Can the eroded beaches at the north and south ends of San Clemente, whose sand has greatly diminished over the years, be reconstructed to resemble the renowned waves at Lower Trestles or the popular T-Street surf break? Are jetties, like those constructed in West Newport in the 1960s to prevent severe erosion, a viable solution for protecting Capistrano Shores from damaging waves during big swells? These were some of the questions discussed at a recent town hall meeting held by San Clemente’s coastal planners, who are working with the community to explore innovative ways to restore and maintain the city’s shoreline.
In a report earlier this year, the city identified its most critical erosion spots, including areas with narrow stretches of beach during mid-to-high tides. To address this issue, a $15-million sand replenishment program, set to begin later this year and continue over the next five decades, will add 250,000 cubic yards of sand along the shoreline from T-Street to Linda Lane.
However, the challenge lies in retaining the sand and finding additional solutions to help other eroding beaches. The town hall meeting on September 27, 2023, focused on ideas such as artificial reefs and jetties that could potentially recreate popular surf breaks. Geologist Suzie Whitelaw from the activist group Save Our Beaches San Clemente suggested looking at T-Street as a model for the city’s efforts.
Other proposals presented at the meeting included living shorelines with native vegetation to prevent sand erosion and man-made reefs at critical areas of the city. These reefs could either be perpendicular groin jetties similar to Newport Beach or offshore reefs designed to slow down wave action and potentially create surf breaks.
One potential location for these reefs is North Beach, which currently faces the risk of pounding waves that threaten a concession and bathroom building. By creating a triangle-shaped reef using cobblestones, boulders, or flat rocks, the city could mimic the surf break at Lower Trestles. However, extensive research and testing would be required before implementing such a project.
Similar approaches could be applied to critical areas like Mariposa Beach, though challenges such as sensitive sea grass would need to be addressed. Cyprus Shores, another critical beach that has experienced bluffs erosion and landslides, could also benefit from artificial reefs and heavy rock placement to stabilize the hillside.
The city’s coastal planners acknowledged the need for a regional approach and collaboration with neighboring beach towns and the county. They also emphasized the importance of obtaining approval from the California Coastal Commission for any proposed projects.
Overall, while discussions at the town hall meeting were focused on practical and ecologically friendly solutions, there were concerns raised about potential negative impacts and the unforeseen consequences of large fixed structures. As the city continues to explore options for preserving and enhancing its beaches, it will seek to balance the need for long-term sand retention with the preservation of stable areas and ecological considerations.
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