Road repair gets surprise condition

California regulators approved a 900-foot road reconstruction in Eureka, but only if Humboldt County permanently bans vehicles from Centerville Beach.

Flooding threatens to isolate homes

The low-lying coastal route floods with ocean water and sand during high surf, threatening to cut off eight nearby homes completely.

Protecting the western snowy plover

Commission staff say the driving ban is needed to protect the federally threatened shorebird that nests in coastal dunes and to stop off-roaders trespassing.

Local officials cry foul

Supervisor Rex Bohn and Planning Commissioner Iver Skavdal accused state regulators of using the road project as leverage without community input.

“This just appears to be a backroom deal stuck into the project, holding the project, the residents and the county hostage simply because you can.”

One of California's last drive-on beaches

Centerville Beach is one of the only places in the state where vehicles were allowed to access the beach for fishing and recreation.

Access concerns for disabled visitors

Local fisherman Dave Sirkovic called the condition extortion, arguing the ban would limit access for older, disabled people, and anglers.

“I view this condition on the county to repair a county road as an act of extortion.”