Oceans & Beaches

Facing mounting criticism for allowing Hollister Ranch landowners to keep 8.5 miles of Santa Barbara coastline largely closed to the beachgoing public, state officials indicated Thursday some regret about the controversial deal they quietly agreed to earlier this year.

As more homeowners try to fight sea-level rise, California must pick a side: Protect private property or the public interest? Save a mansion or a beach for the people?

The Trump Administration appears to be bringing President Trump’s recent tweets about California’s wildfires and environmental laws to life. U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross has directed fisheries officials to “facilitate” access to water in order to aid in firefighting efforts in California.

Related Article:

• The Washington Post: Fire officials to Trump: No, California didn’t worsen wildfires by dumping water into ocean

After previous owners were told by the California Coastal Commission that they couldn’t rebuild their Laguna Beach house in its existing beachfront footprint, new owners performed an extensive remodel — without a commission permit — that they say increased the home’s value by $11 million. … Commission staff is recommending removal of a retroactively approved seawall …

The backdrop of [President Donald] Trump’s tweets is a charged debate before the State Water Resources Control Board, the agency tasked with allocating California’s water supplies. It is set to vote this month on a plan to increase flows in the San Joaquin River and its tributaries, which would help fish but hurt farmers. 

Related Article:

• The Sacramento Bee: Trump says California’s water policies are making the wildfires worse. Is he right?
• Los Angeles Times: As Trump tweets about tree-clearing, his administration looks to allow logging in a forest north of Los Angeles​

A Sausalito marine biologist who has been named a National Geographic Explorer is using 3-D modeling, virtual reality and other frontier technologies to inspire people to protect the world’s oceans. Erika Woolsey, a Marin Academy graduate, has also helped found the Hydrous, a nonprofit based in Sausalito, devoted to ocean education.

Beginning Monday, the Point Reyes Lighthouse will close until Oct. 6 as crews begin the $5 million renovation project that will include repairs to stabilize the lighthouse, fixing water and rust damage, repaving an access road, and improving accessibility with paths and an observation deck.

Combining ocean stewardship with military veterans, Congressman Jimmy Panetta joined more than two dozen Central Coast veterans for a cruise in the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary to celebrate “Vet Into Your Sanctuary.”

As the skeptics are quick to point out, it’s hard to tie any one event to long-term, global climactic change. Fine. It’s also hard to ignore the trends and the evidence in front of one’s face. California for the past few years has suffered through hotter than average weather, drought and more weather extremes, precisely what to expect from climate change.