Measure M Sales Tax Hike: San Clemente voters reject beach‑wildfire levy; officials hunt new funds​on November 14, 2026 at 6:32 am

The additional revenue was expected to support two dedicated funds over a 10-year period, with half allocated to beach protection and the remaining half directed towards wildfire preparedness. The measure was defeated despite growing concerns about the city’s shrinking coastline and the repeated disruption of passenger and freight rail services along the coastal corridor.