California State Parks and Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks invite the public to a community workshop 6-7:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 26, at Seacliff Inn, 7500 Old Dominion Court, Aptos, to share information about the future of Seacliff and New Brighton state beaches, which were badly damaged by historic storms in early 2023.
This event will offer an update on the Sea Level Rise Vulnerability Assessment and Adaptation Alternatives Study and an opportunity to provide input about future amenities and services at Seacliff and New Brighton state beaches.
“Seacliff State Beach is beloved but it’s also at risk,” said Santa Cruz District Superintendent Chris Spohrer. “State Parks is working with the community, scientists, environmental stewards and local partners to improve the resilience of our coastline as sea levels continue to rise and storm intensity increases.”
The Seacliff community workshop will provide the public with an update from the study, while explaining coastal processes, sea level rise, vulnerability, strategies for adaptation and funding sources. Participants will be encouraged to share feedback on possible adaptations.
“These beaches have a complex history of extreme weather, with recreational uses that have adapted over time,” said Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks Executive Director Bonny Hawley. “This workshop is an opportunity to give input about the important choices we have to create a more sustainable, accessible public space that will endure for generations to come.”
The recovery process is occurring in partnership with Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks, which supports Seacliff and New Brighton state beaches, as well as more than 30 other state parks and beaches in Santa Cruz and coastal San Mateo counties. The nonprofit has established the Seacliff State Beach Resilience & Recovery Fund, which has provided short-term support, followed by investments in long-term work.