Storms and high tides fueled by a near record-breaking El Niño have destroyed homes and eroded beaches along California’s coast, intensifying a long-running dispute over how to protect private oceanfront property. In Dana Point, residents of Beach Road are paying more than $50,000 per household for an emergency rock barrier after waves destroyed homes and damaged others, while the California Coastal Commission warns that seawalls can worsen erosion and harm public beaches. The commission approved emergency permits covering 17 properties, but the barrier may have to be removed after 120 days without permanent approval. Officials and experts are considering alternatives including sand replenishment, cobblestone berms, elevated homes and, potentially, managed retreat. California requires local governments to prepare sea-level-rise adaptation plans by 2034.