CA Review TL
Meeting Date: Sept. 15, 2026
To: Mayor and City Council
From: Geoff Patnoe, City Manager
Staff Contact: Brandon Miles, Senior Engineer
[email protected], 442-339-2745
Subject: Confirm the Declaration of a Local Emergency to Address Bluff Erosion North of the Encinas Creek Bridge on the West Side of Carlsbad Boulevard
District: 3
Recommended Action
Adopt a resolution confirming the declaration of a local emergency to address bluff erosion north of the Encinas Creek Bridge on the west side of Carlsbad Boulevard and authorizing the City Manager to direct the emergency work to be performed using emergency construction procurement procedures.
Executive Summary
On June 25, 2026, staff identified a section of coastal bluff erosion along the west side of southbound Carlsbad Boulevard, north of the bridge at Las Encinas Creek. Staff began assessing the cause, impacts and options for addressing the erosion and placed orange cones along this area to alert the public to potential bluff instability. The following week in July 2026, staff began regularly monitoring the area for further bluff movement and applied asphalt treatment in ¼- to ½-inch width pavement cracks to stabilize the road and prevent moisture from getting into the pavement.
In mid-July 2026, staff engaged an independent geotechnical consulting firm to perform a site investigation and provide recommendations for further action related to bluff erosion in this area.
On Aug. 13, 2026, the National Weather Service Climate Prediction Center issued a statement indicating a greater than 90% chance of a very strong El Niño forecast for fall and winter 2026-
27. On Aug. 19, 2026, staff noted minor changes in the pavement cracks and applied additional asphalt treatment in the cracks.
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Docusign Envelope ID: 1FF3CFD6-BD3F-8D9F-822E-6EA19E100CEE
On Sept. 8, 2026, the geotechnical consulting firm provided the city with a technical memorandum confirming the potential for bluff erosion to affect the integrity of southbound Carlsbad Boulevard if prompt action is not taken to address the instability, as shown in Exhibit
2. Past experience confirms immediate emergency work is needed to permit the continued operation of southbound Carlsbad Boulevard and avoid danger to life and property. According to the geotechnical consulting firm, the necessary emergency work to stabilize the bluff and protect southbound Carlsbad Boulevard may include placement of approximately 192 linear feet of additional revetment for bluff and shoreline protection, which could be lengthened depending on the conditions observed when the revetment is installed.
Based on the geotechnical engineering firm’s technical memorandum, staff determined that immediate work to address bluff and shoreline protection is required. Staff implemented protocols to promote the safety of the motoring public, bicyclists, and pedestrians, and initiated discussions with a contractor to prepare for the emergency work.
On Sept. 9, 2026, the City Manager declared the existence of a local emergency condition, as shown in Attachment A to Exhibit 1.
The project will likely cost more than $220,000. Staff request that the City Council confirm the declaration and authorize the City Manager to continue with the work using emergency construction procurement procedures as allowed under California Public Contract Code sections 20168, 22035 and 22050 and Carlsbad Municipal Code Sections 3.28.110(A) and
3.28.120. The emergency declaration allows the city to use the exemption so that the work can be done swiftly and requires confirmation by a four-fifths vote of the City Council.
Explanation & Analysis
On June 25, 2026, along the west side of southbound Carlsbad Boulevard, north of the bridge at Las Encinas Creek, an area of minor bluff erosion was identified.
Because the bluff erosion occurs along a frequently used and traveled public pathway, the immediate emergency work may include protecting the existing infrastructure, soil stabilization and revetment placement of approximately 192 feet of additional rock boulders for bluff and shoreline protection, which could be extended depending on the conditions observed when they are installed.
The estimated cost of this emergency work will likely exceed the formal bidding threshold of $220,000. The formal bidding process takes approximately four to six months. The work requires prompter action to prevent or mitigate the loss or impairment of life, health, property or essential public services.
Staff are therefore requesting that the City Council confirm the declaration of a local emergency to address bluff erosion north of the Encinas Creek bridge on the west side of Carlsbad Boulevard and authorize the City Manager to direct the emergency work to be performed using emergency construction procurement procedures.
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Docusign Envelope ID: 1FF3CFD6-BD3F-8D9F-822E-6EA19E100CEE Emergency coastal development permit
The proposed work is within the Coastal Zone and qualifies as development that requires a coastal development permit under the authority of the California Coastal Commission. Because of the location in proximity to the bluffs and the need to use mechanical equipment for the work, no exemptions to this permit requirement apply.
