Feb. 11--REPORTING FROM MORRO BAY, Calif. -- What began weeks ago as a closed-door effort by the California Coastal Commission to fire Executive Director Charles Lester erupted Wednesday into a spirited public hearing about the direction of the powerful land-use agency.
"This hearing is not about Charles' performance, it's about yours," Stefanie Sekich-Quinn, a representative of the Surf-rider Foundation, told commissioners during their meeting in Morro Bay to consider Lester's termination.
Attended by hundreds of people, the hearing was marked by an outpouring of support for the mild-mannered executive director, who signed autographs before his testimony and was repeatedly referred to as an environmental hero.
Speaker after speaker voiced support of his leadership and policies and spoke glowingly of the professionalism and responsiveness of the agency's staff.
Many warned that replacing Lester would send a powerful signal to staff to tilt more in favor of coastal development.
Speakers included officials from local governments up and down the coast, representatives of state legislators, commission staff members, environmental organizations and Fred Collins, an administrator for the Northern Chumash Tribal Council, who implored the commission to protect "grandmother ocean."
Outside the Morro Bay Community Center auditorium, the Surfrider Foundation set up a tent with a table filled with brochures. People carried signs, stating "Leave Lester Alone," "Save Our Coast," and "The Coast is Not For Sale."
Commissioners opened the day by going immediately into closed session to discuss matters related to terminating Lester, eliciting boos from the audience. About 35 minutes later, they emerged to begin the public hearing.
Some commissioners have said they want to fire Lester because he is lacking in management and leadership skills and they have trust and communication problems with him and staff. They say the planning and approval process is far too long and burdensome for developers.
His critics say the problems have existed since 2011, when about half the commission was replaced.
Environmentalists counter that the criticism of Lester is meant to mask an effort to fire him by pro-development forces on the 12-member commission, including Gov. Jerry Brown's four appointees.
Lester was notified in writing Jan. 14 that the commission would consider his dismissal. The panel gave him the option of resigning or having a public hearing to determine his future. He chose the latter and he defended his record in remarks that opened the hearing.
Lester, who replaced longtime Executive Director Peter Douglas five years ago, said he remained the best person to lead the powerful agency in its mission to shape land use and protect the environment along the coast.
He backed his work and that of staff to preserve coastal resources and public access in the face of rising seas, a growing population and increasing development pressure.
"Our beaches are a critically important public commons to be enjoyed by all Californians," Lester said. "Many of our beloved beaches could be lost -- squeezed out between the rising seas and shoreline development."
He highlighted his experience and commitment as a public servant protecting the state's 1,100-mile shoreline under the 1976 Coastal Act. In a highly charged environment, Lester said, the independent, 160-member staff provides "impartial, objective and well-reasoned recommendations" that are crucial for political appointees on the panel to make proper decisions.
Lester appeared at ease as he delivered more than 30 minutes of prepared remarks that were peppered with statistics, lists of agency accomplishments during his four-year tenure and humorous asides to his staff and the audience.
"We have been relentless in our protection of public access," Lester said, citing dozens of recently resolved enforcement violations.
He concluded by urging commissioners to step back and consider "the precious coast of California and its future for all people and all generations."
Among those voicing support after his remarks were representatives of the agency's staff, elected officials and government officials from around the state, including the California Coastal Coalition, which represents 35 cities, five counties and several regional planning agencies.
At least one big developer, the Pebble Beach Co., showed up to support Lester, praising him and the commission for their approval four years ago of a major development at the luxurious Monterey Peninsula resort after years of clashing over the proposal.
The letter from Chief Executive Bill Perocchi called Lester a "fair, pragmatic, creative, open and reasonable" director who balanced the needs of the company and the rights of the public.
Sonoma County Supervisor Efren Carrillo cited Lester's "proven track record" and sensible approach. He urged commissioners to "greatly consider your responsibility to future generations" and to place their coastal protection duties over politics or development pressure.
Surfrider's Sekich-Quinn reminded the panel that 153 out of more than 160 commission staff members, 35 former coastal commissioners, 18 state legislators and 10 members of Congress from California opposed the effort to dismiss Lester.
Lester's fate remained uncertain late Wednesday afternoon.
Twitter: @tonybarboza; @LADeadline16
