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Sea level rise is reshaping a California beach town and threatening a key rail line
The 1% sales tax would raise $15 million a year for beach restoration and wildfire prevention as erosion closes rail lines and threatens homes.
- In November, San Clemente voters will decide on Measure M, a 1% sales tax for 10 years that would raise $15 million annually for beach restoration and wildfire prevention.
- City Manager Andy Hall reports a sand deficit of about 3 million cubic yards, as urban development and rising ocean waters have slowed sediment flow to San Clemente's North Beach.
- "We have no beaches anymore," San Clemente City Council member Victor Cabral said, citing repeated rail closures. Resident Cameron Cosgrove added, "We need our public beaches to have sand in order to have families."
- Darrell Johnson, chief executive of the Orange County Transportation Authority, noted that obtaining state permits for sand remains a significant challenge, requiring 300,000 truck trips.
- Opposing the measure, City Councilman Zhen Wu argues San Clemente should pursue a regional approach with other communities. "Fighting Mother Nature is very expensive," he said, questioning the local tax's cost-effectiveness.
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47 Articles
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Total News Sources47
Leaning Left14Leaning Right3Center30Last UpdatedBias Distribution64% Center
Bias Distribution
- 64% of the sources are Center
64% Center
L 30%
C 64%
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