With our free press under threat and federal funding for public media gone, your support matters more than ever. Help keep the LAist newsroom strong, become a monthly member or increase your support today.
California OKs $10 Million In Emergency Funding For San Clemente. Officials Hope A Barrier Wall Is The Solution

Topline:
Orange County transport officials are planning to a build barrier wall to protect rail tracks after land movement in San Clemente halted passenger train service once again through South Orange County.
The backstory: Orange County Transportation Authority was granted $10 million in emergency funds toward protecting the track and retosring passenger rail service this week, after the recent San Clemente landslide near the Mariposa pedestrian bridge.
Why it matters: An OCTA spokesperson said there is no estimate for how much the repair work will cost. In 2023, when land movement halted rail service, it cost an estimated $12 million in repair work before rail service resumed.
What’s next: Heavy rains are expected to move into Southern California on Sunday and the affected area is currently covered with plastic tarp as workers continue to monitor for land movement. A timeline for when rail service will resume has not been set.
Go deeper ... to learn about what the train disruptions in San Clemente mean for the future of coastal travel.
At LAist, we believe in journalism without censorship and the right of a free press to speak truth to those in power. Our hard-hitting watchdog reporting on local government, climate, and the ongoing housing and homelessness crisis is trustworthy, independent and freely accessible to everyone thanks to the support of readers like you.
But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.

-
What do stairs have to do with California’s housing crisis? More than you might think, says this Culver City councilmember.
-
Yes, it's controversial, but let me explain.
-
Doctors say administrator directives allow immigration agents to interfere in medical decisions and compromise medical care.
-
The Palisades Fire erupted on Jan. 7 and went on to kill 12 people and destroy more than 6,800 homes and buildings.
-
People moving to Los Angeles are regularly baffled by the region’s refrigerator-less apartments. They’ll soon be a thing of the past.
-
Experts say students shouldn't readily forgo federal aid. But a California-only program may be a good alternative in some cases.