Erosion prompts study on Pacific Grove coastlines

According to the Pacific Grove Public Works Department, steady erosion along the coastline is not to the point where immediate action needs to be taken, however it no longer can be ignored either.

“We’ve retained Haro, Kasunich and Associates to do the study,” said Public Works Director Daniel Gho.

That study, which is planned to begin soon, will look into different scenarios the City could take.

“Potential to put in sea walls or riprap. What would happen if we just retreated? And also relocation of the trails,” said Gho.

Those trails don’t lie, with about 50 feet now in the Pacific Ocean.

“There was trails that would connect. From about this point right here all the way down behind there,” said Gho.

Erosion has caused bikers and walkers to go up onto the road since the path has been washed away.

“We will be evaluating the Esplanade Park location and then down by the Sea Park area, also along Lovers Point. There’s three locations where were losing quite a bit of vegetation and the trail is sliding into the ocean,” said Gho.

These studies are necessary in moving forward, no matter which path that may be.

“So unless we initiated these studies, we would never be able to get the permit from the coastal commission,” said Gho.