Coastal Commission Approves West Cliff Retreat Over Surfers' Objections

The California Coastal Commission on Nov. 4, 2026, approved Santa Cruz's West Cliff Drive permit. The project pairs after-the-fact seawall approvals with a rare voluntary managed retreat of a 600-foot road segment, and commissioners rejected calls from surfers and Surfrider to add stronger conditions. The approval came as a federal review threatens future funding for the state's coastal program and record El Niño sea levels batter the coast.

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• West Cliff Drive permit approved without added conditions despite surfer opposition
• NOAA draft findings demand 20 corrective actions by April 30, 2027
• Los Osos mixed-use appeal rejected as residents warn of seawater intrusion
• Record 15-inch sea level anomaly recorded in October, prompting two executive orders

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West Cliff: Armor Now, Retreat Later

The basics: The permit has three parts. It grants after-the-fact approval for emergency infill walls and approves riprap placed in the 1990s and 2000s. It also moves West Cliff Drive inland at 800 West Cliff Drive onto State Parks land. Riprap is loose boulder armoring.

Why it matters: The decision pairs hard shoreline armoring with one of the state's few voluntary managed retreats. Surfers argue the trade shortchanges the public beach.

Where things stand: Lead Planner Kiana Ford presented the mitigation package. It includes riprap removal at Mitchell's Cove and Cowell Beach, stair repairs and longer parking hours. Public Works Director Nathan Nguyen of the City of Santa Cruz offered a commitment on further removal.

"We are committed to working with the community to identify a particular riprap that can be removed," said Nguyen.

The other side: Mitch Silverstein of Surfrider said 1,200 feet of armoring, with a 23,500-square-foot footprint and an estimated $18.3M in value, is not offset in proportion. He asked that the city's local coastal program commitments be written into the permit itself.

"The LCP planning deadlines are not enforceable," said Silverstein.

Benny Drescher of Westcliff Waves and Beaches said he spoke for 70 members of the public. "We request that the commission accept our fifth condition, which we provided," he said. The condition would create a restoration mechanism. Bernie Tershy, also of the group, asked for conditions that provide external accountability. McKenna Keene said stair repairs and graffiti removal do not make up for lost beaches and surf, and urged nature-based alternatives.

The mosaic fight: A planned mosaic at Bethany Curve drew a separate fight. Kathleen Crocetti, executive director of Community Arts and Empowerment, cited 218 supporters.

"The process was followed, presented publicly at least 4 times, including the city council meeting that approved our contract," said Crocetti.

Opponents raised concerns about views, erosion and safety. "We oppose the de minimis waiver for 34 8-foot mosaic panels on the Bethany Curve Coastal Culvert Bridge," said public commenter Gene Crawford. Megan Dawson said 120 residents objected and that correspondence runs 2-to-1 against the mosaic. Pamela Kirby raised safety concerns about the narrow intersection. Aldo Giacchino and Caitlin Crawford asked that the mosaic get separate permit review.

Decisions and stakeholder impacts: Commissioner Ariel Kelley pressed for firmer commitments on riprap removal and a water station.

"I am hesitant to allow that language to say that you're going to kind of pursue the funding as opposed to just the city will install," said Kelley.

Staff and the city said funding is still being sought. District Director Dan Carl said the shoreline plan (SAMP) that surfers sought is already required by the city's LCP. "The way the city's approaching West Cliff Drive is entirely different than it was, say, 20 years ago," said Carl.

"I'm not stressed about the artwork at all," said Commissioner Mike Wilson. Vice Chair Caryl Hart praised the use of open space such as Lighthouse Field for retreat.

Wilson moved approval per the staff recommendation, and Kelley seconded. The permit passed on a voice vote without objection; no tally was recorded. Several mitigation commitments now depend on the city's follow-through and funding.

What's next: Nguyen committed to work with the community on identifying additional riprap for removal.

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NOAA Puts Coastal Program on Notice

The basics: Under Section 312 of the federal Coastal Zone Management Act, NOAA periodically evaluates state coastal programs. California's program is shared by three agencies: the Commission, the Bay Conservation and Development Commission (BCDC) and the State Coastal Conservancy.

Why it matters: NOAA says future federal funding is at risk if corrective actions are not taken. Current funding is not suspended.

Where things stand: Executive Director Kate Huckelbridge said NOAA's draft final findings, issued Oct. 16, call the California agencies unbalanced and overreaching. The findings rate the program inadequate in four areas. They call it grossly deficient on prioritizing coastal-dependent uses and major facilities. NOAA also rated the program excellent on hazards, sea level rise and water quality.

"To address the areas of inadequacy, the response lists 42 separate recommendations for changes to the Coastal Management Agency's practices and 20 specific corrective actions," said Huckelbridge.

