Now that the California primaries have come and gone it is safe to say the 2008 political season is fully engaged. Thankfully Super Tuesday proved my instincts correct by voting with a majority of Californians to defeat Propositions 91, 92 and 93 and to approve the Indian gaming initiatives Proposition 94, 95, 96 and 97. I also voted with the majority of San Diego County Green Party and Peace and Freedom Party members to nominate Ralph Nader for President.

Of course news could have been better. Waking up Ash Wednesday I would have preferred to hear the news that Californians had rejected the Clinton Kool-aid. As for the Republicans, I have to admit John McCain is preferable to Mitt "the mannequin" Romney who "suspended" his campaign for President two days after his not so super Tuesday.

Ron Paul, clearly the Republican candidate most respectful of California's character and the only one not calling for a prolonged war against phantom terrorists, would be my choice for a Republican President. Dennis Kuchinich was my Democrat of choice.

Unfortunately for Californians hoping for a change in the direction and leadership of The United States of Mendacity Clinton and McCain are the status quo front runners following the Super Tuesday primaries. Why Americans are so willing to believe two Bush supporters would bring about much needed change is beyond me. And yes, like John Mc Cain, Hillary Clinton supports George W. Bush's war for oil.

It's clear to me that Californians are no longer willing to buy the "more and wider" roads snake oil. After rejecting Proposition 91, Southern Californians came together in Del Mar to defend a sacred space of Coastal habitat and cultural importance. Supporting the California Coastal Commission in their clear rejection of a six-lane toll road extension and interchange cutting through San Onofre State Beach, Trestles Marine estuary, a world class surf spot, and protected habitat along the San Margarita River surfers, environmentalists, and surfing environmentalists.

By saying no Foothill South 241 and the private roads for profit developers of Transportation Corridor Agency (TCA) the Coastal Commission set a precedent and signaled a growing commitment of coastal activists and concerned citizens to protect precious natural resources in the face of growing population pressures and corporate interests.

The answer to traffic congestion is not more traffic congestion. The answer to reducing air pollution and greenhouse gases is not reducing biodiversity and endangered habitats by covering them with asphalt and cement and smothering them with petroleum products. What Californians needs is a quick shift toward future forward mass transit.

Personally I am finding hope in the outcome of the primary week of February 3, 2008. Not even the disheartening news of status quo politicians maintaining their hold on public opinion, could erase the sense of impending change and emerging public demand for sensible planning and ecologically motivated restraint.

Thank you California Coastal Commission for not dropping the ball on this one and recognizing Trestles was worth saving, and thank everyone who wrote or attended the marathon hearing in opposition to the Foothill South 241 toll road extension. You made a difference.

Mass transit anyone?