Dana Point council clears amendment to replace ‘funicular’ with broader ‘strand transit system,’ directing staff to pursue replacement options

Dana Point — The City Council on Jan. 21 approved an amendment to the Headlands Development and Conservation Plan that replaces the specific term “funicular” and “inclined elevator” with a broader term, “strand transit system,” and directed staff to submit the local coastal program amendment to the California Coastal Commission for certification.

City planner John Ciampa summarized staff’s recommendation and the technical reasons behind the change, saying the existing funicular has become unreliable, relies on obsolete parts and is vulnerable to coastal corrosion. “The funicular was incorporated into the HDCP to allow for an alternative motor transportation to bypass those stairs,” Ciampa said, explaining the amendment is intended to preserve the HDCP’s intent while allowing modern replacement technologies.

The amendment formalizes that flexibility: the plan language will use a general term so the city can consider replacement systems — including alternatives to the original Swiss‑built funicular — without requiring another code change. Staff said the city has been coordinating with Coastal Commission staff and plans to submit the LCPA as a minor amendment and then pursue an engineered feasibility study and coastal development permit for a replacement system.

Residents of the Strands housing community pressed the council for speed and clarity. “I’m here today as a concerned resident … The funicular has been out of service for years,” Strand resident Swati Patel told the council, saying residents were told a repair or replacement could cost about $10,000,000 and asking the city to “establish a clear project structure or timeline.” Vincent Giovinazzo, who also identified himself as a Strand resident, said the lift serves people with mobility needs and older residents and urged the city to treat the work as urgent.

Council members asked about responsibility and schedule. Councilmember Federico noted the Coastal Commission staff have been engaged and asked why the city manages the system. Staff and council explained that the system originated as a development requirement and the homeowners association pays special assessments; the city administers and operates the system per the prior agreement.

Councilmembers also pressed staff to select replacement technology that is serviceable in the U.S. and designed for long‑term maintenance. Mayor Pro Tem Gabbard said the amendment addresses an earlier mistake of being too prescriptive about technology and urged the city to prioritize maintainability.

Council moved and seconded the staff recommendation and voted in favor; the resolution to resubmit the LCPA was approved. Staff said they will complete the feasibility study, pursue permitting and return to the council with engineering and schedule details; the temporary shuttle service will continue until a replacement begins operation.

Why it matters: The funicular/strand transit system provides a public access alternative to stairs along the Headlands access and has been out of service for an extended period. The change allows the city to consider modern replacement technologies without repeating local code amendments, but residents remain concerned about cost, schedule and communications.

What’s next: Staff will complete an engineered feasibility study, pursue the coastal development permit through the planning commission, and return to the council with recommended designs and a timeline. The temporary shuttle service will remain in place until a replacement is operational.