Historic La Playa Piers face uncertain future as community rallies for preservation

SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — Nestled against the picturesque Point Loma waterfront, the iconic La Playa Piers have stood as a silent witness to a century of maritime history, playing a vital role in shaping a community built on the pillars of sailing, fishing and breathtaking sunsets.

For many, these five piers are not just structures; they are a defining element of the local identity.

“The piers sort of give it a sense of place. You’re not just anywhere in San Diego at the beach. You know where you are when you’re here,” remarked Bill Bocken, a longtime resident who, like many others, sees the piers as an integral part of the neighborhood.

However, the tranquility surrounding these historic landmarks was disrupted when the Port and Coastal Commission announced plans to remove the private piers, leaving locals in disbelief.

“They don’t bother anybody; they’ve been here longer than all of us. So, what’s the problem,” expressed Bill Pollock, a lifetime resident whose sentiment echoed the concerns of many in the community.

In a last-minute development, the pier owners made a significant concession, agreeing to grant public access to the gangways while keeping the docks private. This compromise, reached at the eleventh hour, aimed to strike a balance between preserving the historic structures and addressing the concerns raised by regulatory authorities.

The Port Authority, in turn, committed to incorporating the piers into the master plan, finalized on Feb. 28. However, the Coastal Commission remains steadfast in its plans to remove the five piers, unless the community can make a compelling case for their preservation.

“The piers are included, but we are going to need the Point Loma residents to show up for when that meeting happens at Coastal, because they may still want those piers to be taken down,” warned an anonymous source close to the situation.

With public access granted, the Port Authority contributing support, and locals mobilizing to save the iconic white-picket-fence piers, a showdown is imminent.

Sharon Bernie-Cloward, a representative of the San Diego Working Waterfront, emphasized the importance of community involvement.

“Believe me, they are all my neighbors here, and the job I have, I’m going to make sure everyone shows up, because that was our commitment to the port,” stated Bernie-Cloward, underlining the significance of a united front in the face of potential pier removal.

As the fate of the La Playa Piers hangs in the balance, the Point Loma community gears up for a pivotal Coastal Commission meeting, ready to make their case for the preservation of these historic structures that have defined the waterfront for generations.