On Aug. 27, Aug. 31, and Sept. 4, 2026, staff met with California Coastal Commission staff to discuss the bluff erosion; proposed emergency work, including the placement of additional rock boulders, or revetment, adjacent to existing revetment; and an application for an emergency coastal development permit. An emergency coastal development permit application for the emergency work was submitted to the California Coastal Commission on Sept. 9, 2026.
Fiscal Analysis
Initial funding is available for the emergency work in the Capital Improvement Program for Carlsbad Boulevard Emergency Repair, Project No. 6063, which currently has an available balance of $332,076. Cost estimates to address the bluff erosion and unpredictable instability threatening the integrity of the traveled roadway are pending. Staff will return to the City Council at a future date to request additional appropriation if needed.
This emergency declaration will initiate a review by appropriate agencies to determine if the damage incurred is eligible for reimbursement from either the state or federal government.
Next Steps
Upon confirmation of the emergency declaration, staff will initiate the routing of a public works contract under emergency construction procurement procedures and authorize the contractor to proceed with performing emergency work once the appropriate permits from regulatory agencies have been obtained.
Staff will return to the City Council on Sept. 29, 2026, to review the emergency action and ask the City Council to determine by a four-fifths vote whether there is a need to continue it.
Environmental Evaluation
The proposed action is statutorily exempt from environmental review under the California Environmental Quality Act, or CEQA, Sections 21080(b)(2) and (4) and CEQA Guidelines Sections 15269(b) and (c), which apply to emergency repairs to publicly owned facilities necessary to maintain service essential to public health, safety or welfare and other specific actions necessary to prevent or mitigate an emergency.
Exhibits
1. City Council resolution
2. Technical Memorandum dated Sept. 8, 2026
3. Location map
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Docusign Envelope ID: 1FF3CFD6-BD3F-8D9F-822E-6EA19E100CEE Exhibit 1
RESOLUTION NO. 2026-172
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CARLSBAD, CALIFORNIA,
CONFIRMING THE DECLARATION OF A LOCAL EMERGENCY TO ADDRESS BLUFF
EROSION NORTH OF THE ENCINAS CREEK BRIDGE ON THE WEST SIDE OF
CARLSBAD BOULEVARD AND AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO DIRECT
THE EMERGENCY WORK TO BE PERFORMED USING EMERGENCY
CONSTRUCTION PROCUREMENT PROCEDURES
WHEREAS, a section of coastal bluff erosion along the west side of southbound Carlsbad Boulevard, north of the bridge at Las Encinas Creek was identified by city staff during routine inspections on June 25, 2026; and
WHEREAS, while staff assessed the cause, impacts, and options for addressing the erosion , staff began regularly monitoring the area for further bluff movement and placed orange cones along the area to alert the public to potential bluff instability; and
WHEREAS, the following week in July 2026, staff applied asphalt treatment in ¼- to ½-inch width pavement cracks to stabilize the road and prevent moisture from getting into the pavement; and WHEREAS, in mid -July 2026, staff engaged an independent geotechnical consulting firm to perform a site investigation and provide recommendations for further action related to bluff erosion in this area; and
WHEREAS, on Aug. 13, 2026, the National Weather Service Climate Prediction Center issued a statement indicating a greater than 90 percent chance of a very strong El Niño forecast for fall and winter 2026-27; and
WHEREAS, o n A u g . 1 9 , 2 0 2 6 , s t a ff n o t e d m i n o r c h a n g e s i n t h e p a v e m e n t c r a c k s a n d a p p l i e d additional asphalt treatment in the cracks; and
WHEREAS, on Aug. 27, Aug. 31, and Sept. 4, 2026, staff met with California Coastal Commission staff to discuss the bluff erosion, proposed emergency work, including the placement of additional rock boulders, or revetment, north of existing revetment, and an application for an emergency coastal development permit; and
WHEREAS, on Sept. 8, 2026, the geotechnical consulting firm provided the city with a technical memorandum confirming the potential for the bluff erosion to affect the integrity of southbound Carlsbad Boulevard and recommending extending the existing rock revetment approximately 192 feet north for bluff and shoreline protection, which could be lengthened depending on the conditions observed when the revetment is installed; and
