The Ocean Beach Pier is closed “indefinitely” after high surf took a toll on the pier’s structure, according to a statement sent to NBC 7 from the City of San Diego.
Massive waves hit the San Diego shoreline last week, triggering a high surf warning in the area. According to a post on the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department Twitter page, the pier has been closed since Thursday, Jan. 5. But, they added in a later tweet, it was damage sustained on Friday, Jan. 6 that ultimately caused the pier to remain closed.
The pier has been closed several times before. Last year, a city of San Diego spokesperson said the pier had reached the end of its life.
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“After 56 years of exposure to a harsh marine environment and climate change increasing the frequency of storm events and rising sea levels, the pier has reached the end of its useful life.”
For local businesses in the area, some said the closures do not have an impact on the amount of people they see walk through their doors, while others said it makes a difference.
“Obviously the pier is such a destination and such a tourist attraction,” said Jeremy Diem, the president and CEO of Hodad’s. “So, yes for sure, if it shuts down we’re going to get less people going to this beach, Ocean Beach in particular.”
Diem explained that winter is always a slow season for them at their flagship Newport Avenue location. Hodad’s has been serving burgers there since 1969, just three years after the Ocean Beach Pier was built.
Then there are businesses like OB Java across the street. It is a small coffee shop that also serves small bites, like bagels and pastries. They are partnered with OB Brewery, so they serve alcoholic drinks, too.
Stephenie Arr is part owner of the communal spot. She said business has been thriving since a Starbucks recently closed, but regardless, she is sad to see the gates on the pier shut to visitors.
“I’ve been walking down the Ocean Beach Pier for about 20 years,” said Arr. “It’s one of my favorite walks. I have a lot of memories there, a lot of people have memories there just doing what makes us happy.”
Arr was born and raised in Ocean Beach. She feels for those who depend on the pier for their livelihood, whether that be working at the cafe or fishing, but she is optimistic that it will be repaired and reopen for the community to enjoy.
Max Michaels is the manager at BBQ House a few storefronts east of OB Java. He agrees there is not much of a blow to business for them when the pier is closed, but as someone who also lives in the area, he would also like to see the pier fixed.
“I was just down there checking out the waves, you know, I like running down the pier and what not. I love the pier,” said Michaels.
NBC 7 received a statement from Tyler Becker, a public information officer, with the City of San Diego that read:
“Last Thursday, City of San Diego Lifeguards closed the Ocean Beach Pier because of high surf. City crews have observed damage caused by the most recent storm, and additional storms that could cause further damage to the pier are forecasted this week and next week. As a result, the City will wait to assess the pier's condition until after the storm season has passed. The Ocean Beach Pier will remain closed indefinitely, and a timeline for it to reopen will be determined after completing the assessment.”
Last January, the City of San Diego secured $8.4 million to fix the pier, but there has not been a plan shared for this yet. A timeline that is, of course, further disrupted by the pier’s recent damage.
To add to it all, another storm is expected in San Diego County this week. On Tuesday, an incoming storm could produce thunder and lightning at area beaches. Another break in the active weather could occur Wednesday through early Friday, with the potential for another storm over the weekend.
