Friends of Oceano Dunes - Organized to keep access open to the beach for all uses motorized, equestrian, and walking

main-art Oceano Dunes ODSVRA, Pismo Beach, Pismo Dunes; No matter what they call it! - WE LOVE IT! We've been there time and time again and we want to keep going back. After all, where else can you go for such terrific family fun, spend time with good friends, camp and take in awesome ocean views?

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6/29/16: For Immediate Release!

June 29, 2016
Friends of Oceano Dunes (Friends) is pleased to announce a VICTORY in the San Luis Obispo Air Pollution Control District (APCD) lawsuit. This very contentious issue has been going on for years and has required numerous lawsuits against the APCD and even including State Parks.

Friends had to appeal an earlier decision, and won a unanimous decision. This struggle has required a lot of effort and money to ensure we protect the Oceano Dunes for continued camping and OHV recreation. Friends would like to publicly thank our attorney, Tom Roth, for an outstanding victory and upholding our values and interests in our never ending battle to protect what many of us cherish.

The Judge wrote in its tentative ruling that, "It matters not that this Court may have disagreed with the appellate court's findings, or that the District acted in good faith in promulgating Rule 1001, or that the District believed it was operating within its powers. The action resulted in the enforcement of an important right affecting the public's interest. "

In other words, Friends had every right to file these lawsuits and is entitled to compensation for our efforts. The tentative ruling states: "Accordingly, Friends is entitled to a lodestar recovery of attorneys' fees in the amount of $378,273." The tentative ruling further states, "State Parks are jointly liable for $19,995" of the $378,273.

Friends President, Jim Suty, said, "I am extremely pleased by the ruling. We are a small 100% volunteer organization who cares deeply for the continued access to camping and OHV recreation at the Oceano Dunes SVRA. This prevents the APCD from requiring State Parks to have a permit to operate the Oceano Dunes which would have allowed them to potentially close the park at their discretion. Our attorney, Tom Roth did an absolutely fantastic job battling numerous attorneys who seemed to stop at nothing to try and expand the power and control of the APCD. This is a VICTORY for all those who enjoy the Oceano Dunes!"

The APCD has 60 days to determine if they will appeal the final decision. Friends is prepared to answer an appeal if the APCD decides to continue.

4/6/15: We Won!

Friends of Oceano Dunes is very pleased by the Appellate Courts decision today in favor of “Friends”

Download and review the ruling

Friends of Oceano Dunes (FoOD) Membership Information:

FoOD has for years been growingthe membership base, that wishes to participate and be part of the solution for keeping the ODSVRA Access for All! The mission has been the same for years, believing strength in numbers will help keep the park open to our families. Being a member gives FoOD a fighting chance to stand up to the Sierra Club as well as other groups that wish to limit access to the park.

Currently the Memberships that are offered in the store are:

Annual Memberships:

Individual: $30
Family: $55
Associate: $100

Lifetime Membership:

Lifetime: $450

Make checks payable to: Friends of Oceano Dunes and send to: P.O. Box 398, Oceano, California 93445
(if you don't wish to use PayPal)

Who We Are!

The Friends of Oceano Dunes is a 501(c)(3) California Not-for-Profit Public Benefit Corporation. This corporation is comprised of citizens and business representatives who enjoy the benefits of Public Access and usage of the Oceano Dunes State Vehicle Recreation Area (ODSVRA).

Our Objective!

To unite the many people who enjoy the Oceano Dunes in a cohesive organization that can promote and reinforce responsible recreation. This will be accomplished by developing a large network of FRIENDS and collecting donations to accomplish our objective. We support ALL forms of responsible recreation and we will work to ensure continued access to the ODSVRA.

Friends of Oceano Dunes and this website were established May 2001

Please Note: No Salaries Are Paid, We Are a 100% Volunteer Organization.