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Docusign Envelope ID: 1FF3CFD6-BD3F-8D9F-822E-6EA19E100CEE WHEREAS, continuing bluff erosion is not new to the North San Diego County region, especially along this section of Carlsbad Boulevard; and
WHEREAS, past experience confirms immediate emergency work is needed to permit the continued operation of southbound Carlsbad Boulevard and avoid danger to life and property; and WHEREAS, California Coastal Commission staff are reviewing the placement of approximately 192 linear feet of additional revetment for bluff and shoreline protection as an emergency action under California Public Resources Code Section 30611, subject to the filing of an Application for Emergency Permit within seven days of taking emergency action; and WHEREAS, staff submitted an Application for Emergency Permit to the California Coastal Commission on Sept. 9, 2026; and
WHEREAS, the estimated cost of the emergency work exceeds the formal bidding threshold, and the formal bidding process takes approximately four to six months; and WHEREAS, given the very strong El Niño forecast for fall and winter 2026 -27 and the impact to the integrity of southbound Carlsbad Boulevard, the bluffs along the west side of southbound Carlsbad Boulevard, north of the bridge at Las Encinas Creek, require immediate emergency work prompter than formal bidding allows to ensure continued operation of essential public services and prevent or mitigate potential impairment of health, property and/or the surrounding environment; and WHEREAS, the City of Carlsbad follows the procurement procedures in the California Public Contract Code and the Carlsbad Municipal Code; and
WHEREAS, in the case of an emergency condition like bluff erosion threatening the integrity of a heavily traveled roadway, California Public Contract Code Sections 20168, 22035 and 22050 and Carlsbad Municipal Code Sections 3.28.110(A) and 3.28.120 allow t he City Council by a four -fifths vote to authorize the repair or replacement of public infrastructure, take any directly related and immediate action required by the emergency and procure the necessary equipment, services and supplies for these purposes without following formal bidding procedures; and WHEREAS, as permitted by California Public Contract Code Section 22050, the City Council has delegated authority to authorize emergency repairs to the City Manager, subject to review by the City Council by a four -fifths vote at its next regularly scheduled meeting not later than 14 days afterwards ; and
WHEREAS, funding is available for the emergency work in the Carlsbad Boulevard Emergency Repair, Capital Improvement Program Project No. 6063.
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Docusign Envelope ID: 1FF3CFD6-BD3F-8D9F-822E-6EA19E100CEE N OW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Carlsbad, California, as follows:
1. That the above recitations are true and correct.
2. That the City Council has determined that the proposed action is statutorily exempt from environmental review under the California Environmental Quality Act, or CEQA, Sections 21080(b)(2) and (4) and CEQA Guidelines Section s 15269(b) and (c), which apply to emergency repairs to publicly owned facilities necessary to maintain service essential to public health, safety or welfare and other specific actions necessary to prevent or mitigate an emergency.
3. That the City Manager’s declaration of a local emergency to address the bluff erosion north of the Encinas Creek Bridge on the west side of Carlsbad B oulevard dated Sept. 9, 2026, attached hereto as Attachment A, is confirmed.
4. That the City Manager is authorized to direct the required emergency work to be performed, take any directly related and immediate action required by the emergency, including the filing or issuance of any permits, and procure the necessary equipment, services, and supplies for these purposes, using emergency procurement procedures.
5. That the City Manager or designee is authorized to sign all other documents necessary for regulatory compliance, to extend funding opportunities, or to otherwise implement and finalize the emergency work, all of which are subject to review and approval as to form by the City Attorney’s Office.
6. That the City Manager is directed to return to the City Council at the next regularly scheduled City Council meeting for a determination by a four -fifths vote whether the emergency condition continues to exist.
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Docusign Envelope ID: 1FF3CFD6-BD3F-8D9F-822E-6EA19E100CEE PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED at a Regular Meeting of the City Council of the City of Carlsbad on the 15th day of September, 2026, by the following vote, to wit:
AYES: Blackburn, Bhat-Patel, Acosta, Burkholder, Shin.
NAYS: None.
ABSTAIN: None.
ABSENT: None.
