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Geologist says cliff in Pacific Beach could collapse — again

CBS 8 is Working For You to share concerns from experts about cliff debris that could harm surfers and beachgoers.

SAN DIEGO — A partial cliff collapsed this spring has some people worried in Pacific Beach.

Above the bluff, the city put up barricades on the walkway Ocean Boulevard and Diamond Street but below the cliff where there is a public shower on the beach there is nothing warning beachgoers about the loose cliff right behind the showers.

“I’m concerned about is somebody might be in those showers when it decides to make a big move," said Phelps.

While covering the red tide in Pacific Beach on Tuesday, Larry Phelps stopped CBS 8 to show us his concerns about this recent bluff collapse. Since then we’ve been Working For You.

“I’ve sent it Get It Done reports, and I’m not…they actually sent me a response saying we haven’t found a problem,” said Phelps.

CBS 8 invited geologist Pat Abbott out to survey the damage.

“This slope failure here has not finished. It’s a work in progress. A large mass is gone, but we have several other smaller masses that are going to be coming down soon on both sides of the larger one here,” said Abbott.

As he continues down the stairs he sees more concerns with the cliffs.

“Back up underneath the sidewalk right there, you see a big clump of sea lavender roots hanging out over the cliff, that’s going to be coming down soon,” said Abbott.

He spots ground squirrels scampering across the cliffs and believes they are contributing to the erosion.

“Ground squirrels digging burrows. They’re weakening the rock every time they dig a burrow,” Abbott.

Down on the beach Abbott gets a clearer view of the erosion and the loose debris.

“This should be yellow taped off. Nobody used these showers until that mass of earth there, that slide mass, has been removed,” said Abbott.

A City spokesperson emailed CBS 8 a statement:

"City crews have determined that the cause of the cliff destabilization is the result of a water leak in the surrounding area. The water department and a water detection contractor were able to stop the leak, however the originating source of the leak is yet to be identified. Parks and recreation department staff are monitoring the area, and have secured it away from the public access for public safety using barricades and caution tape. There have been no visible signs of leaking or increased destabilization for more than a month since city crews first discovered and worked to address the issue."

Mr. Phelps hopes more will be done.

“Fix it! That’s what we pay for,” said Phelps.

At CBS 8, we are always Working for You and our community. This is a station promise that we will go the extra mile to solve a problem our audience can’t solve themselves. We want to hear your ideas on how we can cover and help our community. If you have a story idea, please email us at workingforyou@cbs8.com.

WATCH RELATED:  Homeowners in Ocean Beach hit with wave of concern over unstable cliff

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