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
January 29, 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 I am writing to express my 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. OneShoreline proposes to lead a concept study evaluating the feasibility of an offshore artificial reef that, in combination with the City’s Beach Boulevard Infrastructure Resiliency Project, could dissipate wave energy, slow shoreline erosion, and reduce flood risk along Beach Boulevard.
The City of Pacifica is experiencing significant coastal erosion. Accelerating shoreline loss poses an escalating threat to homes and businesses along Beach Boulevard, the critical roadway itself, underground utilities, and public access infrastructure. Storm-driven wave runup and overtopping events are becoming more frequent, placing residents and visitors at increasing risk. Without intervention, continued erosion threatens public health and safety as well as the long-term viability of this stretch of the coast.
The Division of Boating and Waterways has been an important partner to the City in addressing coastal erosion challenges, including prior support for the Pacifica Beach Boulevard Protection Project (now called the Beach Boulevard Infrastructure Resiliency Project). The results of that effort informed the City’s approach to managing erosion and flooding risks through improvements to the existing seawalls along Beach Boulevard in conjunction with beach nourishment. As coastal conditions continue to evolve, the City recognizes the importance of evaluating additional strategies that can work alongside these measures to support long-term shoreline resilience.
In partnership with the City, OneShoreline is now seeking funding to assess whether an offshore artificial reef could further reduce wave runup and overtopping along Beach Boulevard and help retain beach sand. This concept study would complement ongoing seawall improvement and beach nourishment efforts by reducing wave energy before it reaches the shoreline, thereby enhancing the effectiveness and durability of existing and planned coastal protection infrastructure. The study would also explore potential environmental and recreational co-benefits, including habitat enhancement and improved surf conditions.
By collaborating with researchers from UC Santa Cruz’s Center for Coastal Climate Resilience, OneShoreline will ensure that this concept study is grounded in the best available science and advanced modeling tools. Given the importance of Beach Boulevard to the City and the ongoing challenges posed by coastal erosion and sea level rise, this study would provide valuable information to guide future planning and investment decisions.
For these reasons, I strongly urge the Division of Boating and Waterways to support OneShoreline’s application for funding under the FY27–28 Shoreline Erosion Control Program.
Sincerely,
Kevin S Woodhouse
City Manager
City of Pacifica