COASTAL CURRENTLY

Executive Director’s Report

Updates from Executive Director Kate Huckelbridge and staff: 

• Federal Review: The federal government recently announced a new review of the California Coastal Management Program, which is a nearly 50-year partnership that enables states to weigh in on federal projects. The Department of Commerce stated that the information gathered during this public comment period will be used “to determine next steps related to the certification of California’s program.” If the program is decertified, California could lose its authority to review federal and federally regulated projects along the coast, such as offshore oil drilling. The public can participate by attending hearings in August in Santa Monica or submitting comments to NOAA by Aug. 22. 

• Photo Contest: We are now accepting entries for the 27th annual California Ocean and Coastal Amateur Photography Contest. The last day to submit entries is Sept. 30. 

• New Tribal Affairs Newsletter: Our tribal unit launched a newsletter sharing updates exclusively for tribal representatives across the state. To sign up, email: tribalaffairs@coastal.ca.gov. 

• Tribal Affairs Internship: We are now accepting applications for the Peter Douglas Tribal Affairs Internship. The deadline to apply for this paid, part-time position is Aug. 28.  

Climate Resilience

Protecting Communities from Flooding: The Coastal Commission supported new flood protections and drainage improvements at Naval Base Ventura County at Point Mugu. The project includes, among other things, repairing an eroding embankment, as well as replacing a broken tide gate and pump station. 

Stabilizing Bluffs: The Coastal Commission approved the continued use of a 120-foot concrete seawall and other measures for the next two decades to stabilize the bluffs in front of the Surfsong condominium complex in Solana Beach. To help offset the loss of public beach exacerbated by sea level rise and continued reliance on the seawall, the homeowners association agreed to pay nearly $400,000 in mitigation fees.  

Wildfire Prevention: The Coastal Commission supported a U.S. Forest Service wildfire resiliency project in the Los Padres National Forest that includes protections for sensitive wildlife and habitats. The plan, located on 1,899 acres along the coast, will help reduce the risk of devastating wildfires while safeguarding native plants and animals. 

Ocean Protection

Marine Life: The Coastal Commission approved the installation of 98 signs across 12 counties that will educate the public on state-designated marine protected areas, which are protected areas in the ocean. Some of the new signs will let the public know where fishing is restricted while others will share information on marine habitats and wildlife. 

Coastal Access

More Public Access in Long Beach: The public will now have greater access to Jack Nichol Park, which has waterfront views of Alamitos Bay in Long Beach. The Coastal Commission directed the Bay Harbour housing community, more than a year ago, to remove its locked gates. The homeowners association has since complied and recently agreed to pay about $2.5 million for a suite of improvements, including more than two dozen public access signs, restrooms, bicycle parking and benches. 

Hotel Approved in Half Moon Bay: The Coastal Commission approved a 110-room hotel in downtown Half Moon Bay that was redesigned at the commission’s direction to include 22 more-affordable rooms and safeguard coastal views for the public. The Commission also negotiated a number of public access benefits, such as a bike lane and bike rental facilities, restrooms, benches and a public trail system.  

Housing

No Permit Required: The Coastal Commission granted permit waivers for accessory dwelling units or backyard cottages in San Clemente, Imperial Beach, Solana Beach and San Diego. 

Transportation

New Bike Paths Approved: To help with safety concerns between cyclists and pedestrians on campus, the Coastal Commission approved a 620-foot bicycle path bookended by roundabouts at the University of California Santa Barbara. 

*All Actions taken at the Coastal Commission’s public hearings in Ventura on July 8, 9 and 10, 2026. (video) 


**Banner photo submitted by Carissa Ranari for the California Ocean & Coastal Amateur Photography Contest. Photo of bicyclists at UC Santa Barbara taken by Matt Perko. All other images taken by Coastal Commission staff.