The 2028 games are coming to the California coast, but the story of our shoreline is much bigger than a two-week event. At Pacific Surf and Trail, we believe that the coast is a “Collaborative Commons.” It is the place where the city meets the wild, and where every resident—regardless of zip code—has a right to the sand, the sunset, and the salt air. But as we look toward 2028, we see a massive wave of infrastructure investment on the horizon. Long Beach and San Clemente are at the epicenter of a $933 million transformation. While new piers, realigned roads, and upgraded marinas sound like progress, history has shown us that rapid development often comes at a cost to the “social spaces” that define our lives.
What is a social space? It’s the hidden trail where you take your morning walk. It’s the patch of grass where families gather for birthdays. It’s the unobstructed view of the horizon that keeps us grounded. When major global events arrive, the pressure to “optimize” these spaces for tourism, VIP access, and temporary stadiums is immense. Our mission is to ensure that “temporary” doesn’t become “permanent.”
Our approach is “Crunchy Professional.” We aren’t here to shout from the sidelines; we are here to document the facts with professional oversight and a community heart. We are monitoring the permit filings, the environmental impact reports, and the physical changes to our corridors. We are tracking the “Delta”—the difference between the shiny artist renderings shown at City Hall and the actual reality of the fences and foundations being laid in our neighborhoods.
Why transparency matters now. Once a public space is privatized or a view corridor is blocked by a parking structure, it rarely comes back. By documenting the “Baseline” of our coast today, we create a record that holds planners accountable for the future. We are building a digital archive of our shared spaces so that the legacy of 2028 isn’t just a set of medals, but a stronger, more accessible, and more resilient California coast.
Join us in the field. This isn’t just our project; it’s yours. As you walk the trails and surf the breaks, keep your eyes open. If you see a space being encroached upon or a “Public Access” sign disappearing, let us know. We are the sentinels of the sand, and together, we can ensure the coast remains a space for everyone.