Dana Point, California, is facing a significant crisis as luxury beachfront properties in the Capistrano Bay area have been red-tagged following damage from Hurricane Marie. Swells generated by the storm have caused substantial erosion, endangering numerous homes along Beach Road and leading city officials to declare a local emergency. The city's action allows for immediate implementation of emergency shoreline protection measures and repairs without delays in standard contracting procedures.
According to NBC Los Angeles, at least 10 homes have been red-tagged, with some reports indicating that up to 14 properties along Beach Road suffered damage over the Labor Day weekend. Orange County Supervisor Katrina Foley emphasized the need for a swift government response to document the damage and pursue all available recovery assistance for the affected communities. Homeowners, even with Coastal Commission permits, are responsible for securing and paying for specialized repair crews.
Contractors have begun placing boulders in front of the affected homes in an effort to mitigate further damage from the ongoing erosion. The scale of the sand stripping from the shoreline is described as unprecedented by Laguna Beach City Manager Dave Kiff, who also serves as the city's Director of Emergency Services. Several popular beach areas, including the south end of Lagunita Beach, Pearl Street Beach, the footpath at Christmas Cove, and the Aliso Beach parking lot, have been temporarily closed due to the hazardous conditions.
The city's press release from September 10 noted that swells beginning September 2 caused significant and ongoing sand movement and erosion. Looking ahead, NOAA's Climate Prediction Center forecasts a greater than 90% chance of a very strong El Niño event this fall and winter, with a 75% probability of it being historic and exceeding the strength of previous events dating back to 1950. This projection suggests that coastal erosion and associated risks could continue to be a major concern for the region.