_______
_______________________________
KEITH BLACKBURN, Mayor
_______
_______________________________
SHERRY FREISINGER, City Clerk
(SEAL)
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Docusign Envelope ID: 1FF3CFD6-BD3F-8D9F-822E-6EA19E100CEE
Declaration of Local
Elllergency
City Hall
1200 Carlsbad Village Drive
Carlsbad, CA 92008
FOR AN EMERGENCY CONDITION RESULTING FROM BLUFF EROSION NORTH OF THE ENCINAS
CREEK BRIDGE ON THE WEST SIDE OF CARLSBAD BOULEVARD
WHEREAS, a section of coastal bluff erosion along the west side of southbound Carlsbad Boulevard, north of the bridge at Las Encinas Creek was identified by city staff during routine inspections on June 25, 2026; and
WHEREAS, while staff assessed the cause, impacts, and options for addressing the erosion, staff began regularly monitoring the area for further bluff movement and placed orange cones along the area to alert the public to potential bluff instability; and WHEREAS, the following week in July 2026, staff applied asphalt treatment in¼- to ½-inch width pavement cracks to stabilize the road and prevent moisture from getting into the pavement; and
WHEREAS, in mid-July 2026, staff engaged an independent geotechnical consulting firm to perform a site investigation and provide recommendations for further action related to bluff erosion in this area; and
WHEREAS, on August 13, 2026, the National Weather Service Climate Prediction Center issued a statement indicating a greater than 90% chance of a very strong El Nino forecast for fall and winter 2026-27; and
WHEREAS, on August 19, 2026, staff noted minor changes in the pavement cracks and applied additional asphalt treatment in the cracks; and WHEREAS, on August 27, August 31, and September 4, 2026, staff met with California Coastal Commission staff to discuss the bluff erosion, proposed emergency work, including the placement of additional rock boulders, or revetment, north of existing revetment, and an application for an emergency coastal development permit; and WHEREAS, on September 8, 2026, the geotechnical consulting firm provided the city with a technical memorandum confirming the potential for the bluff erosion to affect the integrity of southbound Carlsbad Boulevard and recommending extending the existing rock revetment approximately 192 feet north for bluff and shoreline protection; and WHEREAS, continuing bluff erosion is not new to the North San Diego County region, especially along this section of Carlsbad Boulevard; and WHEREAS, past experience confirms immediate emergency work is needed to permit the continued operation of southbound Carlsbad Boulevard and avoid danger to life and property; and
Attachment A
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Docusign Envelope ID: 1FF3CFD6-BD3F-8D9F-822E-6EA19E100CEE Sept. 15, 2026
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Docusign Envelope ID: 1FF3CFD6-BD3F-8D9F-822E-6EA19E100CEE 924
5 Activity Road, Suite 103 | San Diego, CA 92126 | www.NV5.com | Office 858.536.1000
TECHNICAL MEMORANDUM
To: Brandon Miles PE/City of Carlsbad Date: September 8, 2026 From: Charles Robin (Rob) Stroop, GE and Allen Rekani, PG Project: Encinas Creek Outlet
Subject: Geologic Reconnaissance of Coastal Bluffs
Per your request this technical memorandum documents geologic observations made during a July 3 0, 2026 reconnaissance of recent coastal bluff failures located along Carlsbad Boulevard Southbound near North Ponto Beach, in the City of Carlsbad, California. Figure 1 attached to this memorandum shows th e area of observation as a blue dimension line. The area observed extends about 450 feet north of the northerly edge of an existing rip -rap revetment. This memorandum provides recommendations for further actions by the City of Carlsbad.
The pu
rposes of this reconnaissance were to characterize the extent and mechanism of the bluff eros ion and instabilities and to evaluate the hazard posed to the adjacent paved roadway, bike lane, and pedestrian path (collectively referred to as the traveled way) . NV5 prepared this memorandum using visual observation only; no subsurface exploration, laboratory testing, or survey control were completed for this assessment.
SITE OBSERVATIONS
NV5 obse
rved coastal bluff erosion and instabilities in a near-vertical to overhanging bluff face that is approximately 15- to 20-feet in height. The erosion and instabilities affect the adjacent Carlsbad Boulevard Southbound differently as summarized below. • Immediate Action s - e rosion and instability that currently threatens the integrity of the traveled way. Figure 1 identifies this area using a red dimension line. As of September 4, 2026 this area is about 192 feet long. NV5 recommends the immediate actions described in the Recommendations section of this memorandum. See Photos 1, 2 and 3. • Short- and Long-Term Actions - erosion and instability that will threaten the integrity of the traveled way. Figure 1 identifies this area using a yellow dimension line. As of September 4, 2026 this area is about 65 feet long. NV5 recommends the short- and long-term actions described in the Recommendations section of this memorandum. See Photo 4. • Long-Term Actions - erosion and instability that could threaten the integrity of the traveled way. Figure 1 identifies this area using a green dimension line. NV5 recommends the long-term actions described in the Recommendations section of this memorandum. See Photo 4.
