SANTA CRUZ, Calif. (KGO) -- The community still in shock as the iconic coastline in Santa Cruz is filled with dangerous debris, just 24 hours since a portion of the Santa Cruz wharf crashed into the ocean. On Tuesday, officials gave an update as they work to create a path forward, saying they're working to assess the structural integrity of the rest of the wharf.
The work is all part of tough decisions city officials have to make for the long-term of the Santa Cruz landmark. RELATED: 3 fall into ocean after Santa Cruz Wharf collapses due to strong waves ahead of storm The high surf Monday sent danger throughout Santa Cruz waterways, including the city's harbor, but it's what the high surf did at the Santa Cruz Municipal Wharf that's captured nationwide attention. 150 feet of the end of the Wharf collapsed into the ocean.
The area that collapsed had already been closed for construction because of storm damage from years before. "We did have two project managers inspecting that space really for work progress and also for incident reporting when the wharf went down," said Mike Godsy, City of Santa Cruz Parks and Recreation Parks Supervisor. Three people fell into the water, two were rescued and one got out of the water on their own.
A restroom facility that was once on the wharf was swept away to a spot nowhere close to where it stood for years. "Just to see a toilet, the bathroom right by the river mouth, it's surreal. I can't believe it," said local Matt Garlock.
A big concern.
