Goleta Beach Park avoids a double dose of problems with the recent tidal surge

GOLETA, Calif. – Unlike some areas of the Central Coast, Goleta Beach Park did not get wiped out in the recent ocean surge and tidal overflow.

The water did get up and in to the parking lot, but the impacts were manageable. In San Luis Obispo County some of the impacts were more severe, especially where RV's had parked close to the shore during a destructive wave event. In Ventura County the recent weather had impacts on neighborhoods including Seaward, Pierpont, Port Hueneme and in Oxnard. Homes, businesses and cars were badly damaged.

Goleta Beach took a hit in January of 2023 with aggressive storms, and the erosion of the popular beach and recreation areas. Later in the year, that was replenished with sediment, in part, from the local creeks and debris basins.

New volleyball courts were also installed.

The impacts however, to the pier and parking lots was estimated at $7-million. The county said the repair work is in the planning stages.

Goleta resident Greg Smith was at the beach last week and this week. He says, "I would describe it as a mess.   Just all the debris all over.  I was surprised they cleaned it up so quickly though.  Seemed like two days later there were cars parked where  nobody could park before."

For those walking on the pier, it's a regular past time for fitness and fresh air.

Also to cast a line. "I am happy to have somewhere to come fishing for free and spend some time out on the beach and shore," said Erick Dietz.

Collectively those who come here are relieved the area is still open and call it a beach that's one of a kind. "The beach here, the pier for fishing, campus point for surfing  this is a great little area. I like to spend time around here," said Dietz.

There's no fee to use the beach park. It opens at 8 and closes daily at sunset.