Capistrano Beach Erosion Control Measures Put Into Place

DANA POINT, CA — While a double rainbow graced South Orange County in a precursor to the coming storm, waves continued to pound the battered Capistrano Beach coastline.

Orange County Public Works Department worked to halt or slow the erosion that has undermined roads and pathways of the popular spot, near the basketball court.

Erosion from the waves has plagued the area, most recently seen in downed palm trees and the collapsed wooden walkway.

According to a report from the OC Register, the erosion hs unearthed old cement-filled cars, dumped here decades ago during the original construction of that seawall.

This week, crews worked to offload over 1,000 tons of large rocks using bucket loaders, to help protect against rain and heavy surf. The area remained closed to pedestrians and beachgoers, they said.

The "riprap" rock piling emergency measure was approved by the OC Coastal Commission, according to a statement by OC Parks. The rock-adding measures can stop sand from "stockpiling, causing further erosion to areas over time," advocates have said. This sand erosion is the new normal for the area, according to the Register.

Dana Point is doing a "wave run-up study" to determine the zones of the city that may be in danger of problems associated with rising sea levels.

Photo: David Okun