2020/November
From ActCoastal
| Year | 2020 |
|---|---|
| Month | November |
| Location | Virtual |
| Description | The Coastal Commission’s November agenda took place virtually from Wednesday, November 4 to Friday, November 6. The Commission had a fairly dense agenda with several important coastal preservation items. The Commission approved two managed retreat projects in Goleta and Gleason Beach. The Commission also approved the California Coastal Commission Strategic Plan 2021-2025 as well as the Shared Principles For Adaptation Planning - a joint statement with the California State Association of Counties and the League of California Cities on guiding principles for sea level rise adaptation planning. The meeting resulted in one vote chart with the Ritz’ Carlton illegal seawall resolution and managed retreat project. |
Issues voted on at this Meeting
Click on an issue to read full description
| Issue | Summary | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Haskell's Beach Managed Retreat | 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. | 
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