Saving The Bluffs

During the city council meeting last night, concerned citizens expressed their opinions about the ongoing Bluff Park erosion project.

The project, which has taken over a decade to start due to budgets drying up and being stalled at the Coastal Commission. Now it seems that some concerned citizens do not like what they are seeing and the materials being used.

After viewing the work in progress, I agree it does not look pretty. But have you ever seen a construction project look like it is ready for the cover of your favorite magazine on the coffee table?

What is happening is an effort to save the bluffs from further erosion, caused by Mother Nature herself. Rain, lack of vegetation and the occasional earthquake have caused the bluffs to retreat further and further each year. This last Winter, all of California suffered a drought, which is actually beneficial for the bluffs. However, if we were to experience a substantial rainfall, it could easily trigger a landslide due to the deteriorating vegetation.

Liquefaction is also another concern. This is a phenomenon in which the strength and stiffness of a soil is reduced by earthquake shaking or other rapid loading. And after that little 4.6 'reminder' from La Habra last month, this is something which is no small concern in regards to bluff erosion.

No, it is not pretty right now. The rods being sunk into the bluffs by Drill Tech Drilling and Shoring, Inc. is just the beginning, and there are many steps to go in the project. Another step is to install the drip watering system, as opposed to the older type high volume or high pressure system which often times leads to soil erosion, which is also underway.

The last steps are going to be addressing the issues of beautification of the bluffs. With a little patience and understanding, everyone's grandchildren will still be able to enjoy Bluff Park and the scenic views of the Pacific.