How 2023's storms have accelerated erosion threat to coastal California homes
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 7 ก.พ. 2025
- Joan Levin is getting ready to move out of a historic oceanfront home in Pacifica because of a threat that creeps closer every day - coastal erosion. Here's a look at the prime land that's disappearing. STORY: abc7ne.ws/3RPQbpp
#erosion #winterstorm #pacifica #norcal #abc7news
In Hawaii, we experience land erosion as well. When property owners try to "armor" or "bolster" their water front property, it only redirects and accelerates the energy to their adjacent neighbors and beaches. This is why it is not usually permitted. There is no stopping one of the most powerful forces of nature.
Mother nature as the saying goes will always win. LOL
Lucky to have that view for 45 years. Erosion has never stopped since it started 4.5 billion years ago.
4.5billion years? That is such a made up number, and the fact that you BELIEVE in that, is saddening😢
The last 40 years has seen a MASSIVE acceleration there Donald !!!
Breaking News: It's hazardous to live on ocean front property due to erosion. Who would have thought?
What do you mean who would think if you didn't think it you're stupid
No shit! You want the view? Just remember, it's not permanent.
a lot of Californians build houses in places they shouldn't
It's hard to argue that. When was Dollar Radio built ?
@@chrisredfield4017 1930
That's the smartest comment yet.
Nothing is forever. Time and nature will always win.
So do a lot of people in North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida etc and yet the government in the listed states continue to fix the eroding beaches, but leave California to their own devices.
How? They have to have permits first 😂 genius
An end of an era be grateful for the memories...
I think anyone living near a body of water should be prepared for flooding eroding etc. these places dont last forever😢
Good point!
😂😂🎉
Not a body of water. Rising sea level doesn't affect inland bodies of water. Lakes and rivers will rise during severe rain but erosion is a combination of wind and higher sea level that weakens the ground from the bottom up. That's why in some cases, large boulders will be dropped at the bottom of cliffs to lessen the impact of the surf. I live along the shore of a lake in San Francisco that's only 2 miles away from Pacifica. No erosion here at Lake Merced but plenty a short distance from here.
The expert said it best, i.e., there is nothing we can do to hold back the Pacific Ocean.
Do you know what was there before a cliff? Land. Then the land goes away and then you have a cliff.
The only guarantee in life is change.
People build on moving sand bars like outer Banks and wonder why their house gets swept away !
When the Earth wants it back, it takes it.
Ocean wants it back.
The cliff didn't start eroding in 2010. It's been eroding for thousands of years... that's how it became a cliff.
The coast line should be for the public to enjoy, not filthy rich landowners to hoard for themselves. Good on nature for balancing out the universe. 🎉
Yes!
I bet she never imagined she would outlive her home.
I live on a hillside in Earthquake prone NZ. It is not hard imagining that my house may end up much closer to the ocean due to a slip. If I lived right on the sea shore....erosion is expected. That is basic reality.
It is obvious that cliff has been subject to erosion for millions of years. The state should never have allowed building anywhere near the cliff as people are dumb and it is sometimes necessary to save them from them selves.
So how far back should the house building exclusion zone be professor?
@@CT-vm4gf- try 240 years, that would have saved a lot of trouble.
Building a house on a cliff and complaining about erosion is like building a house in the forest and complaining when it burns down in a "forest" fire.
Really, tell that to the people in North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida etc. Ans STH up when in fact my sister lost everything in the Paradise fire.
@@billmM3605 WOW, Clearly you don't know what it means to have compassion & empathy for others. How about putting the blame on PG&E
@beachgal2023 You completely missed the point of my post. When people build their houses in areas that are prone to disasters, whether it's fires, tornadoes, earthquakes, landslides or hurricanes, they know the risks and should be able to accept the consequences. If you build a house in a heavily wooded area that is prone to wildfires, whether human caused or lightning caused, people need to accept their share of the responsibility of their decision.
@@billmM3605 WHAT, and where do you want to put the 350 million people in this country, when EVERY state faces natural disasters on a regular basis and man made disasters due the governments irresponsibility?
@@beachgal2023 If every state has natural disasters then it is up to the individual to decide what risk they find acceptable. As far as "man made disasters.......", why bring that up??
Twenty-five or so years ago, property owners along the beach had asked for permission to put rip-rap (boulders) at the bottom of the cliffs to help slow erosion. The California Coastal Commission refused to allow it. It wasn't until buildings started falling down the cliffs that the state changed its mind, but by then it was too late.
That isn't gonna save much. At the end of the day water is coming and the rocks would of looked ugly and done nothing
@@nicksalgado22 The boulders would have delayed the erosion by a decade or two. There were plenty of people who lived along the coast who would have liked having those extra years.
This is not the first time this has happened. Check out the cities that have flooded in Egypt.
