Newport Beach leaders are actively considering enhanced shoreline protections to mitigate coastal flooding, particularly in anticipation of an expected super El Niño event. This initiative follows significant flooding on the Balboa Peninsula during a recent storm, prompting discussions on sand replenishment opportunities and other defensive measures at a Tuesday meeting.
Councilmember Erik Weigand acknowledged the financial implications of such efforts, stating, “There’s a lot of ideas out there, it just costs money.” Weigand emphasized the necessity of these actions and the need to secure funding. City Manager Seimone Jurjis confirmed that existing sand berms would be maintained for as long as feasible, potentially through January, as high tides subside. City staff are also tasked with monitoring and maintaining other flood reduction measures and stormwater pumping operations.
Public Works Director Dave Webb provided a presentation on beach management efforts in response to the recent flooding from Storm Rachel. Webb cautioned the city about upcoming king tides scheduled for October 26, late November, and December, in addition to the anticipated El Niño and Kelvin wave effects. He also highlighted the role of residents in flood preparedness, urging them to reuse sandbags, elevate private sea walls, avoid driving on flooded streets, and move vehicles and personal property to higher ground. Webb noted that the city had performed its standard beach preparations for the recent storm but encountered unforeseen circumstances, including a tide nearly two feet higher than expected. He explained that factors like wind, waves, tides, swells, and lateral currents contribute to beach erosion, and Newport Beach's 'fine sand' is particularly challenging to retain on its shores.
During public comment, residents voiced their concerns, with Jack Grace stating that there is only so much individuals can do to protect their property. Walter Stahr, a city council candidate, questioned the adequacy of the city’s pre-storm preparations. In response, Councilman Joe Stapleton commended Newport Beach for its swift mobilization of equipment within hours of the storm, contrasting it with the experiences of other coastal communities. Mayor Lauren Kleiman indicated that the city might declare a state of emergency in advance of the October king tides.
Specific proposals for bolstering protections include Councilmember Weigand’s suggestion to investigate adding a ninth rock structure, known as a groin, designed to trap sand and stabilize shorelines. He also proposed hiring a meteorologist or expert to provide specialized wave forecasts. Councilmember Stapleton put forth a proposal to reallocate $6 million from the city's federal dredging project towards an additional sand replenishment initiative. City staff have reviewed several other long-term strategies, such as dredging sand from the harbor, preparing for the future federal sand replenishment project planned for Surfside-Sunset, repairing the city's eight existing groins, and identifying new locations to pump sand directly onto beaches.
In related efforts, Newport Beach is slated to receive up to 100,000 cubic yards of sand from the Santa Ana River, a project anticipated to commence next month with an estimated cost of up to $2 million. This comes as nearby coastal towns are experiencing significant sand loss. The Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) also has plans to distribute sand to various Orange County beaches, including Seal Beach, Laguna Beach, Dana Point, and San Clemente, in June 2027. Public Works Director Webb noted that city crews built higher-than-normal sand berms through the weekend using sand sourced from the Santa Ana River.
Councilman Stapleton underscored the ongoing nature of these challenges, advising residents to “Keep your sand bags. We’re not done with this.” These measures are being considered as nearly every coastal city in the county grapples with beach erosion exacerbated by tropical storms throughout the year, ahead of the anticipated impacts from El Niño.
