Issue

Haskell's Beach Managed Retreat

From ActCoastal

Month November
Year 2020
Summary On Thursday, the Commission approved an overdue managed retreat project at Haskell’s Beach in Goleta at the Ritz-Carlton hotel. The hotel had retained a seawall long after its emergency permit had expired four and half years ago, to protect a “Beach House” structure including restrooms and showers. Under new ownership, the hotel worked with Coastal Commission staff on a plan to relocate the restroom structure inland, away from the coastal hazard sea level rise flood zone and agreed to continue migrating inland, away from rising seas as needed. As mitigation for several years of damage to the beach, Commission staff recommended the hotel dedicated a public access deed restriction, additional visitor serving amenities and a $45,000 contribution for the restoration of Tecolote Creek. The Surfrider Foundation asked the Commission to require more substantial mitigation for the years of damage to the beach and sediment supply at Haskell’s and more direct mitigation that would help restore the beach such as a living shoreline project. Commissioners agreed that a more substantial penalty for the unpermitted seawall was warranted. Commissioner Sara Aminzadeh suggested increasing the contribution to $100,000 for restoration of Tecolote Canyon. Staff and the applicant agreed and the permit was approved with the increased contribution in a 10 to 1 vote, Commissioner Erik Howell the sole “no” vote.
Outcome Green Dot.png
Outcome Description Commissioner Sara Aminzadeh noted that the Commission has the authority to assess fees of up to $11,000 a day for violations of public access and the suggested $45,000 restoration contribution is too modest. Commissioner Mike Wilson agreed and added that a restoration fee of $150,000 to $200,000 would be more appropriate.
Why You Should Care If the Commission does not issue substantial penalties for the abuse of emergency permits, applicants will continue to violate the duration terms and coastal armoring intended to be temporary will continue to become de facto permanent armoring.
Image Haskellsbeach.png
Decision Type Coastal Development Permit
Staff Recommendation Approval with conditions
Staff Report https://documents.coastal.ca.gov/reports/2020/11/Th8a/Th8a-11-2020-report.pdf
Lobbyist/Agent Susan McCabe, Anne Blemker
Opposition to Project Surfrider Foundation, Gaviota Coast Conservancy
Coastal Act Policies Chapter 3

Voting Detail for Haskell's Beach Managed Retreat


Individual vote detail for Issue: Haskell's Beach Managed Retreat
CommissionerVote
Katie RiceGood Vote
Donne BrownseyGood Vote
Dayna BochcoGood Vote
Caryl HartGood Vote
Roberto UrangaGood Vote
Erik HowellBad Vote
Sara AminzadehGood Vote
Mike WilsonGood Vote
Steve PadillaAbsent for Vote
Effie Turnbull-SandersGood Vote
Linda EscalanteGood Vote by Alternate
Carole GroomGood Vote


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