We, the undersigned citizens, business owners and visitors of Orange County, California, express our firm opposition to the Orange County Transportation Authority’s (OCTA) proposed emergency plans to place more riprap and revetment on San Clemente’s coastline. We urge a reevaluation of the proposed investment in these hard-armoring projects, which are detrimental to our coastal environment and beaches. Instead, we support and advocate for the restoration of our beaches through sand replenishment.

OCTA’s proposed quick-fix measures lack long-term sustainability and would threaten to damage our beloved beaches permanently, accelerate coastal erosion, limit public access and render nature-based solutions like sand replenishment and living shorelines less viable.

For almost a century, San Clemente’s beaches have safeguarded vital infrastructure such as railroads. Proper care and maintenance of these natural barriers is a proven and fiscally responsible approach that benefits all stakeholders involved, not just in San Clemente, but throughout Southern California.

We urge OCTA to prioritize sand replenishment as the primary solution for coastal restoration and railroad protection. We further encourage OCTA to collaborate with state and federal agencies as well as local officials from Orange County and San Clemente to develop and implement solutions that address imminent threats to our railroad infrastructure and foster resilient, long-term coastal-management strategies.

We demand OCTA utilize its emergency powers to prioritize sand replenishment in partnership with San Clemente city officials. This will ensure that our coastline’s preservation aligns with the collective will and desires of the community.

Visit bringbackourbeaches.com and watch our short film below to learn more about this issue. You can also find us on Instagram @bringbackourbeaches and Facebook HERE.