Replenishing SC sand from an unexpected source

Is it just me, or did last weekend absolutely fly by? Between June Jams on Del Prado on Friday afternoon, Summer Solstice party on Saturday and Doheny Surf & Art Festival on Sunday, we had ourselves a weekend.

And we’re already gearing up for another jam packed weekend.

In this week’s newsletter:

• Saving our beaches — an update on the latest efforts in San Clemente 

• Do you want a furry friend? This weekend is your chance to give one a new home

• Two-stepping vibes at Dana Point Harbor this Saturday

• And the Redo Market is back - this time with vinyl!

SAVE THE BEACHES

What happened to the sand?
Dating back hundreds of years ago, the San Juan River was once a vital source for local beach sand, delivering massive amounts of sediment during winter storms.

Over time, though, development of coastal Orange County has grown significantly. To make way for that growth, in the 1930s, the flowing San Juan River was replaced with a narrow concrete channel, and several of its tributary creeks were hardened. To make up for slowed sand flows to local beaches, sand was injected in the 60’s and 70’s to local beaches, known as “sand re-nourishment.”

For decades, this kept natural sand erosion at beaches around here at bay. However, with a significant drought in the 90s, erosion became more obvious. This was made worse by storms, including Hurricane Maria in 2014, and huge swells in 2020 and 2021, triggering landslides and even damaging rail tracks.

The county dropped huge volumes of riprap, or a layer of large stones, to help harden the coast.

Despite those efforts, erosion on San Clemente beaches has accelerated since then.

What’s being proposed to fix it
The big idea is a federally funded sand replenishment project with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. It would bring in large amounts of sand every five years for the next 50 years to help rebuild and protect the beach. The plan’s been approved, however each attempt is subject to federal funding approval.

In the meantime, the city is trying smaller fixes, like hauling in outside sand to buy us time. Last year, about 37,000 cubic yards of sand was delivered in North Beach, with more underway. The city is also looking at ways to keep the sand delivered in place, such as offshore barbell-shaped reefs, which could slow down waves so they don’t pull away as much sand.

The latest
Last week, SC trucked in sand from British Columbia (Orcas Island, to be exact), to patch up heavily eroded sections around T-Street beach. If you’re down by T-Street, you’ll notice the imported sand is a grayish color, and signs indicating that sand evaluation is in progress. The sand is apparently readily available, though, so fingers crossed this a sustainable solution for now.

What’s next?
We’ll keep you posted on the efforts as we hear more. In the meantime, some resources:

• Support local environmental organizations like Save Our Beaches; they’re accepting donations and looking for volunteers

• Keep an eye out for a local petition, which proposes a 1% sales tax that will be used to fund beach restoration and erosion control, and for wildfire prevention and protection. This petition is seeking 7,000 signatures by the end of 2025 to get this initiative on the ballot.

• Follow beach-friendly practices: stick to paths, respect dune fencing, and avoid walking on vegetation that stabilizes sand.

• And of course — pick up trash, talk to neighbors, and keep the pressure on to protect the beaches we all love.

ADOPT A PUP

Swing by Prado Square this Saturday for a morning just for the pups.

Prado Square is partnering with local rescue organizations, including Rover’s Retreats, Beachfront Mutts Rescue, Green Dog Foundation, Promise 4 Paws Rescue and Furry Tail Endings to help dogs find new homes around Orange County.

Treat your pup to pup cups from Bear Coast Coffee, tasty treats from The Doggie Barkery, and stylish accessories from J&S Pawtique.

Saturday June 28 from 9am - 12pm at Prado Square in Dana Point.

Who knows, you might just meet your new best friend.

WEEKLY BULLETIN

Sunset Social @ The Farm

Bring the fam out to this arts filled evening at the farm. Checkout an adorable petting zoo with the kids, browse beautiful permanent jewelry from OC artist Daas Jewelry, have fun with face painting, enjoy live entertainment, munch on delicious food from Xclusive Food Truck, take home amazing finds from local vendors, and more.

Check out more info here.

June 26th from 5-9pm @ 29932 Camino Capistrano in SJC

Coastal Cowgirl

Break out your line dancing moves at this western-meets-coastal festival this Saturday. Two-step to the country jams, sip on delish drinks, and look the part with coastal/country vendors to find the most stylish accessories, clothes, hats, jewelry and more. Yeehaw, y’all!

Event is free too! Info here.

June 28th 11am - 4pm @ 24354 Dana Point Harbor Drive

Redo Vinyl Market

Dance right over to the Dana Point Community Center for the Redo Vinyl Market this Saturday afternoon. Browse for unique and sought-after vinyl from all kinds of genres, dance to the live music beats, and enjoy food and beer from the beer garden, supporting Dana Point Youth Baseball. It’s gonna be a vibe.

June 28th @ Dana Point Community Center. Early Entry 4pm - 5pm ($10 ticket), free entry 5pm - 9pm. More here 

THE LINEUP

June 26th

• Sunset Social @ the Farm: Take the fam out to a fun-filled event during sunset with a petting zoo, face painting, permanent jewelry, food & drinks. Wholesome good fun is pretty much guaranteed. 5-9pm, 29932 Camino Capistrano in SJC

• San Clemente Art Crawl: The monthly art crawl is back this Thursday. Stop by the Los Molinos district in San Clemente for live music, browse art from local artists, food and beer, and good vibes. 7-10pm

June 27th

• Happy Hour @ Raffle @ Hook & Anchor in Dana Point: Friday could be your lucky day. Stop by Hook & Anchor in Dana Point from 3-5pm for a happy hour with Pizza Port. Sample some delicious ales and get a chance to win a $50 Pizza Port Gift Card.

June 28th

• SUP Yoga in Dana Point Harbor: Start your weekend off with an invigorating workout on the water. 8am - 9:30am, sign-up here.

• Summer Market @ Judge Brewery: Swing by Judge Brewery in San Clemente for a market with handmade goods, pet essentials, local crafts, delicious beverages and more. 2-5pm

• Coastal Cowgirl @ Dana Point Harbor: Western lovers get ready for this epic market. Giddy-up! 11am - 4pm @ Dana Point Harbor

• Dana Point Farmer’s Market @ La Plaza Park from 9am - 1pm. Local jewelry, fresh produce, clothing, candles and more.

• Redo Vinyl Market @ Dana Point Community Center: Find the most unique vinyl records at this free market on Saturday from 5-9pm.

• Killer Dana Surfboard Sale: If you’ve been putting off that new board purchase, Saturday might be your day to pull the trigger. Stop by Killer Dana from 9am-6pm for a killer deal on shorts, boards, accessories and more.

June 29th

• San Clemente Farmer’s Market: Stop by SC’s farmers market from 9am - 1pm for fresh local produce, shop for gifts, and just enjoy the good vibes on a summery Sunday morning. 200th block of Avenida Del Mar.

• Sound Bath @ Barre3 San Clemente: Unwind from the weekend with this meditative sound bath experience at Barre3 in San Clemente. Feel the benefits of deep relaxation, nervous system function, immune system and more. 4-5pm @ Barre3 San Clemente, info here.

WATER CONDITIONS

Surf forecast - Lower Trestles

Tides - San Clemente

NEW MENU ITEMS

There’s a new pizza in town, and we can’t wait to try it.

Meet the Bella Donna from Dana Point’s Truly Pizza.

Latteria Sorrentina provola, fresh & whole milk mozz, house made white sauce, zucchini, marinated yellow cherry tomato, squash blossom, crescenza, and lemon zest.

Truly, it sounds delicious.

Molto bene!

Thanks for reading & catch ya out there

— Hannah B