Laguna Beach acts with local emergency as shoreline erodes ahead of El Niño-heavy winter

Laguna Beach declared a local emergency to accelerate shoreline protection, sand placement, debris removal and repairs after days of heavy surf and ongoing erosion tied to former Hurricane Marie, with NOAA predicting a greater than 90% chance of a very strong El Niño this year. The move enables expedited contracting and response as Aliso Beach and nearby areas see significant damage and multiple homes sono property exposed or yellow-tagged; neighboring Dana Point and Malibu report similar threats. Experts warn winter storms driven by El Niño could further reshape beaches, though some sand loss may be replenished later.