ENCINITAS, Calif. — The families of three women who died after a portion of sandstone bluffs at Grandview Beach in Encinitas collapsed on them have settled their lawsuit against the city of Encinitas, the state of California, and the property owner where the bluff was located for more than $32 million.
Pat Davis was sitting right next to his wife, Julie, when the bluff crashed down on Davis's wife, his daughter, and his sister-in-law on August 2, 2019 as the family was there celebrating Julie's sister, Elizabeth's victory over breast cancer.
"Annie, Julie, and Elizabeth are greatly missed every day. While no settlement will bring them back, or ever come close to their value to those who love them, we hope that this settlement brings awareness to the bluff’s hidden dangers so that there are no more tragic victims,” said Pat Davis, who lost his wife, daughter, and sister-in-law in the bluff collapse.
According to a press release from Pat Davis's attorney, Bibianne Fell, the more than $32 million settlement also forces the city of Encinitas to raise awareness of the dangers of unstable bluffs and possible collapses.
"This settlement addresses the area’s history of bluff collapses and acknowledges expert warnings dating back to 1983 about the instability of the cliffs. The incident, which occurred on August 2, 2019, raised urgent concerns about public safety along the coastline. Since the 1980s, factors including improper stormwater management, proliferation of non-native ice plant, and climate change have exacerbated the risks associated with the bluffs," reads a statement from attorney Fell.
As part of the settlement, the city will implement a series of crucial safety changes, including:
- Increased signage warning about the dangers of unstable bluffs.
- A public webpage warning of the dangers of bluff collapse.
- Enhanced lifeguard training focused on bluff safety.
- Development of written policies for lifeguards regarding bluff-related hazards.
“This is a tragic situation,” said Mayor of Encinitas Tony Kranz. “Bluff failures are a natural and unavoidable occurrence, so the City continues to do its best to educate and warn beach patrons to stay as far away as possible from the bluffs. In fact, the City’s ongoing public education and enhanced awareness efforts are dedicated to the memory of these families.”
