The Pacific The small city of Pacifica has seen shoreline erosion and rising seas as a result of climate change. Many individuals are now wondering what will happen next.
Residents debated for ten hours in a December City Council meeting whether they should begin preparing for a managed departure or defend their homes.
Gazing out at the seawall, Bob Battalio remarked, “You think the seawall is going to stop the waves, but watch what happens when the wave hits the seawall.” “It keeps going up. Thus, it cannot be stopped by a wall.
Since 1989, Battalio has lived in Pacifica. The ocean is the focal point of his existence. He works as a coastal engineer and likes surfing in his spare time.
He has observed how the city’s coastline has been eroding more quickly due to climate change. An apartment complex that was collapsing into the water was demolished in 2016.
“We’re looking at hundreds of millions of dollars of losses no matter what we do or don’t do,” stated Battalio.
He thinks the city should consider long-term solutions, such as constructing man-made reefs in the water to help reduce the waves.
“It creates a new sense of equilibrium where the shoreline kind of oscillates around this position that’s farther out, so it’s like it was 50 years ago or so,” stated Battalio.
However, Gary Griggs, an Earth and planetary sciences professor at UC Santa Cruz, thinks that the only practical solution is regulated retreat.
“There’s absolutely nothing we can do over the long run to hold back the Pacific Ocean,” Griggs stated. “Everything we do is essentially a band-aid solution. Additionally, those Band-Aids have varying lifespans and price tags.
The idea of managed retreat is to relocate structures and people away from the area of danger. It would be relocating people inland in this instance.
As of right now, the California Coastal Commission’s plan to relocate interested residents and use public monies to purchase homes has not materialized. Even Mark Stechbart, a 45-year Pacifica resident, is not a fan of the concept.
“Everyone should calculate what your town would look like if you lost 30% of your town,” Stechbart stated.
Stechbart wants the seawall to be improved by the city.
“Put another two feet on it, curve it, put some wave breaks on it, and monitor it,” Stechbart said.
He thinks Pacifica would suffer if everything were moved east and a managed retreat was implemented. He claimed that a well-built seawall might last for a long time.
They’ll tell you that Mother Nature is unbeatable. You’ll always be dry if you install a roof on your home and keep it up,” Stechbart added. “So, yeah, you can fight Mother Nature.”
In 2025, a decision might be taken. The matter was discussed at one of the Pacifica City Council’s final meetings of 2024.
The city’s local coastal land use plan is currently being examined by the Coastal Commission. The plan needs unique exceptions under state legislation and is currently in the early stages of development. By April or May, the municipal council should have input on the plan.Battalio stated that he hopes the majority of people will elect to join, regardless of the outcome.
“I think we all just have to work together and try to get through it,” stated Battalio.
The time to preserve and save Pacifica’s shoreline is running out as waves continue to slam violently against seawalls.
Eliot Pierce is a dedicated writer for ChiefsFocus.com, covering local crime and finance news. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, Eliot aims to provide his readers with clear and insightful analysis, helping them navigate the complexities of their financial lives while staying informed about important local events. His commitment to delivering accurate and engaging content makes him a valuable resource for the community.