California Beach Town May Tax Itself to Combat Coastal Erosion
San Clemente, California, is dealing with severe coastal erosion that has split North Beach, damaged oceanfront bluffs, and repeatedly closed a busy rail line. Voters may consider a November ballot measure adding a 1% sales tax to fund wildfire protection and sand replenishment. Scientists warn that sea level rise will keep pushing beaches landward, and the region is bracing for a strong El Niño.
San Clemente, a Southern California city of about 62,000, has seen its North Beach split by erosion. Oceanfront bluffs have crumbled, harming homes and forcing repeated shutdowns of a busy passenger rail segment. That line is part of a 351-mile corridor linking San Diego, Los Angeles County ports, and San Luis Obispo, also used by freight and military trains.
Scientists have long projected that over half of Southern California beaches could erode significantly by 2100. Development has reduced sediment reaching the coast, while warmer water pushes waves farther inland. A November ballot measure would add a 1% sales tax for wildfire protection and adding sand to beaches.
If approved, the tax may raise local costs while funding sand and wildfire efforts. Beach restoration could protect homes, rail service, and recreation, but results may depend on permits, El Niño, and sea-level rise. Residents, rail passengers, freight and military users, and coastal businesses could all feel effects.