Laguna Beach's $26M Enclave Is Losing Its Seawalls Again — And El Niño Hasn't Even Hit Yet

Laguna Beach's $26M Enclave Is Losing Its Seawalls Again — And El Niño Hasn't Even Hit Yet Laguna Beach's $26M enclave is losing its seawalls, and the threat to these oceanfront homes is growing as El Niño approaches. A 440-foot wall, built in 1988 to protect backyards on Lagunita Drive, has been buried for decades but is now failing against the Pacific. This case study in coastal erosion highlights the fragility of luxury real estate when geography meets climate reality. We examine the structural damage facing these properties, including a landslide currently threatening a home in the area. By analyzing changing beach width measurements, we break down what this means for the long-term property value of homes built dangerously close to the cliff edge before the next major winter storms arrive. Subscribe for weekly real estate and infrastructure breakdowns. Let us know in the comments: should these homeowners be allowed to rebuild these barriers, or is it time for a managed retreat?