During the first week of February, 2021, the barriers along the eroding coastal path at the Ventura County Fairgrounds were moved back for public safety. Several more parking spaces have been eliminated as the ocean continues to take back the beach.
Erosion undermines the bke path, Jan 13, 2021 |
This year's damage was more than anticipated, as relatively calm conditions were predicted with "La Nina" conditions dominating the Pacific Ocean. However, an anomalous storm track developed producing a series of large swell events during the entire month of January, some coinciding with the year's highest tides. Good for surfers, bad for beachfront property managers.
9 am January 14, 2021 (high tide 6.36 ft @ 9:30 am) |
Large swell at Surfers Point, Jan 18, 2021 |
The final design for "Managed Shoreline Retreat" has been completed, but the process appears to be on hold. Un-managed retreat continues... Fencing, concrete curb, and asphalt litter the shoreline along the most popular beach in Ventura County.
Overview looking east from the restored beach toward the eroding parking lot slated for relocation in Phase 2 of the Managed Retreat project |
Overview of Surfers' Point looking west - the parking lot in the foreground would be relocated out of harms way in Phase 2 of the Managed Shoreline Retreat project |
Artist rendition of the proposed Surfers Point Managed Shoreline Retreat project |
Surfers' Point Managed Retreat Phase 1 - Jan 13, 2021 Phase 1 of the project continues to demonstrate resiliency to high surf (note high tide line and exposed cobble berm) |
Update from the City of Ventura:
Surfers’ Point Managed Retreat Phase 2 update
Surfers' Point Update Spring 2019
Surfers' Point Phase 2 concepts
Grant approved for Surfers' Point
Surfers' Point project moves forward