Yeah water coming from the sky and the ocean 😢@@nicksalgado22
"The rocks would look ugly" amazing logic there. Truly amazing.@@nicksalgado22
Nature bats last.
I can't believe how the privileged, entitled buy these places thinking it would never happen to them.
by how old she is and said she has lived there for over 45 years, her $60,000 house is not privileged or entitled when back then san francisco houses were more expensive for comparable homes.
please educate yourself before speaking and putting down someone you don’t know.
jr, are you okay????
Pacific has always been an exclusive expensive community!
I cannot believe the level of ignorance...
@@jr1252believe me she didn't pay 60k for that house I'm from the area and she brought in the 1970s she paid close to a million.
Have you not heard? Millionaires+ are invincible!! 😊🎉🎉🎉
I used to live on the hill in Pacifica in the 1990s with a panoramic view of the coast. When I lived there, houses that were built hundreds of feet from the cliffs in the 50s were falling into the sea.
Cliffs erode. It's a natural process, so it should come as no surprise.
As a result of poor planning on coastal bluffs and allowing homes to be built where they never should have been built.
Many were built long before the cities (hence no planning per se) incorporated like the one in the story.
Stop saying this is about rich people! People who are saying this are people who haven’t lived in the Bay Area for more than 10 years. Many of these people have owned these homes for 40+ years when they were reasonably priced and the typical home in the Bay Area was less than $100k and you could afford one on a $40k salary at 10% down! So grow up!
What’s so sad is that San Mateo allowed the development and the selling/reselling of these homes until it was too late and homes started dropping into the ocean since the 90s! It’s inexcusable Pacifica and San Mateo county have done nothing for 30 years to erect a barrier and retaining wall to slow or stop erosion of the wall which is taken away after every major storm.
Yeah commenters love relishing in hindsight.
Maybe it can accelerate even further and take care of America’s California problem.
New owner? Who would buy a house on a crumbling cliff?
My thoughts exactly! She’s very fortunate there was a buyer! Maybe the state bought her out? I wish her peaceful days ahead. She looks to be a widow who lost her only child at 2 years old🥺 like we are the cliffs in life and time is the ocean that will always wear us down…..
😔 My childhood hometown in the 60's....
So if you own the land thats now ocean do you own that part of the ocean and if no what if an island forms at that spot in the future do you own that island?
With a house that size and deck that size it likely contributed to the erosion.
For someone from the USGS, you'd think she'd know not to build or buy a home on a slightly better than pile of sand cliff.
Common sense is the most expensive thing these days
She didnt build it. If you listened you’d hear it was a radio tower before she bought it.
Rule #1 Never buy a home adjacent to water.
This is not a new phenomenon. I grew up in Santa Cruz and this has been reported for decades. Beach erosion is also an ongoing problem. I know jetties have been built to catch the sand and create wider beaches.
Very informative report
If people can't give up gaudy McMansions, giant SUVs and luxury pickup trucks to patch their insecurities and feed their vanity, they can't have nice things like ocean front homes, etc. That's just the way it is.
NONE of these erosion news stories have photos of these properties before the erosion. It's hard to imagine via description. She had a "football field sized backyard"? Didn't she have photos to share?
Well. Everyone wants to live right on the ocean. And now these people do!
Some islands have it way worse
Yeah, but not in the Ocean.
Erosion, imagine that. You knew the words "climate change" would come up.
Erosion is natural, but increased storm surge due to climate change is increasing the rate and intensity of erosion. It’s a simple concept to understand. It’s not one or the other, just a combination of both.
@@rylans.5365
Except it's not. There is no data to suggest erosion has increased.
The guy said, out of the last 5 years 80% of the erosion happened this past winter.
1 year of weather does not a climate crisis make.
@@glidercoach I have explained the correlation between extreme weather events that are becoming more likely due to climate change, and coastal erosion. There is data linking increased storm surge, flooding, and wave power, to increased coastal erosion. If you look at the title of the video “Accelerated erosion threat”. That means that natural factors were taken into account, but ultimately, climate change is the biggest threat for nearshore coastal erosion today and in the future.
And you’re right, “1 year of weather does not a climate crisis make”whatever that means. But, we have more than 1 year of weather, over 173 to be exact. It may not sound like a lot, but it’s enough to determine that more change has happened in this amount of time in all of human history, and even before humans.
@@rylans.5365
I'm over 60. My whole life I remember stories of houses crumbling into the sea. The earth is a dynamic and dangerous place. Some areas are more prone to disasters than others. The coast is way more susceptible to change than any other place, followed by flood plains and mountains.
Nothing is accelerating. Everything happens in waves. If you research historical news reports over the last 175 years, you will find repeated weather, drought and fire related disasters.
You will also find news stories on how the weather is changing... before the invention of cars and electricity.