Exhibit 2
Sept. 15, 2026
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Docusign Envelope ID: 1FF3CFD6-BD3F-8D9F-822E-6EA19E100CEE Encinas Creek Outlet September 8, 2026
Geologic Reconnaissance of Coastal Bluffs Page 2
City of Carlsbad
NV5 observed the bluff face to consist of weakly to moderately consolidated, light brown to yellowish brown, fine - to medium-grained sand capped by a dense ice plant mat. A laterally continuous, well-rounded pebble-to-cobble conglomerate layer is exposed several feet above the beach. This feature is a former beach/transgressive lag marking the base of the terrace sand sequence. Bedding above this feature is sub -horizontal and shows no evidence of a discrete rotational slip surface. Instead, wave -cut niches and cave -like recesses are undermining the base of the bluff, leaving unsupported overhangs that fail by raveling and block-fall rather than by rotational sliding.
Near-vertical tension cracks that the City of Carlsbad had previously sealed are visible in the bluff-top vegetation and in the paved shoulder of Carlsbad Boulevard Southbound. These cracks are oriented sub-parallel to the bluff edge. They are mostly occurring within the area shown as a red dimension line on Figure 1.
The riprap revetment and a corrugated outfall pipe placed at the toe of the slope at the south end of the area observed by NV5 shown as the blue dimension line on Figure 1 has been undermined and they are partially exposed. This riprap does not appear to be preventing continued wave attack at this location.
As shown on Photo 6, the north end of the area observed by NV5 shown as the blue dimension line on Figure 1 exposes a notably more resistant, blocky, gray to blue-gray geologic unit with a smooth, case-hardened weathering rind and none of the raveling seen within the active and imminent failure zones. This unit appears to provide natural resistance to coastal bluff instability mechanisms. It also illustrates that the bluff material is not lithologically uniform along this stretch.
CONCLUSIONS
NV5 opines the portion of the bluff identified using a red dimension line in Figure 1 is undergoing active, ongoing retreat rather than experiencing a single, isolated event. City of Carlsbad engineers reported to NV5 that artificial fill placed in the 1920s for the original construction of the roadway occurs in this area. NV5 could not confirm the presence of fill from observations of surface exposure alone. However, the widespread presence of this type of fill would increase the potential for failure and encroachment into Carlsbad Boulevard Southbound.
NV5 opines the portions of the bluff identified using the yellow and green dimension lines in Figure 1 are developing into unsupported overhangs that will fail by raveling and block -fall.
The area identified using the yellow dimension line has a higher potential to undermine the traveled way because the erosion and instabilities are close r to the traveled way. The area identified using the green dimension line has a lower potential to undermine the traveled way because the erosion and instabilities are farther away from the traveled way. Bluff failures in this area are more likely to affect the beach rather than the traveled way.
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Docusign Envelope ID: 1FF3CFD6-BD3F-8D9F-822E-6EA19E100CEE Encinas Creek Outlet September 8, 2026
Geologic Reconnaissance of Coastal Bluffs Page 3
City of Carlsbad
RECOMMENDATIONS
NV5 recommends the City of Carlsbad consider the portion of the bluff identified using a red dimension line in Figure 1 to have the potential for additional, unpredictable instability with little to no warning. The City of Carlsbad should adopt emergency stabilization measures, such as a continuation of the existing riprap revetment to the north. NV5 provides these recommendations because of the approximate 2 -foot horizontal distance between the bluff edge and the paved pedestrian path that is closest to the bluff edge; and the more extreme weather conditions predicted to occur this summer and fall that will create stronger tidal and wave driven erosion. These measures may need to extend into the portion of the bluff identified using a yellow dimension line in Figure 1 depending on the conditions observed when they are installed. The coastal bluff erosion and instabilities are active mechanisms that can alter the stability of the bluff over a short period of time and/or after a period of stronger tidal and wave drive erosion.
NV5 recommends the City of Carlsbad adopt low technology monitoring, such as colored pavers or benchmarks in the portion of the bluff identified using the red and yellow dimension lines in Figure 1. These would pr ovide City of Carlsbad engineering and maintenance staff with a method of daily or weekly observation of increases in bluff top encroachment and provide early notification of when to seek additional engineering evaluation and/or emergency stabilization. The City of Carlsbad should also consider restricting pedestrian access within the existing paved pedestrian path to avoid traffic in potentially unstable areas above the bluff.
