The City’s recent decision that the safest and most cost-effective course to pursue the damaged 58-year-old Ocean Beach Pier is to keep it closed until its long-term replacement is finished was not unexpected.

“We aren’t surprised by the news,” said Denny Knox, executive director of Ocean Beach MainStreet Association, the community’s business improvement district. “It was pretty obvious. If they did stabilize the pier, it still would be closed to the public.”

Knox noted though there are some ramifications from the City’s decision to keep the pier closed that are disappointing. “I was hoping that the City would keep up on the graffiti (eradication) and possibly (keep) cleaning the pier,” she said adding, “We don’t want to see the pier slowly crumble because of neglect. Hopefully, there is a plan in place to find major funding to replace the pier as soon as possible. Not having a walkable pier is a terrible loss to the community and San Diego. It becomes a major drag on the economy the longer the pier is closed.”

Knox offered this suggestion. “It would be great if we could privately raise at least one-half of the funds to rebuild it. That’s what I am hoping for.”

Jerry Lohla of Point Loma was not disappointed by the City’s decision to keep OB Pier closed until it’s replaced. “For the amount of capital expenditure being discussed, affordable housing is a much more critical need throughout the City of San Diego than a fishing pier in Ocean Beach,” Lohla concluded.

“While the damaged Ocean Beach Pier remains closed, we continue to focus on the potential replacement project,” said Tyler Becker, senior City spokesperson. “The next community workshop for the Ocean Beach Pier Renewal project will occur this fall. There, we will present the updated design concept based on feedback from the community regarding minor pier details, like shading and lighting options, and discuss the next steps in the process.”

Added Becker, “We (the city) continue to work on acquiring the necessary environmental permits and funding to support the pier replacement project. There is currently no specific timeline for the construction of a potential replacement pier, pending the proper permits and funding.”

OB Pier has been closed since it was damaged by high surf in October 2023. Additional, and more significant, damage occurred in December 2023 when a support bracket – or “pile” – broke off the pier and fell into the ocean. Engineering teams have subsequently determined that any work to rehabilitate the pier is not feasible, especially given the likelihood of additional damage occurring during future winter storms.

While OB Pier does not threaten public safety, additional signage has been posted along the pier reminding visitors to be cautious when visiting the area. It is against the law for anyone to swim, wade, surf, or skin dive within 75 feet of any fishing pier owned or operated by the City.

Photo by Jim Grant