Big waves causing problems for Santa Cruz Public Works

A powerful surf hit the Central Coast Friday. In Santa Cruz spectators watched as 15 to 20 foot waves crashed along West Cliff Drive.

“I’m seeing things here that don’t normally happen,” said Santa Cruz resident Randy Adrian.

Adrian rides his bike along he coastal path everyday. He said while the area is no stranger to water damage, that this year seems different.

“The waves are still coming up, obviously over the fence, and they are
going up people’s driveways,” said Adrian.

Santa Cruz Public Works said the roads and pathways are feeling the pain due to the large swells.

“We have six ton boulders that get moved around yearly as a result of the waves. It’s hard to overstate of the power of the waves,” said Joshua Spangrud, a senior civil engineer for the city of Santa Cruz.

Friday morning crews started an emergency repair project to protect the path between Woodrow Avenue and David Way. Workers will be placing large rocks through next week that help reduce the power of the waves.

“We don’t want to lose the path. More than that we don’t want to lose the road, we prefer not to lose any of our residents so you know it’s a safety issue at this point,” said Spangrud.

Up the street on West Cliff Drive a sinkhole opened up. The area has been blocked off and part of the parking lot is closed.

Still residents like Adrian said they’re enjoying the show.

“This is earth mother. This is the ocean being the ocean,” said Adrian.