N
V5 recommends the City of Carlsbad have the entire area of the bluff undergo additional survey monitoring and geotechnical engineering evaluations. The purpose of obtaining this information would be to update coastal management programs. NV5 understands the City of Carlsbad intends to undertake this work in the very near future.
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Item #5 Page 13 of 21
Docusign Envelope ID: 1FF3CFD6-BD3F-8D9F-822E-6EA19E100CEE Encinas Creek Outlet September 8, 2026
Geologic Reconnaissance of Coastal Bluffs Page 4
City of Carlsbad
Figure 1. Site Plan
Sept. 15, 2026
Item #5 Page 14 of 21
Docusign Envelope ID: 1FF3CFD6-BD3F-8D9F-822E-6EA19E100CEE Encinas Creek Outlet September 8, 2026
Geologic Reconnaissance of Coastal Bluffs Page 5
City of Carlsbad
Photo No. 1. Erosion and instability that currently threatens the integrity of the traveled way.
View from traveled way. Figure 1 identifies this area using a red dimension line.
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Docusign Envelope ID: 1FF3CFD6-BD3F-8D9F-822E-6EA19E100CEE Encinas Creek Outlet September 8, 2026
Geologic Reconnaissance of Coastal Bluffs Page 6
City of Carlsbad
Photo No. 2. Erosion and instability that currently threatens the integrity of the traveled way.
Viewed from the beach, Figure 1 identifies this area using a red dimension line.
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Docusign Envelope ID: 1FF3CFD6-BD3F-8D9F-822E-6EA19E100CEE Encinas Creek Outlet September 8, 2026
Geologic Reconnaissance of Coastal Bluffs Page 7
City of Carlsbad
Photo No. 3. Erosion and instability that currently threatens the integrity of the traveled way.
Viewed from the beach, Figure 1 identifies this area using a red dimension line.
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Docusign Envelope ID: 1FF3CFD6-BD3F-8D9F-822E-6EA19E100CEE Encinas Creek Outlet September 8, 2026
Geologic Reconnaissance of Coastal Bluffs Page 8
City of Carlsbad
Photo No. 4. Erosion and instability that will threaten the integrity of the traveled way. Viewed from beach, Figure 1 identifies this area using a yellow dimension line. Yellow and red boxes depicts approximate transition area between these zones.
Sept. 15, 2026
Item #5 Page 18 of 21
Docusign Envelope ID: 1FF3CFD6-BD3F-8D9F-822E-6EA19E100CEE Encinas Creek Outlet September 8, 2026
Geologic Reconnaissance of Coastal Bluffs Page 9
City of Carlsbad
Photo No. 4. Erosion and instability that could threaten the integrity of the traveled way.
Figure 1 identifies this area using a green dimension line Sept. 15, 2026
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Docusign Envelope ID: 1FF3CFD6-BD3F-8D9F-822E-6EA19E100CEE Encinas Creek Outlet September 8, 2026
Geologic Reconnaissance of Coastal Bluffs Page 10
City of Carlsbad
Photo No. 6. Smooth, case-hardened weathering rind at north end of limits of observation.