@@glidercoachsea level rise is a real thing. It makes erosion accelerate. Ice is melting faster with the increase in heat, plus, there is such a thing as thermal expansion.
The view is amazing!
Build a house near the edge of the water and wonder why this happens. Let me guess.....it's Trumps fault.
20 years ago when I was living near the Daly City Pacifica City line, the US Park Rangers at Fort Funston estimated that the coastal cliffs lose about one foot every year. That means that over the last 20 years, 20 feet has eroded from the coastal cliffs which also translates to 20
feet less roadway on the US Highway 1 Coast Route. Some of that roadway has already disappeared during the last winter storms and had to be filled in. While most people don't spend a lot of time in coastal cliff communities, the level erosion has escalated to the point of once beautiful and scenic parts of California may no longer be accessible to the public. The situation in Pacific Manor, Pacifica has been dire for over 20 years and once popular apartments that had spectacular views are no longer there. They've slid down the cliffs and into the ocean. There's no doubt that global warming and the "Atmospheric River" phenomenon that dumps rain at 10" or more in a 24 hour period is responsible for this erosion.
50 years ago, when I was 8 yo, we visited my uncle in California and there were homes falling into the ocean. I asked my uncle, 'Why would anyone build a house there?"...but then came the storms of 2023...
It's reported as if a new phenomenon. Got to get the climate change jab in there.
Do you have a transcript of every conversation you had fifty years ago?
@@sentientflower7891 I lived in California 60 years ago and yes, houses were falling off of cliffs, houses were falling into the ocean and it was during a prolonged WET cycle. We are in a new WET cycle and this process continues. Poor building plans are at fault here.
@@emsnewssupkis6453 stop lying you ignorant liar.
@@sentientflower7891 no, but he lived in Pacific Palisades, and we were driving along the freeway between the ocean and the cliffs that the houses were hanging off of...circa 1975...perhaps some locals could chime in?
The coast line in alot of dangerous areas like those should be reserved for the military as well. California coast is extremely precious and doesnt need to be litered with beach shacks
Nor military
@batcactus6046 lol it needs more military Canada isn't out friend and Californians don't have as many guns as it should so it's near defenseless without our military. Canada isn't to be trusted, I'm not saying individuals within Canada but the Canadian government isn't out friend I don't understand why we let them have independence
Yea we need to keep the war machine going. We need to keep our precious land that we own. 😮
@user-tq5qu8sc5s why not just take more if the people running their land can't handle it or it's citizens need it. Say Ukraine doesn't seem like they can hold their own land now if the made it a US territory or state hmmm. Venezuela is another good example, Several African nations many more that would be contentious but why not dream big
@@joshflanders9535 You talk about protecting our border from Canada but yet advocate taking Venezuela and Ukraine from the people that live there? You're a real dumbass lmfao.
It's not rising sea levels, but falling shorelines that you have to worry about.
Some sense, the West Coast is sinking.
@@phann860 Some would say not fast enough.
Nature is a beautiful thing😊
My crack is itching. 😢
Until it bites you in the ass. I presume you don't own a beachside property.
Iceage stopped 10,000 yrs ago, but ice still melting. 4 billion yr old Plantet's cycle
The cliffs did not get there over night. They have been formed over 1000’s of years.
The first will become last. And the last will become first.
It is cliff erosion and not beach…homes should not have been built there to begin with. Those views should be for everyone.
Its sad people have to learn the HARD WAY about the WATER CYCLE and Erosion, which is 100% NATUAL!!! Costal Lands, and River banks are ALWAYS swinking and disappear with out new diposits. The Hawian Islands as known today will one day be nothing more then Atolls. Same goes for Califonia's cliffs and the Sand duns on the east coast. They may seem like they've always been there and will be, but in just a human lifetime one can see how nature changes, slowly but surly. Development along cliffs should be BANNED
In California you can get a permit to build anywhere, the Stilt houses in the canyons, the stilt houses on the coast. When they slide off the stilts or the coastal erosion undermines them it's no big deal, the insurance will pay for it! From the beginning of time the erosion has been happening, it's how the cliffs got there to begin with! Climate change? Nope, it;s the same old climate, just a human problem. I live in a high risk fire area, I have cut and cleared as much as I can. I'm amazed I still have a home, I'm insured though. It costs three time as much as it used to though!
why build right on the coast? do not have to be an engineer to think that is a bad idea
It’s very odd how California and the geological society estimates the progression on the erosion but then doesn’t necessarily say anything beyond what they are grappling with at present, and from what took precedence since it began. What’s difficult to comprehend is that the Japanese have already taken over fortifying areas which were inundated by erosion and tsunamis yet the Americans are reluctant to invest any trade off for resources that would improve and reverse the conditions they suspect are presently being created.