The corrective actions are due April 30, 2027. Huckelbridge stressed where the pressure lands: "Almost all of the recommendations and corrective actions are targeted at the Coastal Commission, not at the Coastal Conservancy or the BCDC." According to the Commission, 96.5% of roughly 23,000 public comments backed the program.

The other side: Environmental groups lined up behind the Commission. Katie Wagner, campaign manager for Sierra Club California, called the draft an attack on states' rights tied to oil and desalination interests. That is her characterization. She also said NOAA ignored the supportive public comments.

"We need a strong, well-funded Coastal Commission now more than ever," said Wagner.

Nancy Okada of the Sierra Club California Coastal Committee pledged membership support. Connor Everts offered support on behalf of environmental justice and community groups. Commissioners did not debate the findings at length.

What's next: The three agencies will respond jointly by Nov. 30.

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Los Osos Project Clears Despite Water Warnings

Why it matters: The ruling shows the Commission still treats Los Osos groundwater as sufficient for modest development. Locals warn that seawater intrusion is advancing.

Where things stand: Coastal Planner Kaylee Arboleda presented the project, a two-story mixed-use building at 2nd Street and Santa Maria Avenue. It includes three apartments, three commercial spaces and 13 parking spaces.

The four appellants raised several objections:

• Vincent Devine said the basin's sustainable yield has been downgraded to 2,000 acre-feet per year.
• Devine also said the project relies on outdated water-demand figures and an unbuilt 12-inch water main, and cited 300 petition signatures.
• Robin Rice asked for a delay so water purveyors can optimize pumping.
• Chuck Cesena warned the Title 19 retrofit program is ending and that in-lieu fee projects remain undefined.

"I'm asking the Commission to postpone its decision so it is time to address our concerns," said Baywood resident Larry Sullivan. Cesena added, "I'd really like for you to schedule a little workshop."

Earlier, during general public comment, Patrick McGibney, chair of the Los Osos Sustainability Group, urged "denying any further intensification of our water basin" and said more appeals are coming.

The other side: Kevin Kahn, who was promoted to district director at this meeting, framed the legal question narrowly.

"The LCP test is whether new development can be served by an amount of water within the sustainable yield of the groundwater basin," said Kahn.

Staff said extraction remains within that yield, despite appellants citing a 0.0% growth recommendation.

Decisions and stakeholder impacts: Wilson moved to find no substantial issue, and Chair Megan Harmon seconded. The motion passed by unanimous consent with no objection. The county's approval stands, and the property owner can proceed. Residents did not get the postponement or workshop they requested.

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Record Seas Trigger Emergency Orders

Coastal Engineer Jeremy Smith reported that October brought the highest monthly sea level anomaly ever observed, at about 15 inches. About 2 inches of that is attributable to long-term sea level rise.

"The bottom line here is we are in unprecedented territory," said Smith.

Staff warned the worst impacts may still be ahead for Central and Northern California. Huckelbridge described two orders from Gov. Gavin Newsom:

• Executive Order N-13-26 creates a Highway 1 task force, with a plan due Dec. 15, 2026.
• Executive Order N-14-26 suspends selected statutes for flood and erosion work, including sand berms and sandbags.

The orders follow a Sept. 21 emergency declaration. Staff also set up a dedicated email address for emergency requests. Hart asked about the Crystal Cove landslide near Pacific Coast Highway, and staff described coordination with Caltrans and State Parks.

In a 50th-anniversary briefing, staff noted that SB 272 requires local governments to certify sea level rise adaptation plans by Jan. 1, 2034. The Commission has awarded $30M to 48 jurisdictions, but no more LCP grant funding is currently available.

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Minor Items

• Federal pass-throughs approved: $405,950 goes to BCDC and $393,300 to the Coastal Conservancy from a $3,197,000 award. The Commission keeps $2,397,750. Hart moved, Kelley seconded; passed by unanimous consent.
• Seven consent items cleared: Approvals include Half Moon Bay's by-right affordable housing amendment, which Kiara Santa Maria Cantos said lacks objective standards. Also approved: a Caltrans Tomales Bay culvert set for June 2028 construction. Wilson moved, Harmon seconded.
• Aptos appeal taken up: The Commission found substantial issue on a Beach Drive home that relies on a seawall and caissons; staff said allowed density is zero.
• Dan Carl retires: Commissioners honored his 33 years. Kevin Kahn, a 14-year Commission veteran, will lead the North Central and Central Coast districts.
• Enforcement update: A notice of violation on the Little River Estuary remains in place, and the matter is expected to return for Commission action.

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Looking ahead: The joint response to NOAA is due Nov. 30, and the Highway 1 task force plan is due Dec. 15, 2026. The de novo hearing on the Aptos appeal will come at a later meeting. The Local Government Working Group's sea level rise workshop is set for Friday, Nov. 6.