Ventura plans living shoreline for eroding Pierpont Beach, seeks public input

The City of Ventura invites the public to the first community meeting for the Pierpont Beach Management Plan on Wednesday, Oct. 21, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. in the Pierpont Elementary School Cafeteria, 1254 Marthas Vineyard Ct. Funded by the California State Coastal Conservancy, the plan will guide sand management at Pierpont Beach and include conceptual designs for living shoreline projects.

The problem. Pierpont Beach faces erosion, sand loss, storm flooding, and wind-blown sand that affect beach access and nearby property, according to the city's Oct. 7 news release. Recent storms have shown how quickly the shoreline can change, and preliminary analysis indicates that both summer and winter beach widths are narrowing.

What the plan does. The plan will guide sand management at Pierpont Beach and include conceptual designs for living shoreline projects. Preliminary analysis indicates that both summer and winter beach widths are narrowing. Planning now will help the city and community prepare for these changes.

The meeting. At the meeting, attendees can learn about current coastal conditions and the technical work behind the plan, discuss priorities for beach and sand management, and share input on the plan's 10% design concepts.

Public Works. 'Understanding the conditions facing our coast is just as important to this plan as hearing from the community,' said Joe Yahner, Environmental/Street Maintenance Manager in the City's Public Works Department. 'I encourage residents to attend and share their feedback as we move forward.'

More opportunities. More opportunities to participate will follow, including a Community-Based Organization Mini-Grant Program launching in spring 2027. For updates, visit www.cityofventura.ca.gov/LCP or contact Joe Yahner at jyahner@cityofventura.ca.gov or 805-652-4558.

The plan. The Pierpont Beach Management Plan is led by the City of Ventura with grant funding from the California State Coastal Conservancy. The plan will develop conceptual designs for living shoreline and sand management activities to protect beach access, recreation, and habitat at Pierpont Beach.