Three California beaches closed due to collapsed Pier debris: Here's more you need to know

Following the collapse of a portion of the Santa Cruz Municipal Wharf on Monday, three California State Parks beaches remain closed.

Twin Lakes State Beach, Seabright State Beach, and San Lorenzo Point will be inaccessible to the public until 6 a.m. on December 30th due to the significant amount of debris washing ashore.

Safety Concerns and Reopenings

Seacliff State Beach and Rio Del Mar State Beach have reopened, although visitors are advised to exercise caution.

A high-surf warning is in effect along the coast until Sunday afternoon, and the National Weather Service urges beach-goers to avoid piers and jetties.

Wharf Collapse and Damage

Approximately 150 feet of the Santa Cruz pier, along with a restroom building, crumbled into the ocean on Monday amidst powerful waves.

Three workers on the pier were swept into the water, with two requiring rescue and one managing to escape independently. While the wharf itself remains closed indefinitely, debris from the collapse has been washing up on nearby beaches.

Damage Further South

The impacts of the storm extend beyond Santa Cruz. The Cayucos Pier, located about 160 miles south, suffered damage when waves dislodged support pilings. The end of the pier, already closed due to previous storm damage in February, remains inaccessible.

Capitola Issues Warning

Debris from the Santa Cruz wharf has also reached Capitola, prompting a warning from local police.

Beachgoers are urged to be extremely cautious due to the presence of large pilings posing a significant hazard.