Friends of Padaro

Saving the trees, habitat,
and beauty of Padaro Lane

A proposal to insert an obtrusive mile-long railroad siding 10 feet from a popular and tranquil pedestrian route has inspired widespread opposition and the creation of nonprofit group Friends of Padaro, which is working to raise awareness about the devastating impacts of the proposed $40 million public project that has until now largely flown under the radar.

Read press release

Severe Environmental and Community Impacts

The proposed siding expansion—stretching from near the Loon Point parking area beyond Beach Club Road—has drawn significant opposition due to its extensive environmental impacts:

Loss of Mature Tree Canopy

Plans call for removing approximately 280 mature trees, including native Monterey Cypresses, sycamores, and oaks, which serve as crucial wildlife habitat, a noise and air particulate barrier from Highway 101, and visual screening.

Threat to Coastal Wildlife

Over 115 bird species have been documented along Padaro Lane (eBird), making the corridor a vital coastal habitat.

Impact on the California Coastal Trail

This section of Padaro Lane functions as an essential link in the California Coastal Trail and is heavily utilized by cyclists, runners, walkers, and beachgoers.

Structural Changes

The construction includes a proposed 500-foot retaining wall at Toro Creek, drastically altering the natural topography and raising the railroad siding 8 feet above the roadway only 10 feet away from the road.

Upcoming Public Meetings

Virtual Community Information Meeting
Sunday, October 12, 2026, at 4 p.m. (Zoom)

LOSSAN Board of Directors Meeting
Sunday, October 19, 2026

About