Environment
San Clemente voters to decide coastline and wildfire funding measure
Measure M would add a 1% local sales tax for 10 years and split an estimated $15 million annually between beach restoration and wildfire prevention.
San Clemente voters will decide in November whether to approve Measure M, a 10-year, 1% local sales tax intended to fund coastline restoration and wildfire prevention, NBC Los Angeles reported late September 26. City leaders and residents supporting the measure say erosion has left some stretches of the city with little or no beach between the ocean and the coastal railroad tracks.
What it means locally
Officials estimate the measure would generate about $15 million per year, divided evenly between beach nourishment and protection work and wildfire prevention. Supporters gathered Saturday as powerful tides were forecast along the Southern California coast, arguing that restoring sand is important to public access, tourism and the city’s identity. The proposal remains a ballot measure rather than an approved tax; voters will determine its outcome in November. The accompanying photograph shows San Clemente Pier in April 2026 and is not an image of the September rally.
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