By Mike Madriaga / San Diego Reader / March 7, 2023
San Diego lifeguards locked up the partly damaged Ocean Beach Pier due to safety concerns when the January waves destroyed its railing. Now, locals say, people keep cutting the locks and opening the gates leading into the pier.
“This is the fourth time this has happened,” local Jim Grant said. “Not exactly sure what the motive is or end game.” Grant, a renowned beach photographer, walked up to the cement pier’s opened wrought iron gate about 7 am on February 24 and noticed nearly a dozen people walking along the almost 2,000-foot pier.
The people likely didn’t know the circa 1966 pier was off limits, as the pier was damaged by heavy rain, wind, and high surf in December and January. “Out of caution, it will remain closed throughout the stormy season and be assessed for reopening following the wet weather,” reads a recent memo by the City of San Diego.
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I can personally attest to the great right that was there before the pier was built.
A new pier design might involve a higher deck as well as more spacing between columns. This would certainly open up the surf break more than it is now.
Or what if it were relocated to the end of newport? That seems unlikely but everything is on the table.
https://www.cbs8.com/video/news/local/ocean-beach-pier-to-remain-closed-until-its-completely-replaced/509-fea873d3-bbcd-44d9-8a50-947d3e707afe
The talks and meetings will go on forever. In the meantime, demo it so when the plans are finalized construction can begin.
I LOVE the pier – it’s been a part of our lives since I came to OB in 1971. I know of its great personal and emotional attachment to our community, so I feel fear and trepidation at even writing this (but as kh said “everything is on the table” and I think it needs to at least be discussed): how would it impact OB and our city if it was not rebuilt (with all the attendant maintenance needs) and the funds were used to address our climate (energy transition/infrastructure) and affordable housing needs? What would be of greatest benefit to our children and grandchildren?
I vote for the pier, and the sooner the better!
/s/ Chris Kennedy