All articles tagged with #california coastal commission
Orange County has declared a local state of emergency following severe coastal erosion and high surf that damaged multiple homes in Dana Point, Laguna Beach, and San Clemente. Residents are constructing costly rock walls to protect properties, while officials urge the state to accelerate shoreline protection ahead of a potentially record-breaking El Niño winter.
The California Coastal Commission is debating a partial closure of La Jolla Cove following a viral video of a teenager kicking a sea lion. Tyler Muehl, 18, pleaded guilty to violating the Marine Mammal Protection Act and faces sentencing on October 20. Commissioners criticized the city's slow response to ongoing human-animal conflicts, while officials noted that local enforcement powers remain limited.
SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket completed its 42nd launch of 2024 from Vandenberg Space Force Base, despite a California Coastal Commission decision limiting launches to 36 annually. The commission's rejection, partly due to Elon Musk's politics, led SpaceX to file a federal lawsuit, arguing that the launches are federal activities not requiring a Coastal Development Permit. A California lawmaker introduced Assembly Bill 10 to counter the commission's decision, citing national security concerns. The Air Force supports the increased launch activity, emphasizing environmental protection.