Major changes planned for Sunset Cliffs Blvd due to erosion

SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) -- The City of San Diego is planning significant changes to Sunset Cliffs Boulevard due to ongoing erosion concerns.

The picturesque drive along Sunset Cliffs has been eroding, with some parts of the road dangerously close to the edge. In response, the city intends to remove parking lots along the cliffs, convert sections of the boulevard into a one-way street, and redirect traffic through nearby residential areas.

Richard Aguirre, a lifelong resident and geologist, has presented a drainage system design to the city to address the erosion caused by runoff.

The erosion at Sunset Cliffs is primarily attributed to runoff rather than natural causes like crashing waves or rising sea levels. This runoff has carved significant slices of earth away from the cliffs.

The city's plans to alter traffic patterns and remove parking aim to mitigate the risks posed by the eroding cliffs. However, these changes have raised concerns among local residents about increased traffic in residential neighborhoods.

Save Sunset Cliffs, a local advocacy group, has been proactive in addressing the erosion issue. They have developed a drainage system designed to catch, collect, and redirect runoff through a series of storm drains.

As San Diego moves forward with its plans, the proposed drainage system by Save Sunset Cliffs could play a crucial role in preserving the iconic landscape.

All facts in this report were gathered by journalists employed by KSWB. Artificial intelligence tools were used to reformat from a broadcast script into a news article for our website. This report was edited and fact-checked by KSWB staff before being published.