The City of Oceanside is taking significant steps to address chronic beach erosion issues that have plagued the area since the construction of the Camp Pendleton Boat Basin in 1942. This long-standing problem has been exacerbated by the disruption of natural sand flow to the shoreline, leading to a reliance on artificial beach nourishment efforts.

During a recent Beach Preservation Commission meeting, officials discussed the city's proactive approach to combat erosion, which has included a feasibility study initiated in 2020. This study aimed to explore sustainable sand sources and retention strategies, as traditional methods have proven insufficient in keeping pace with ongoing erosion. The findings from this study highlighted the need for a more durable sand solution and the importance of retaining sand along the coastline, particularly given the straight nature of Oceanside's shoreline.

In 2023, the city launched an international design competition to seek innovative solutions for sand retention. The winning design, known as the "Living Speed Bumps" project, features a combination of an artificial reef and headlands designed to enhance sand retention while providing recreational amenities for beachgoers. The artificial reef, expected to be submerged about 900 feet offshore, will help attenuate wave energy, allowing sand to settle and accumulate in protected areas.

The project will also include headlands that extend into the ocean, which will not only aid in sand retention but also improve access to the beach and enhance safety for swimmers. Plans for these headlands include potential installations of lifeguard towers and fitness equipment, catering to the needs of the community.

As part of the project’s development, the city has secured $1.8 million in grant funding from the California Coastal Commission to support a comprehensive baseline monitoring program. This program will assess surf resources and bathymetric conditions along Oceanside's coast, providing crucial data to inform the project's implementation and its interaction with the shoreline.

The city is committed to engaging the community in this process, with a public webinar scheduled for June 24 to discuss the project and gather feedback. As Oceanside moves forward with these initiatives, the hope is to create a sustainable solution to beach erosion that benefits both the environment and the local community.