Stone Elected as Vice Chair of Coastal Commission

Santa Cruz County Supervisor Mark Stone, whose district includes Scotts Valley and the San Lorenzo Valley, was elected as vice chairman of the California Coastal Commission on Wednesday.

Stone was appointed to the commission on Aug. 21, 2009 by Assembly Speaker Karen Bass and he represents Santa Cruz, Monterey and San Mateo counties.

“I am honored to be chosen by my colleagues to be a part of the leadership of the California Coastal Commission,” Stone said. “It is an important time for the Commission and I appreciate the confidence that the Commissioners have in me.”

The California Coastal Commission, which was established by voter initiative in 1972, partners with coastal cities and counties to plan and regulate the use of land and water in the Coastal Zone. The Coastal Zone was mapped by the State Legislature and covers an area larger than the state of Rhode Island.

The Commission’s mission is to “protect, restore, and enhance environmental and human-based resources of the California coast and ocean for environmentally-sustainable and prudent use by current and future generations.

“Mark consistently demonstrates a deep understanding and intelligent approach to solving issues before the Coastal Commission. His commitment to our coast and ocean is what is needed on the Commission right now,” said John Laird, Secretary of the California Natural Resources Agency.

Assemblymember Bill Monning added, “I am confident that Mark Stone will be a strong leader on the Commission and will continue to work to implement the Coastal Act in a manner that is fair, reasoned, and mindful of how preservation of our precious coastal resources advances our region’s tourism and coastal access for all.”