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Docusign Envelope ID: 1FF3CFD6-BD3F-8D9F-822E-6EA19E100CEE 6063-1
EMERGENCY REPAIR
3CARLSBAD BLVD NORTH OF ENCINAS CREEK
SITE
SITE
Exhibit 3
Sept. 15, 2026
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Docusign Envelope ID: 1FF3CFD6-BD3F-8D9F-822E-6EA19E100CEE 1 Adriana Trujillo
From: Kathleen Steindlberger <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 14, 2026 2:52 PM
To: City Clerk; Council Internet Email
Subject: City Council Meeting Public Comment Item #5 Emergency Southbound Carlsbad Blvd Honorable Mayor Blackburn and City Council Members: Sept. 15th City Council Staff Report Item #5 is a request for a declaration of a local emergency to address bluff erosion on southbound Carlsbad Blvd north of Las Encinas Creek. Is it an emergency? An emergency is defined as "a sudden, unexpected occurrence demanding immediate action to prevent or mitigate loss or damage to ...essential public services". This erosion of the southbound Carlsbad Blvd (CB) was not unforeseen. "Emergency" rock revetment placed during the 2015-2016 caused this latest erosion of the coastal bluffs along southbound CB. This didn't just happen all of a sudden last June. This bluff erosion has been occurring for years and demonstrates the exact problem with placing rock revetment on the beach. It causes erosion and removes sand where the rock revetment ends. So is this an emergency? Here are some items not mentioned in your Staff report: 10 years ago Carlsbad applied for its last emergency permit here during the 2015-2016 El Nino year with conditions of approval from California Coastal Commission ( CCC) allowing temporary rock revetment to allow time to plan for a permanent solution and mitigation for southbound CB. That was 10 years ago. In 2023, a State of California Coastal Conservancy grant ( $$$ paid for with taxes from Californians) included a requirement to evaluate a long term planning solution for this stretch of coastal hwy to remove the need for rock revetment now and in the future. In 2023 the grant- funded engineering report prepared by GHD studied a solution called "Retreat Now" that would move the hwy eastward, restore Las Encinas creek watershed, and save a beach here for up to 6'6" of sea level rise. The report said that if the City does not do this in the near term, we will lose the chance for this alternative with 1.7 feet of SLR. In April 2024 the City Beach Preservation Commission voted unanimously for the Retreat Now alternative. Two weeks later on April 23, 2024 Carlsbad City Council asked the City Engineer if they could choose an alternative that night. The City Engineer told them no, they could not choose. He said they need money to do more studies and they need grants, then the reason was "we haven't received any grants" and the playbook of kicking the can became firmly entrenched. So here we are today with the results of the playbook - asking for another emergency permit. Stalling this managed retreat of CB is a failure of our City Government. The ocean is doing exactly what scientists predicted it would do. Treating a predictable outcome as a surprise is a systemic failure. I urge the City Council to move forward with strict sunset date for this rock revetment. I urge the Council to commit to funds, and direct staff to do a better job of applying for grants ( maybe get some advice from the City of Oceanside and Encinitas). I urge the Council to choose Retreat Now and take this opportunity to save this beach in Carlsbad when we are losing so many others. Poor planning on the City Staffs' part does not constitute a permanent emergency on the public's coast. This El Nino was predicted much earlier than August 13. We cannot continue to treat predictable coastal erosion as an unanticipated crisis. Respectfully, Kathleen Steindlberger (typed this on my phone at a coastal beach covered in sand dunes in northern California.) Yahoo Mail: Search, Organize, Conquer
CAUTION: Do not open attachments or click on links unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.
All Receive - Agenda Item #_____
For the Information of the:
CITY COUNCIL
Date: ___________ CA ____ CC____
CM ____ ACM ____ DCM (3) ____
5 9/15/2026 x x
x x x
1 Adriana Trujillo
From: Ben Rubenson <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 14, 2026 4:33 PM
To: City Clerk
Subject: 9/15 council meeting agenda item #5: DECLARATION OF A LOCAL EMERGENCY TO ADDRESS BLUFF
EROSION
Hello Mayor and Council Members,
As a resident of Carlsbad and frequent visitor to our coastline, including this area north of the dip, I wanted to provide a few comments on agenda item #5 for the upcoming September 15th city council meeting regarding the emergency permit to address bluff erosion.
I read NV5's geotechnical report from September 8th and understand they have recommended placing boulders/riprap on the beach to prevent further erosion of the bluff and stabilize the road. However, I have a few concerns with this approach:
1. Placing boulders/riprap on the beach may protect the bluff and road, but we have seen time and time again in California that this "protection" ultimately leads to loss of the beach itself.
2. I have not seen comments in either the NV5 geotechnical report or the City's emergency permit about a long term strategy here - will the City continue to pursue the options outlined in 2024 for the Carlsbad Boulevard realignment proposals? Will the City include in the formalized plan both a timeline and corresponding budget for removing the rocks at a later date? If so, where will this be documented?
In summary, my ask here is for the City to consider a broader view of how to solve the inevitable coastal erosion and bluff damage in this area - please consider re-prioritizing and generating funding plans for the Carlsbad Boulevard realignment proposal - and, please include a timeline and budget allocation for removal of the rocks/riprap at a future date to return that precious beach area back to all of us.
On September 4th, Chad Nelsen (CEO of the Surfrider Foundation) and Charles Lester (former Director of the California Coastal Commission) published an opinion article in the San Francisco Chronicle titled "A super El Nino will take a toll on California's coast. Building seawalls will make it worse". I highly recommend reading this short article.
Thank you for your time.
Ben Rubenson
Surfrider Foundation, San Diego Chapter
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