By Lillian Boyd
There will be a virtual hearing on Friday, August 13, for an update on Capistrano Beach County Park in regard to sea-level rise and a nature-based adaptation feasibility study.
The study is required by the conditions set for a Coastal Development Permit that was issued to Orange County Parks, to provide for interim protection of public amenities at Capistrano Beach County Park.
A portion of the boardwalk and steps collapsed due to high surf on Nov. 29, 2018, with further damage seen the next day. OC Public Works soon installed more than 1,000 tons of rocks in place of the boardwalk.
More rock boulders and sandbags were placed throughout the last few years to delay the destruction of the beach, walkway and parking lot, as officials try and figure out how to proceed. But the hard armoring is a controversial method some environmentalists say causes more harm than good by interfering with natural sand flow.
Since a storm in 2018 caused damage to structures in Capistrano Beach, OC Parks has worked to gather feedback and assess coastal area before assembling a plan for the beach.
The California Coastal Commission heard a presentation from OC Parks in December 2020, the county agency overseeing future plans. The commission allowed for the temporary rock wall that was already put in place to stay for a year, with an option to extend an additional year, given the county has made progress moving forward in finding a solution, commissioners said.
There will be no Coastal Commission action or vote on this matter, but members of the public may provide verbal and/or written testimony. Additional questions can be directed to Dani Ziff, the CCC’s Coastal Program Analyst, at dani.ziff@coastal.ca.gov.
To participate in the hearing, dial 415.904.5202 or visit ca.coastal.gov.