COASTAL CURRENTLY

Executive Director’s Report 

Executive Director Kate Huckelbrige and others updated the public on recent agency activities, including: 

Preparing for El Niño: State Climatologist Michael Anderson and Coastal Commission Engineer Jeremy Smith gave a briefing to alert and to advise coastal property owners and public agencies on basic preparatory measures and possible permits in connection with El Niño preparedness and damage response. (video) The Coastal Commission also updated its website with helpful information that includes information on the season, steps coastal property owners can take to prepare now, emergency permit information, contacts to district office for questions and more.  

Supporting Swim California: Commissioners Chris Lopez and Ann Notthoff, as well as Coastal Access Program Manager Linda Locklin, joined endurance athlete Catherine Breed for a press conference in Pacific Grove on Aug. 25 to support Breed’s goal of becoming the first person to swim the entire coast of California. 

Coastal Act Public Celebration: The 50th anniversary celebration of the Coastal Act will be held on Saturday, Oct. 10 at Junipero Beach in Long Beach. The event will be free and open to the public for an afternoon of live music, speakers and activities such as a sandcastle contest. Everyone is welcome! 

Aquaculture 

Supporting Responsible Kelp Farming: The Coastal Commission concurred with the creation of a 2,000-acre kelp farm in federal waters off the coast of Ventura County by the company Ocean Rainforest. Commission support was contingent on measures to reduce the risk of entanglement of marine wildlife, including humpback and gray whales, dolphins, pinnipeds, sea turtles and seabirds, as well as efforts to address potential impacts to commercial and recreational fishing.  

Approving Oyster Farming in Humboldt: The Coastal Commission approved continued oyster farming through 2037 in Humboldt Bay by Pacific Shellfish. Monitoring is required to evaluate impacts to sensitive coastal resources such as eelgrass and black brant. 

Water Reliability

Protecting Ground Water in San Luis Obispo: The Coastal Commission upheld the construction of an advanced water treatment plant in San Luis Obispo County that would inject treated water into the ground to guard against sea water intrusion at several well sites. Treated water will also be discharged into the San Simeon Creek lagoon to protect natural habitats.  

Environmental Protection 

Restoring Wetlands in San Diego Bay: The Coastal Commission approved a $5.3 million work plan for the Otay River Estuary Restoration Project at the south end of San Diego Bay, serving as mitigation for the impacts of Channelside’s (formerly Poseidon Resources) desalination plant in Carlsbad. 

Public Access

New Beach Access in Malibu: The Coastal Commission approved a settlement agreement that requires 2XMD Partners LLC to restore illegally excavated shoreline habitat in Malibu and dedicate for public use a $2-million beachfront property. The property that will be donated is in eastern Malibu and will preserve coastal views and habitat and provide greater access to a part of the coast that has been challenging for the public to enjoy. 

Sea Level Rise & Coastal Erosion

Planning for Sea Level Rise for Highway 101 in Humboldt: The Coastal Commission heard an update from Caltrans on the adaptation plan for Eureka-Arcata Highway 101 Corridor along Humboldt Bay to address anticipated sea level rise-related flooding hazards. (video)

Approving Road Repairs Along Centerville Beach in Humboldt: The Coastal Commission approved repairs to a 900-foot segment of Centerville Road impacted by flooding in Humboldt County, adding a rock revetment and off-street parking with a beach-access ramp. The permit restricts public driving on the beach but provides a process for the county to submit a plan to the commission for resuming vehicle access while avoiding impacts to sensitive species and surrounding private property. 

Protecting Public Safety in Encinitas: The Coastal Commission appealed the local approval of a bluff-edge home in Encinitas based on concerns related to erosion and safety. The commission will consider a modified proposal at a future hearing.   

Protecting a Home and Providing Public Access in Malibu: The Coastal Commission approved the construction of a single-family, beachfront home in Malibu, requiring the structure to, among other things, be located further away from the shoreline to avoid coastal erosion and flooding. The project also includes an offer to dedicate a public accessway to the beach.  

Housing 


Encouraging Tiny Homes in Humboldt: The Coastal Commission approved zoning changes in Humboldt County to encourage the construction of tiny homes, which can provide lower-cost housing opportunities. These units are defined as detached structures up to 400 square feet that must include facilities for cooking, sleeping and sanitation. 

Boosting Mendocino Housing: The Coastal Commission approved zoning and land-use changes in the city of Point Arena to streamline the building of accessory dwelling units, affordable housing, workforce housing and emergency shelters.  

Streamlining ADUs in Santa Curz: The Coastal Commission approved zoning changes in Santa Cruz County to help facilitate building accessory dwelling units in line with state law.

*All Actions taken at the Coastal Commission’s public hearings in Eureka on Sept. 9 to 11, 2026. (video) 


**Banner photo by Paul Priebe, submitted for the 2022 California Ocean & Coastal Amateur Photography Contest.