San Diego’s culture is enmeshed with the coast, which is part of why the bluff collapse in Leucadia on August 2 was so significant. In the wake of the three deaths caused by this coastal erosion, Republican State Senator Patricia Bates lobbied for additional assistance from the California Coastal Commission and the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB).
In her letters, Bates asked OMB Director Russel Vought to approver a funding request from the US Army Corps of Engineers to complete the stabilization of storm-damaged bluffs in Solana Beach and Encinitas. She also vocalized support for the efforts of other elected officials from California who worked to get the funding approved, displaying crucial compromise for the sake of San Diego.
Additionally, she asked the California Coastal Commission to keep future bluff stabilization techniques a priority, and suggested to focus efforts on projects that avoid “managed retreat,” an invasive strategy of moving locals from their coastal homes in hopes of minimizing risks associated with sea level rises.
Bates’ efforts to protect the San Diego community amid coastal dangers and tragedy display her commitment to serving her constituents. She proudly represents the best of California.
