Coastal Commission makes controversial decision concerning Del Mar San Dieguito Boardwalk

It appears that the California Coastal Commission may have made a very controversial decision concerning the relocation of a boardwalk built with volunteer labor and donated material.  The decision was a result of a 5-5 tie vote.  I suspect that the Commission staff possibly slanted their arguments, and scheduled the vote on a day when the commission wouldn't have their normal 11 members, which would have avoided a tie vote.

Coast News articles about the Coastal Commission's denial of the boardwalk:
https://thecoastnews.com/blog/2015/03/coastal-commission-denies-request-to-leave-the-boardwalk-where-it-is/

https://thecoastnews.com/blog/2015/03/coastal-commission-denies-request-to-leave-the-boardwalk-where-it-is/

Editorial in Coast News: https://thecoastnews.com/blog/2015/03/letters-to-the-editor-64/

Sierra Club suit over boardwalk decision: https://thecoastnews.com/blog/2014/01/sierra-club-sues-coastal-commission-over-fairgrounds-decision/

Coastal Commission Decision being protested: https://thecoastnews.com/blog/2015/03/supporters-walk-the-planks-to-save-the-boardwalk/

Editorial in Union Tribune by Steve Kinsey: Chairman of Coastal Commission, in favor of boardwalk decision:
http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2015/mar/27/relocating-boardwalk-best-for-nature/

Editorial in Union Tribune by Greg Cox, opposed to the decision:  http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2015/mar/27/another-view/

I do hope that there is another hearing, with the full commission and all of the factual information provided. There may be additional facts, analyses, and alternative mitigation options.  It appears to me that there is a realistic compromise solution.  They should leave the boardwalk in place for a reasonable number of years that would allow for the normal life of the structure (maybe 10 years) and after  that time, the boardwalk could be removed and rebuilt in a new location.

On 5 April, the Union Tribune had an update written by Edward Sifuentes that said the boardwalk supporters were going to meet with the California Coastal Commission's staff on Monday.  http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2015/apr/05/tp-groups-want-state-to-reconsider-boardwalk/