San Clemente City Council unanimously approved a local state of emergency declaration last night in response to significant damage to Orange County's coastline from recent high tides. The emergency action also authorizes up to $1 million for immediate measures, including placing sand on North Beach and installing berms to protect vulnerable city structures along the coast, such as public restrooms.
The decision by the council comes after Orange County's coastline experienced effects from Hurricane Marie over Labor Day weekend, which caused portions of shoreline and cliffsides to be swept into the waves. Concurrently, the National Weather Service has announced a 90% probability that this year’s El Niño will bring a “very strong” weather event, indicating a likelihood of stronger storms this winter.
Recent storms and high tides caused damage at the San Clemente Pier, including the loss of a pylon and 17 braces, along with flooding and damage to private properties. A staff report prepared for the city council discussion estimated that repairs to the pier alone could cost approximately $300,000. The report further warned that if El Niño conditions persist, San Clemente’s already-eroding beaches could face further degradation.
Councilmember Victor Cabral, who proposed the emergency sand placement, stated at the meeting that the city needed to protect residents ahead of the anticipated challenges. “We need to put sand on North Beach, in my view, to protect the residents for this upcoming emergency we’re going to face over the next year,” Cabral said. He acknowledged that the proposed actions represent a short-term solution, emphasizing the opportunity to “make sure they weather the storm and get through this and save their homes.”
City Manager Andy Hall further explained the rationale for proactive measures. “The storms in the wintertime tend to come from the north, and we could have a lot of erosion of our beaches, so we need to be prepared for that,” Hall stated during the meeting. He also noted the intent to “put some berming up around some of our more vulnerable structures, like the restrooms at North Beach, perhaps even watch very closely what’s happening with lifeguard headquarters.”
San Clemente’s emergency vote follows similar declarations made last week by other Orange County coastal communities. Laguna Beach declared a local emergency after six homes were yellow-tagged, indicating restricted entry, due to damage to sea walls. Dana Point also declared an emergency, with nine homes red-tagged—deemed unsafe for habitation—and seven yellow-tagged following damage from high swells.
The emergency proclamation by the San Clemente City Council also included a request for the Orange County Board of Supervisors to declare an emergency at the county level. Such declarations are crucial for cities to access mutual aid from state agencies and to expedite actions necessary to address the crisis.
Leaders underlined the importance of preparation for predictable events. Councilmember Mark Enmeier highlighted the unique foresight available, stating, “The unique thing about this is that we can see the emergency coming.” He advocated for immediate action, comparing it to placing sandbags for an approaching hurricane to protect homes and streets.
San Clemente officials continue to prioritize sand placement strategies, a response to decades of coastline erosion. The approved measures aim to provide immediate protection against the impending El Niño season and its potential impact on the city's coastal assets and private properties.
