The San Clemente City Council unanimously voted at its Tuesday, June 4 meeting to approve actions that will bring approximately 30,000 cubic yards of sand to North Beach. This decision prioritizes immediate sand delivery while suspending the city's Sand Compatibility and Opportunistic Use Program (SCOUP) for an estimated two years.
To cover the $1.38 million transportation costs, calculated at $42 per yard of sand, the council voted to reallocate over $800,000 from the city's remaining sand account and more than $500,000 previously designated for SCOUP. City Manager Andy Hall informed the council that this opportunity arose suddenly and required a rapid response. Hall stated the quick decision was necessary "so that we can pull the trigger, literally tomorrow, on an RFP" to initiate the project promptly.
Orange County Parks had identified free sand that could be available to San Clemente, a possibility that recently materialized, according to Hall. Placement of the sand at North Beach could begin as early as late June and is projected to last about 70 days. Construction activities are planned for Mondays through Thursdays, involving 40 trucks daily. The California Coastal Commission (CCC) would not permit activity on weekends, Hall noted.
All 30,000 cubic yards of sand will be placed above the mean high tide line. Hall explained that this is because the project operates under a waiver, and there was not sufficient time to secure a permit from the California State Lands Commission for any work below that line. City officials had surveyed North Beach and determined it was large enough to accommodate the sand, prompting staff to seek council approval for the funding allocations.
Hall elaborated on the ongoing efforts to secure sand for San Clemente's coastline, explaining that the CCC recognizes the urgent need to get sand on the beach quickly due to concurrent projects by the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) and the city. He added that the CCC is willing to consider waivers, allowing the city to bypass some bureaucratic environmental processes to expedite sand placement. While San Clemente is responsible for the transportation payment, city officials expressed their reluctance to miss this opportunity. Hall also described OCTA as a "great partner" and mentioned that the city is asking the CCC to contribute to the cost as mitigation for OCTA’s project at Cyprus Shores. He noted the CCC recognizes the city's tight budget and the financial burden of the project, expressing hope that "that will work out."
Beyond the North Beach project, Hall also spoke of a potential opportunity for an additional 40,000 to 45,000 cubic yards of sand from Huntington State Beach, intended for placement at Calafia Beach. City officials hope OCTA will include this project under its mitigation obligations, but if not, the city plans to continue exploring other funding options.
During the council meeting, members acknowledged the urgency of the situation and the critical need for sand. However, some also voiced concerns. Mayor Victor Cabral supported utilizing the funds immediately, arguing it was "the better option" than continuing with SCOUP, which he felt would not deliver sand as quickly. He also expressed belief that SCOUP's delay might not extend the full two years. Councilmember Steve Knoblock raised concerns about pausing an active program like SCOUP. He inquired if the city could instead use rollover funding or unassigned fund balances. Hall reassured Knoblock that the city intends to shift available funds in the future to re-engage SCOUP, acknowledging that the current funding method is unsustainable long-term. Mayor Pro Tem Mark Enmeier praised Hall's efforts but emphasized that the city's current funding approach is "untenable" and that San Clemente must find additional funding sources. He warned the community that, eventually, the city would "run out of rabbits" unless the community became more proactive in finding solutions.
