Oceano Dunes Controversy Reignited by False Claims

Surfrider Chair Charles Varni accused officials of breaking a promise to create a new southern entrance, but facts show the existing entrances were made permanent years ago.

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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An opinion piece by Jim Suty, president of Friends of Oceano Dunes, refutes claims made by Surfrider Chair Charles Varni that officials broke a promise to create a new southern entrance to the Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area (SVRA). Suty argues that the existing entrances through Grand Avenue in Grover Beach and Pier Avenue in Oceano were made permanent years ago after an environmental impact report found them to be the least damaging alternatives.

Why it matters

The Oceano Dunes SVRA is a major economic driver for San Luis Obispo County, contributing an estimated $500 million annually. Closing the SVRA or restricting access could have significant economic impacts on the region. Additionally, the SVRA's off-highway vehicle funding has helped protect endangered species like the Western Snowy Plover and California Least Tern, which Suty argues would be threatened if the SVRA were to close.

The details

In 1994, the California Coastal Commission required State Parks to prepare an Oceano Dunes SVRA General Plan Amendment and environmental impact report to identify the least environmentally damaging entrance corridor and staging area. Based on the findings, it was determined that State Parks should continue to utilize both Grand Avenue and Pier Avenue as entrance points, and the Grover Beach Local Coastal Plan was amended to make these entrance stations permanent.

  • In 1994, the environmental impact report was prepared.
  • The Grover Beach Local Coastal Plan was amended, changing the Oceano Dunes SVRA entrance stations at Grand Avenue and Pier Avenue from temporary to permanent entrance stations.

The players

Jim Suty

The president of Friends of Oceano Dunes, who wrote the opinion piece refuting the claims made by Charles Varni.

Charles Varni

The SLO Surfrider Chair and Oceano resident who claimed that officials broke a promise to create a new southern entrance to the Oceano Dunes SVRA.

California Coastal Commission

The state agency that required State Parks to prepare an Oceano Dunes SVRA General Plan Amendment and environmental impact report to identify the least environmentally damaging entrance corridor and staging area.

State Parks

The agency that was determined to continue utilizing both Grand Avenue and Pier Avenue as entrance points for the Oceano Dunes SVRA based on the findings of the environmental impact report.

Grover Beach

The city that amended its Local Coastal Plan to make the Oceano Dunes SVRA entrance stations at Grand Avenue and Pier Avenue permanent.

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What they’re saying

“According to Charles Varni, SLO Surfrider Chair and Oceano resident, ... More than 44 years ago a decision was made to temporarily sacrifice the health and safety of the Oceano Beach community so that motor vehicles could access the Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area (SVRA). 'Officials promised that within three years, a new Southern entrance to the SVRA would be created and Oceano could have a vehicle-free beach and dunes,' Mr. Varni added. 'We are saying it is time to keep that promise.'”

— Charles Varni, SLO Surfrider Chair and Oceano resident (calcoastnews.com)

What’s next

The Oceano Dunes SVRA controversy is likely to continue, with ongoing debates over access, environmental impacts, and economic considerations. Future developments, such as potential changes to the Grover Beach Local Coastal Plan or new environmental studies, could shape the future of the SVRA.

The takeaway

This case highlights the importance of verifying claims and relying on factual information, rather than allowing false narratives to drive policy decisions. The Oceano Dunes SVRA is a complex issue with significant economic and environmental implications, and any changes to its management should be based on a thorough, evidence-based approach.