 |
| Promenade revetment after construction, June 2020 |
During the week of January 6, 2020, City crews were notified of a large void beneath the Ventura Promenade. Upon inspection, it was discovered that the revetment and foundation material had eroded away.
 |
Sandbag temporary protection, Ventura Promenade
February 8, 2020 |
The City initially pumped concrete to fill the void under the walkway to prevent collapse.
The final project phase consists of installing approximately 200 linear feet of up to 4-Ton size rock revetment along the beach side of the Promenade starting just east of the beach access stairs at Paseo de Playa. Work began the week of May 1 and access along the promenade will be blocked while construction is underway. More information here.
 |
| Equipment placing boulders, Ventura Promenade, May 5, 2020 (photo from webcam Surfline.com) |
It has been almost a decade since the last time rocks were placed in front of the promenade. At that time sufficient funding was not available for the planned improvements, including replacing the stairs and installing a shower at Paseo de Plaza. As predicted, that section of the promenade will soon need a re-work.
 |
| Ventura Promenade, ongoing erosion at the site of the last reinforcement in 2011 |
Work is currently being done under an Emergency Permit from the Coastal Commission. By definition, the Coastal Act provides for "emergency" when "unforeseen" events occur. Will this next section of the promenade be another "emergency" or will the City undertake comprehensive planning and budgeting to maintain our beaches?
Unfortunately this 50-year-old infrastructure is showing its age, and the cost of maintaining or replacing it may become untenable in the face of rising seas.
On this blog: Ventura Promenade repairs, May 11, 2011
