Sand war illustrates struggle to save beaches

It sounds like a coastal version of a range war.

Yet instead of damming water upstream, Oceanside decided to move ahead with a pilot project to build a handful of beach groins similar to small jetties to retain sand — which otherwise would naturally move south to beaches in neighboring Carlsbad and other communities.

Carlsbad didn’t take kindly to this and the growing dispute rumbled down the coast, raising concern in Del Mar and perhaps elsewhere. The Carlsbad City Council last week voted unanimously to oppose Oceanside’s move, with officials having some sharp words about their neighbors for not communicating their intentions.

Whether or not they come to terms, the tempest may fade soon because the California Coastal Commission has not approved a new groin for sand retention for more than 20 years, according to Phil Diehl of The San Diego Union-Tribune. However, a spokesperson told Diehl the commission reviews proposals on a caseby-case basis.

Sand is a precious and disappearing commodity in the San Diego region and along much of the California coast. Beaches vital to tourism long have been threatened by erosion, which has been exacerbated by development and, even more ominously, sea-level rise attributed to climate change.

Beach communities have gone to great lengths to replenish beaches with sand. Some efforts have had success — even if always temporary — while others have been riddled with problems.

These include pumping sand from elsewhere through bypass systems, hauling it in by truck and using barges. Years ago, rock groins were built perpendicular to the waves to keep sand where it is on some beaches. Funding often came from all levels of government: local, state and federal.

“Within San Diego County, no one questions that most of our beaches are currently in a state of severe sand depletion. Given the structure and state of the littoral cell, sand loss will