From Sfgate · · 2m
San Clemente voters reject beach tax
San Clemente voters reject 1% sales tax to fund beach erosion fixes.
In brief
San Clemente voters reject 1% sales tax to fund beach erosion fixes. San Clemente voters rejected a 1% sales tax increase to fund beach replenishment and wildfire prevention after a 2024 sand replenishment project cost $800,000. Originally reported by Sfgate.
Beach erosion crisis
San Clemente faces severe beach erosion with pounding waves closing rail corridors connecting San Diego to California.
Proposed sand solutions
Politicians suggested rocky riprap or seawalls to stop erosion but these solutions risk removing public coastline access and accelerating erosion.
2024 sand replenishment
A 2024 sand replenishment project cost $800,000 and saved the 1968 lifeguard headquarters building near the pier.
Measure M tax proposal
Measure M would have raised San Clemente’s sales tax from 7.75% to 8.75% generating $15 million annually for beach replenishment and wildfire prevention.
Voter rejection
Nearly two-thirds of San Clemente voters opposed Measure M in November 2026, rejecting the 1% sales tax increase for beach erosion fixes.
Norte Fire impact
Last month’s Norte Fire burned 7 homes and forced thousands to evacuate, highlighting wildfire risks in San Clemente’s hillsides.
Planning commission chair
San Clemente Planning Commission chair Cameron Cosgrove says voters need local funding for beach replenishment and wildfire prevention.
Economic factors
Cosgrove states the current economy makes voters less willing to pay for sand replenishment projects compared to a year ago.
Next steps
Orange County Transportation Authority approved 700,000 cubic yards of sand for San Clemente’s south end to shore up the rail corridor.
Future challenges
San Clemente lacks long-term sand replenishment and wildfire plans, requiring tough choices to reallocate funds for both needs.
Climate change impact
Climate change fuels stronger storms and sea level rise, causing dramatic shoreline changes in San Clemente.
Regional solutions
Cosgrove suggests forming a regional coalition to share sand solutions and implement a permanent dredger for coastal erosion.
The short version
San Clemente voters rejected a 1% sales tax increase to fund beach replenishment and wildfire prevention after a 2024 sand replenishment project cost $800,000.
