Lawmakers Seek Emergency Funding From State For Oceanside Pier

OCEANSIDE, CA — San Diego County legislators are seeking emergency funding from the state after a fire damaged the iconic Oceanside Pier.

Several assembly members and state senators sent Gov. Gavin Newsom a letter Tuesday requesting funding and support for the restoration of the local landmark. Legislators said they were "devastated to see the Oceanside Pier severely damaged by fire."

"Since the late 19th century, the Oceanside Pier has served as a landmark of our coastal identity and maritime heritage in Southern California," the letter said. "Rebuilding the historic pier as quickly as possible is paramount and will likely require financial support from the state of California."

The blaze sparked around 3 p.m. April 25 inside a building, formerly Ruby's Diner, on the end of the pier, according to the Oceanside Fire Department. Flames damaged the pier and also spread to Brine Box, a smaller eatery adjacent to the former diner.

First responders arrived five minutes after the fire was reported, according to the department. Firefighters battled the blaze from the pier, as well as aboard firefighting boats and water-dropping helicopters.

Camp Pendleton, Carlsbad and Vista fire departments, as well as Cal Fire, SDG&E and the U.S. Coast Guard assisted in the firefight. The crew aboard Coast Guard Cutter Sea Otter, an 87-foot patrol boat homeported in San Diego, helped fight the fire.

Oceanside Fire Chief David Parsons told Patch Wednesday that crews saved 93 percent of the pier. Figures had previously ranged between 90-95 percent.

The cause of the fire has not yet been conclusively determined, but investigators have ruled out arson as a possible cause.

"The Oceanside Pier holds significant historical and coastal importance, not only for the local community but also for the entire Southern California region," the letter from legislators said. "The damage to the pier hurts local tourism, nearby small businesses, and the community as a whole."

As the damage is assessed, legislators asked Gov. Newsom to "stay positioned to support Southern California and the city of Oceanside with any emergency funding to address the repair and remediation needs."

The letter was signed by Sen. Catherine Blakespear, Sen. Steve Padilla, Senate Minority Leader Brian Jones, Assemblymember David Alvarez, Assemblymember Tasha Boerner, Assemblymember Laurie Davies, and Assemblymember Brian Maienschein.

"Investing in the restoration of this iconic landmark is not only essential for preserving our heritage but also for uplifting the local economy and ensuring the continued prosperity of the region," the letter said.

Officials anticipate to open a portion of the pier, from the base of the pier on Pacific Street, all the way to the last offset, where the fishing wash stations are located, Division Chief Blake Dorse told Patch Wednesday. Although a specific date has not been set, officials expect to open the section in the near future.

"We need to secure the hazard area as such two sets of gates are being constructed. The first set has been constructed and will likely be ready to install tomorrow," Dorse explained. "We are also working on ensuring all utilities to the pier are turned back on for the portion that will be re-opened and need to ensure that is done safely."

Also see:

• Massive Fire Damages Iconic Oceanside Pier, Buildings
• Fire Continues To Smolder On Iconic Oceanside Pier
• Oceanside Pier Fire's Cause: Arson Unlikely, Officials Say