City of Capitola discusses Depot Hill Bluff safety as erosion below Grand Avenue continues
The sight of ocean waves crashing against the base of Depot Hill Bluff in Capitola is nothing new to residents and beach go-ers.
As this is taking place, however, city leaders are seeing a growing amount of “undercuts” as erosion below the bluff continues.
The concern now is the possible cave-ins which may occur in the future. Which may lead city officials to shutting down a popular walkway on the top of the hill.
“It’s our national treasure to be able to walk along the cliff,” says local surfer Kathryn Collins. “A lot of people who don’t even live here come to enjoy the beauty. I do understand the danger of it, though.”
The city already had to shut down a portion of Grand Avenue last year citing safety concerns.
Beach go-ers say they aren’t fans of the idea of the city shutting down the rest of the path to pedestrians. Although they do understand the safety issue.
“It’s so beautiful up here and the homes up here I’m sure they’re gonna be sad because they walk here, too,” says visiting Fremont resident Luci Barlett. “I see a lot of people here getting exercise and fresh air.”
City leaders heard a plan this month which would see a type of concrete added at the base where undercuts have formed.
This would allow the city time to form ideas to keep the path open and possibly re-open the closed Hollister to Oakland Avenue pathway.
Depot Hill consists of two layers of material, according to a report by the city. The top half portion is a soil material while the bottom half is made of sandstone.
As the sandstone erodes, the soil drops–leading to an abrupt cave-in like what happened in January of 2017.
Erosion issues are common on Depot Hill as the city closed the path to vehicular traffic back in the 1980s.
Residents and beach go-ers hope for a solution to come soon.
“People skateboard here, kids learn to ride their bikes here. It’s a beautiful treasure to have,” says Collins.
The project, if approved, would take at least 18 months to complete. If nothing is done the path may see a full closure within the next 5 to 20 years.
