COASTAL CURRENTLY

Executive Director’s Report

Executive Director Kate Huckelbridge and staff updated the public on recent agency activities, including:  

Statewide Coastal Cleanup: Sept. 19 marked the 42nd annual California Coastal Cleanup Day, with events in all the state’s 58 counties. The event drew tens of thousands of volunteers and removed hundreds of thousands of pounds of trash from creeks, lakes and coastlines.  

Online Permit Applications: The Coastal Commission announced the launch of its online application portal for Coastal Development Permits. Users can now create a free account to enter proposed project information and upload any required documents.  

Heal the Bay Honors Coastal Commission: At the Bring Back the Beach Gala in Santa Monica, the Coastal Commission received the Heal the Bay Community Partner Award, recognizing 50 years of coastal protection.  

Coastal & Estuarine Summit in San Francisco: Coastal Commission staff participated in the conference organized by Restore America’s Estuaries. Agency staff discussed, among other things, how best to partner with communities on sea level rise planning, particularly through the lens of environmental justice. They also talked about “cutting green tape” to expedite restoration and adaptation projects. 

Environmental Conference in San Diego: Executive Director Huckelbridge recently participated in the 10th annual Environmental Leadership Summit, joining a panel to discuss the history of Proposition 20, notable Coastal Act achievements and environmental justice.  

Streamlining Affordable Housing: The Coastal Commission launched a webpage with information about ongoing efforts to streamline affordable housing in several urban coastal areas by establishing categorical exclusions (CatExs) areas that exempt specific types of projects from needing a permit. Stakeholders can use the webpage to view potential CatEx areas and submit questions or comments to commission staff.  

Honoring the Coastal Act: The Coastal Commission celebrated the 50th anniversary of the passage of the landmark law that has preserved public access, safeguarded coastal resources and helped sustain California's $51 billion coastal economy. The free event in Long Beach was open to the public and featured music, activities and speakers. Executive Director Kate Huckelbridge honored the past 50 years and noted the importance of looking at the challenges ahead including sea level rise. 

Housing 

Expanding Housing Opportunities in Humboldt County: The Coastal Commission approved land-use changes in the county to allow for more residential development, specifically in commercial neighborhoods.  

Carlsbad Housing: The Coastal Commission approved land-use changes in the city to allow for 120 new residential units, as well as commercial development and visitor serving accommodations.  

No Permit Required: The Coastal Commission granted permit waivers for accessory dwelling units or backyard cottages in Solana Beach, Venice, San Pedro, Playa Del Rey.  

El Niño 

Orange County Disaster Response: The Coastal Commission concurred with issuing more than 30 emergency permits, largely for the temporary placement of rock walls to prevent flooding.  

Emergency Work in San Diego Region: The Coastal Commission concurred with an emergency permit to stabilize the coastal bluff along Carlsbad Boulevard, including placing large boulders.  

Pacifica Pier Emergency Stabilization: The Coastal Commission concurred with an emergency permit to relocate rocks around the pier and post safety signage and fencing.  

Stormwater Management 

Improving Water Flow in Orange County: The Coastal Commission approved the replacement of two buried, non-functional culverts along the railroad tracks in San Clemente to ensure proper drainage and allow sediment from the nearby bluff to replenish the sandy beach. 

Public Access 

Newport Beach Public-Access Funding: The Coastal Commission approved the replacement of a wood retaining wall with a new concrete seawall in front of two homes on Newport Harbor. The applicants agreed to pay more than $43,000 to the city for new public-access improvements to offset the loss of public tidelands resulting from the coastal armoring.  

Fencing Project Gets Another Look: The Coastal Commission upheld the appeal of a glass fence and gate in Del Mar based on impacts to public safety and access. The Commission will review the proposed project at a future hearing to, among other things, ensure the structure does not interfere with the planned construction of a bluff-top trail required as part of a government stabilization program for the cliff.

*All actions taken at the Coastal Commission’s public hearing in Oceanside on October 7, 8 and 9, 2026. (videos)

**Banner photo by Olivia Neely, submitted for the 2019 California Ocean & Coastal Amateur Photography Contest.