New Storms Batter Capo Beach Park

This week, the lone remaining large palm at Capistrano BeachPark thudded to the sand. The old sentinel, nicknamed “sole/soul survivor” by local photographer, Scott Schmitt, was a fighter. For the past year or so, it became a symbol of resilience for this small community on the east end of Dana Point. Residents marveled that it kept standing despite a constant barrage of heavy surf. Last week’s storms left it leaning toward the sand and exposed its entire root structure, but the County righted it, covered the roots, and it was able to stand tall for another week. Finally, on Monday night, it thundered to the ground.

That resounding thud, along with yet more damage to sidewalk infrastructure at Capo Beach Park left residents feeling their beach is disappearing before their eyes. The popular basket ball court, left stranded on the edge of a cliff when a November storm tore the adjacent boardwalk and fencing away, is buckling and cracking daily. OC Parks officials admit that it’s beyond repair and must go. Although plans are not yet finalized it appears virtually certain that the restrooms will be demolished as well. Without supporting infrastructure it’s unwise to risk sewer lines so close to an unprotected shore line.

Hoping for a chance to save something, residents immediately asked if the large palm could be planted elsewhere. Unfortunately, there is no “elsewhere”. Replanting it on safer ground would mean losing one of the two remaining fire pits or further damaging the eroding path to Doheny Beach. In the end, local palm tree expert, Dean Slater nixed the idea of replanting. “Washingtonia robustas are common and hardy,” he said, but “when a palm goes down it’s time to plant some new ones in a better spot.” He suggested a species of hurricane palm if restoration plans provide room for replacement.

Locals are dismayed at the speed and intensity of the change in their beach. Although most acknowledge the effects of sea level rise and “climate change”, no one expected change to happen so quickly. A year ago this little beach had sound sidewalks, a beautiful boardwalk, fire pits and palms. Today, much of the infrastructure is buckling, sliding or being torn away by relentless surf. Everything seems to be in jeopardy and each new storm seems to bring more bad news.

There is some good news. County officials have plans in the works for a longer term solution and have applied for a State grant for beach restoration. They will be holding public information meetings in the near future to seek public input on several options for long term plans.

This is the reality of so-called “managed retreat” – when the ocean attacks, mankind can’t win. We tear up infrastructure, retreat back and rebuild something we can enjoy – at least for awhile.

Photo 1 Courtesy of Brian Brandt. Last remaining palm falls at Capistrano Beach Park .

Photo 2 Courtesy of Brian Brandt. Sidewalk upheaval near fallen palm at park entrance.

Photo 3 Courtesy of Scott Schmitt. “Sole/soul survivor” a week before it fell.