AP
California Shrinking Beach
A surfer walks along North Beach as a Metrolink train travels along the coast in San Clemente, Calif., Friday, Sept. 18, 2026.
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The beach in this small Southern California community has been shrinking due to rising ocean waters. San Clemente's North Beach is now split and officials have used rocks to shore up a seaside rail line. But residents say the structure is making erosion worse and more sand is needed to nourish the beach. The city's residents will vote in November on a proposal for a 1% sales tax addition to help pay for more sand. The vote comes as many California communities are bracing for flooding and landslides ahead of this year’s expected super El Niño.
