Emergency Declared as Waves Batter Capistrano Beach

Orange County's coastline is under siege from powerful storms, leading to a state of emergency declaration. Hurricane Marie's effects have been significant, with two oceanfront homes in Capistrano Beach already demolished. Eight homes on Beach Road are red-tagged, indicating severe damage, while seven others remain yellow-tagged.

Construction crews are urgently working to fortify crumbling sea walls and damaged decks against pounding waves that continue to erode foundations. The declaration aims to streamline permitting and approvals, allowing residents like Chris Rogers, whose cottage front crumbled two weeks ago, to begin rebuilding quickly.

Protecting the vital commuter rail line running through San Clemente, often hit by heavy surf, is a top priority. Officials plan to use sand from the ocean floor to create a buffer along the railroad tracks. This measure is expected to safeguard the rail line and beaches before the upcoming El Niño storms intensify.

Orange County Supervisor Katrina Foley highlighted that replenishing sand is a key outcome of the statewide declaration. The quickest and most cost-effective method involves dredging sand from the ocean floor to create a protective buffer near the train tracks, a process requiring specific permits.