Oceanside council approves $22.9 million beach‑restoration grant application amid surf‑community concerns

The Oceanside City Council on April 8 voted 5‑0 to authorize submission of a $22.9 million grant application to the California Department of Parks and Recreation, Division of Boating and Waterways, to fund shoreline restoration and sand placement, and to commit a 15% local match of about $4 million.

The measure, presented by staff as item 22, would allow the city manager — in consultation with the city attorney — to negotiate and execute grant agreements and amendments required by the Department of Boating and Waterways. Staff said the grant is part of a larger state funding pool and would move Oceanside toward restoring sand to local beaches.

During public comment, Caroline Kramer of the surf community urged the council to reject hard structures proposed in the reach project — specifically two groins and an artificial reef — arguing they would “kill our surf breaks and the surf economy.” Kramer recommended studying alternatives such as a sand‑bypass system used successfully in Australia. In response, a city staff member said the city had completed a feasibility study of a sand‑bypass system and would present those findings to council shortly.

Mayor Sanchez said the city had joined other coastal cities in lobbying for funds to restore the Department of Boating and Waterways’ capacity to fund sand projects, and that the grant would “move us greatly in the direction of being able to provide sand on our beaches.” Council moved the item and approved the resolution unanimously.

What happens next: staff will finalize the grant application and, if awarded funding, will return with the agreements required by the state. Separately, staff has scheduled presentation of the sand‑bypass feasibility study that several commenters requested.