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Orange County declared a local state of emergency in response to severe coastal erosion, high surf and damage to homes and public infrastructure along coastal communities, county officials announced Thursday.
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The declaration comes after several oceanfront homes in Dana Point’s Capistrano Beach neighborhood sustained significant damage from powerful waves.
It also follows local emergency declarations earlier this week by Laguna Beach, San Clemente and Dana Point.
County officials said the emergency proclamation formally recognizes the severity of ongoing coastal conditions and supports requests for additional state and federal resources as damage assessments continue.
Residents said they had been warning the California Coastal Commission for years about the vulnerability of the shoreline. They said obtaining permits for preventive measures has been nearly impossible and remains a challenge as they contend with the ongoing damage.
Officials also said they are coordinating with Dana Point, Laguna Beach and other coastal communities to assess impacts along the Orange County coastline.
Orange County Board of Supervisors Vice Chair Katrina Foley has called on Gov. Gavin Newsom to issue a statewide emergency declaration for Orange County’s coastal communities to assist recovery efforts and preparations for the 2026-27 winter storm season.
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“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. The County’s declaration frees up resources, streamlines permitting, and accelerates our ability to support cities and residents as they face future storm surges this winter,” Foley said.
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Foley said additional action is needed to protect the county’s coastline ahead of expected winter storms.
“With a super El Nino Storm season coming, we must act now to protect our coast and prepare for historic storms. In Orange County, sand is infrastructure. We need help accelerating sand replenishment and shoreline protection to protect our homes, beaches, and infrastructure,” Foley said.
Foley also urged Newsom to approve an executive order aimed at accelerating preparedness and recovery projects before winter, including debris and sediment removal, vegetation management, channel maintenance, bridge protection and other flood-risk reduction efforts.
“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,” Foley said.
County officials said damage assessments and coordination efforts with coastal cities remain ongoing.
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