7 homes red-tagged, 13 yellow-tagged in Capistrano Beach as high surf continues to batter OC coast

Key Points:

• In Dana Point's Capistrano Bay District, high surf and tides from Tropical Storm Rachel have caused severe damage, resulting in seven homes red-tagged, 13 yellow-tagged, two demolished, and one scheduled for demolition, with some homes at risk of collapsing into the sea.
• Homeowners, like Lauri Torres, report rapid erosion as many homes are built directly on sand, leading to sudden structural failures; several properties hold historic and emotional value, having been passed down through generations.
• The storm's impact extends beyond Dana Point, prompting Laguna Beach to activate its emergency operations center and leading to closures of The Wedge and city piers in Newport Beach.
• Newport Beach crews have constructed massive sand berms along the peninsula to prevent coastal flooding, successfully holding back high tides and storm surges, with heavy equipment working continuously to reinforce the shoreline.
• Residents and visitors expressed amazement at the scale and speed of the protective efforts, noting that the beach conditions and response measures are unprecedented in their experience.