City officials along the Orange County coastline are prioritizing efforts to secure sand and implement shoreline protection measures, anticipating a potential super El Niño this year that could intensify coastal erosion. This comes after last month’s swells from Hurricane Marie, which prompted several local cities and the governor’s office to declare a state of emergency as significant amounts of sand were washed away.
While some cities have able to quickly secure new sand for their beaches, others are actively seeking ways to fortify their shorelines amid forecasts of severe winter storms.
San Clemente currently holds some of Orange County’s most diminished beaches, leading residents to question why their coastline contrasts sharply with neighboring areas like Newport Beach, which is receiving expedited sand replacement. City Manager Andy Hall acknowledged at a recent gathering that insufficient attention had been paid to the sand issue in prior decades. Hall stated, "We haven't been as aggressive as we probably should've been," describing the situation as an “existential” threat.
The city’s coastal erosion challenges have been compounded by the Pacific Surfliner rail line, which runs along the coast. The OC Transportation Authority (OCTA) has frequently utilized rocks to shield the tracks, a measure that San Clemente officials and residents observe has contributed to the depletion of the city’s sand. Many beach access paths now terminate at rocks rather than sand. Hall expressed his hope that OCTA would exert as much effort in securing sand as it has in installing rocks for track protection. San Clemente Councilman Victor Cabral further indicated a desire for OCTA to “remediate” future damage caused by these rock structures. The OCTA board recently approved an emergency measure for both sand and rocks, despite being in the second year of a four-year sand replenishment process.
To address the significant sand deficit, San Clemente voters will consider Measure M this November. This ballot initiative, authored by local resident Cameron Cosgrove, proposes an additional 1% sales tax for a decade, with proceeds allocated to purchasing sand and enhancing the city’s fireproofing efforts if approved by over 50% of voters. Cosgrove estimates the city’s current sand deficit at two to four million cubic yards, a volume that could add approximately 100 feet to the beach’s width. He projected the cost to acquire four million cubic yards at around $100 million, emphasizing that even with the tax measure, the city would need to aggressively pursue grants and other funding sources. Hall clarified that while the city’s budget is stable, it lacks the extra funds required for such large-scale beach restoration projects. Cabral noted that the city has identified potential sand sources but lacks the necessary funding, and is exploring federal funding options should Measure M fail. The city recently approved an emergency expenditure of $1 million to stabilize the coastline, and State Senator Tony Strickland's initiative is expected to bring an another $1 million from the state government.
In contrast, Newport Beach leaders announced an expedited schedule for their routine sand replenishment. Approximately 100,000 cubic yards of new sand are slated for placement along the beach, sourced from the Santa Ana River. While Supervisor Katrina Foley initially mentioned 200,000 cubic yards, city spokesperson Georgia Rios clarified that permits allow for this volume, but only about 100,000 cubic yards are currently available. The project is anticipated to commence later this month, with an estimated cost to the city between $1 million and $1.5 million. Rios stated that the city is partnering with the County to expedite this typically annual or biennial work due to the anticipated El Niño storms. OC Public Works spokesperson Jamie Cargo confirmed that while county staff have historically handled the sand movement for nine years, city staff will lead this current effort.
Hall drew a distinction between the two cities’ positions, observing that Newport Beach benefits from established annual replenishment programs and greater tax revenue generated by commercial developments like malls, which provide more resources for sand acquisition. He suggested San Clemente, as a smaller beach town, must find alternative funding strategies. Cabral also highlighted efforts to reorient local transportation funding priorities towards coastal protection rather than inland projects, aiming to shift local leaders’ focus to the immediate needs of the coastline.
San Clemente's path forward hinges on the November vote for Measure M and its pursuit of external funding, while Newport Beach anticipates the imminent commencement of its expedited sand replenishment project.
