Coastal Commission's Peter Douglas to step down
John Howard
Capitol Weekly
08/10/2011
Peter Douglas, the long-time executive director of the California Coastal Commission and one of the nation’s most influential land-use and environmental regulators, said today he intended to go on medical leave and will retire in November.
The statement by the ailing Douglas – he has been under going cancer therapy for two years – came during a commission hearing. Douglas, in an emotional moment, received a standing ovation from the audience and fellow staff members.
Douglas said Charles Lester, a senior deputy director on the commission staff, will serve as acting executive director until a permanent successor is chosen.
