Coastal Erosion Sparks Emergency as Homes Face Ocean Threat

WHO:

ABC7 Los Angeles - Orange County Board of Supervisors Vice Chair Katrina Foley called on Gov. Gavin Newsom to issue a statewide emergency declaration for Orange County's coastal communities.

ABC7 Los Angeles - Orange County officials declared a local state of emergency.

ABC7 Los Angeles - Orange County Board of Supervisors Vice Chair Katrina Foley called on Gov. Gavin Newsom for assistance.

WHAT:

ABC7 Los Angeles - Foley stated, "Finally, the County of Orange declared a State of Emergency following the devastating impacts of Hurricane Marie and in preparation for the El Niño storm system."

ABC7 Los Angeles - Foley emphasized the need for "accelerating sand replenishment and shoreline protection to protect our homes, beaches, and infrastructure."

ABC7 Los Angeles - Orange County declared a local state of emergency in response to severe coastal erosion and high surf damage to homes.

ABC7 Los Angeles - The emergency proclamation recognizes the severity of ongoing coastal conditions and supports requests for additional state and federal resources.

ABC7 Los Angeles - Several oceanfront homes in Dana Point's Capistrano Beach neighborhood sustained significant damage from powerful waves.

ABC7 Los Angeles - The County's declaration frees up resources, streamlines permitting, and accelerates support for cities and residents facing future storm surges.

WHERE:

The Washington Post - Dana Point, California, specifically the Capistrano Beach neighborhood.

ABC7 Los Angeles - Orange County, including coordination with Dana Point, Laguna Beach, and San Clemente.

WHEN:

The Washington Post - A video clip from March 2026 was shown regarding discussions by the California Coastal Commission.

ABC7 Los Angeles - The emergency declaration was made on a Thursday, with local emergency declarations occurring earlier that week.

WHY:

ABC7 Los Angeles - Foley mentioned that "a State of Emergency proclamation from the Governor would strengthen state coordination, increase resource and assistance availability, and expedite recovery and protection work for local governments."

ABC7 Los Angeles - The declaration was made due to severe coastal erosion and damage to homes and public infrastructure.

ABC7 Los Angeles - Residents warned the California Coastal Commission about the vulnerability of the shoreline for years.

ABC7 Los Angeles - Katrina Foley emphasized the need for action to protect the coastline ahead of expected winter storms, specifically citing a "super El Nino Storm season."

HOW:

ABC7 Los Angeles - Officials are coordinating with coastal cities to assess impacts along the Orange County coastline.

ABC7 Los Angeles - Foley urged for an executive order to accelerate preparedness and recovery projects, including debris and sediment removal, vegetation management, and flood-risk reduction efforts.

(UPDATED September 18, 2026 20:01 UTC)

Orange County Board of Supervisors Vice Chair Katrina Foley is urging Governor Gavin Newsom to issue a statewide emergency declaration for the coastal communities in Orange County. She highlighted that the county has already declared a State of Emergency due to the severe impacts of Hurricane Marie and in anticipation of the upcoming El Niño storm system, stressing the urgent need for sand replenishment and shoreline protection. Foley believes that a proclamation from the Governor would enhance state coordination, boost resource availability, and speed up recovery efforts for local governments.

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(UPDATED September 18, 2026 19:02 UTC)

Orange County officials have declared a local state of emergency in response to severe coastal erosion and damage to homes, particularly in the Capistrano Beach neighborhood of Dana Point. Vice Chair Katrina Foley has called on Governor Gavin Newsom for assistance, highlighting the urgent need for action to protect the coastline ahead of an anticipated "super El Nino Storm season." The emergency proclamation will help streamline resources and support for cities and residents facing future storm surges, as officials coordinate efforts to assess the impacts along the Orange County coastline.