CITY OF PACIFICA
170 Santa Maria Avenue • Pacifica, California 94044-2506 www.cityofpacifica.org
MAYOR
Christine Boles
VICE MAYOR
Greg Wright
COUNCIL
Sue Beckmeyer
Mary Bier
Mayra Espinosa
Scenic Pacifica
Incorporated Nov. 22, 1957
February 4, 2026
Casey Caldwell, Program Lead
California State Parks, Division of Boating and Waterways Coastal Erosion Control Programs
Subject: Support for OneShoreline’s application to the FY27-28 Shoreline Erosion Control Program The City Council of the City of Pacifica writes to express its strong support for the application submitted by the San Mateo County Flood and Sea Level Rise Resiliency District (OneShoreline) to the Division of Boating and Waterways’ FY27–28 Shoreline Erosion Control Program. The proposed study, led by OneShoreline, would evaluate the concept-level feasibility of an offshore artificial reef as a complementary strategy to the City’s Beach Boulevard Infrastructure Resiliency Project.
Pacifica continues to experience severe and worsening coastal erosion that threatens homes and businesses, public infrastructure, underground utilities, and public access along Beach Boulevard, a critical corridor for the community. Overtopping of Beach Boulevard from storm-driven wave runup is occurring with increasing frequency, placing residents, visitors, and emergency responders at risk.
Without additional protective measures, erosion will continue to undermine public safety and the longterm resilience of this part of the coast.
The Division of Boating and Waterways has long been a valued partner to the City in addressing these coastal erosion challenges. Prior support for the Pacifica Beach Boulevard Protection Project advanced the City’s understanding of erosion and flooding challenges and informed the development of seawall improvement and beach nourishment efforts. As coastal hazards continue to intensify, it is important to evaluate additional tools that could play key in protecting our communities.
Through this grant application, OneShoreline proposes to assess whether an offshore artificial reef could further reduce wave impacts before they reach the shoreline, improve sand retention, and lessen overtopping along Beach Boulevard, thus enhancing the effectiveness and durability of existing and planned coastal protection infrastructure. The proposed study would also consider potential ecological and recreational benefits, such as habitat creation and improved surf conditions.
OneShoreline’s collaboration with the University of California, Santa Cruz Center for Coastal Climate Resilience will ensure that the analysis is informed by rigorous science and state-of-the-art coastal modeling. The findings of this study would provide the City with critical information to support future decision-making and long-term investment in shoreline protection.
California State Parks, Re: FY27-28 Shoreline Erosion Control Program For these reasons, the Pacifica City Council strongly encourages the Division of Boating and Waterways to fund OneShoreline’s application under the FY27–28 Shoreline Erosion Control Program.
Sincerely,
Christine Boles
Mayor, City of Pacifica