It’s like asking why Florida homes are made of wood. 😅
Nearly none of the Japanese attempts at stopping tsunamis work.
This has also been happening along Englands east coast for some time too.
WOW! Somebody bought her house? WOW!!!
Mother Nature 🌬️ does what she wants 🫤 We own nothing and it can be taken in a matter of seconds.
Yes….coastal erosion has happened for billions of years…..the key is Don’t Build Too Close To The Edge Of Cliffs. No one should be allowed to build within a mile of an oceanside cliff….and it should also be banned from building within a mile of an ocean beach….but people keep doing it and then want to cry when nature..that’s happened for billions of years..happens. People also should be banned from building on hillsides….hillsides always slide down….yet they continue to build there too and complain when a hill does what it’s going to do.
Poor Northern California Climate Change Is So Sad!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!❤️🖤🖤❤️🔥🌧️🌫️
Damn that's messed up. The southern coast is way lucky it doesn't get the brunt of all that activity
LESSON, DON'T MESS WITH MOTHER NATURE, I WANT'S MY EARTH BACK.😊😊😊.
Why would anyone in their right mind want to buy a house that is certain to crumble into the ocean?
The beaches looked even more magnificent before anything was built on them. Maybe all coastal land should be wild life preserves and protected by law so no more humans would endanger themselves or their property or the natural habitat by building on an area so vulnerable to erosion. Just a thought.
Don't build your house on sand.
Managed Retreat. The ocean always wins.
Don't build on the shoreline. Simple.
ALL of California's coast is sand cliffs from ICE AGES. There is nary a rock to be found. I live in upstate NY where GLACIERS grew and I dig up more rocks than dirt when digging! DUH.
I can't believe that someone was prepared to buy it.
Why humans expect the earth to stay the same year after year is beyond me. This beauthiful changing planet.
It's Cali, who cares?
Lapping waves and wind vs shorelines. Yes, shorelines change with time.
SHE HAS TO MOVE ON BUT YOUR GETTING NEW OWNERS? OKAY WHY CAN'T SHE SPEND HER LAST DAY IN THE HOME SHE LOVES AND GO IN THE OCEAN WITH IT IF GOD WANTS THAT.
Until she sells the value will decrease. The house, too big to move, needs to be smaller or completely replaced farther away from the cliff.
Adorable tarps they put down. That'll hold the ocean back
The earth really wants to be flat. There is no way to completely stop that process.
The Earth is a sphere, it can't be flat.
Gives a whole new perspective on the term 'hang in there '. 😬
the beautiful cliff side views of ocean created by erosion?
May nature take back what was stolen
How moronic, how was the land stolen. Tectonic movement is to blame.
So, someone thought it would be an ok idea to build a home on top of a sand cliff next to the ocean?
She'll need to remove some of her cement rear patio to draw less attention to the lost support beneath it before listing it for sale.
Pretty soon it will be Nevada's Beach land!
who would buy a property that's going to fall into the sea in a few years?
Because they didn't realise it would.
Bay Area Underpinning fixed our hillside home in moss beach
Water washes away dirt? Heaven forbid!
if i owned that home they would have to get me at the bottom of the ocean. i would not sell
Building your house on sand
How is it legal to film these homes without any respect for freedom and right to privacy ? Drones should be illegal they are flying cameras that spy on you and run your face on A.I. and more.
Originally the ocean front property was 400 feet lower than current levels. So. It’s only going to get worse. Get used to it.
I cannot imagine how much money that must have cost to drill those posts for a reinforcement wall!!
Lucky her, that when her house falls, she will still be able to get herself to some other sheltering structure she can call home. Many aren’t so lucky. It’s difficult to feel sorry for someone who is only losing the luxury version what many will never have; a bit of land and a house.
Happy to have a condo on solid basalt in Depoe Bay, Oregon. I feel for the owners affected by eroding cliffs.
you know harvesting continental shelf sand for concrete erodes beaches too
Womp womp, dont care about the rich problems
Native Indians always said "Do not build your homes close to the edge by the ocean". The sea giveth the sea taketh away.
There have always been storms.
Mother Nature at work , sorry you has to lose your Hume
I don’t care about rich people
Why did this happen?... The house had solar panels so it should have been ok
I've never wanted/trusted to live near a great body of water. If I could afford a dream home I would seek out a much safer location and drive to the ocean etc.
I dont know how people could by a house by a cliff in a seismically active area
Millions years of erosion yet they still do not learn. Think before you buy
50 years living in paradise is enough. Move on and be safe.
Why did you build a home there? Great human planning
The house is about 80 years old and it lost most of the edge last winter
in the early 90s they told you California is sinking but nobody cared to pay attention
And global sand supplies will be another huge challeng for the build industry if not Now
Well now, how do we stop the earth from doing what it's supposed to do?