Critics say the $300-million effort to stabilize a stretch of the popular Pacific Surfliner route is haphazard, curtails public beach access and will only yield short-term benefits.

Coastal Frontiers, a consultant hired by San Clemente, outlined an exploration plan to find sand deposits for future beach nourishment projects.

The Orange County Transportation Authority was given the green light to immediately start work to secure a portion of the rail line through San Clemente, though only part of the proposed project ...

Critics say the $300-million effort to stabilize a stretch of the popular Pacific Surfliner route is haphazard, curtails public beach access and will only yield short-term benefits.