-5. Sat. Cleanup, 4-6 p.m. Free. Reservations required at www.barefootwine.com/beachrescue .