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La Playa Piers, Point Loma Bayfront
 For almost 80 years, San Diegans have enjoyed using a few private and publicly owned piers along La Playa's historic and picturesque waterfront. Likely constructed between the mid-1930s and late '40s, the five piers are integral to the nautical character, use, and cultural landscape of La Playa and Shelter Island. The privately-owned piers are not on private land, but rather in areas the Port of San Diego governs; residential uses are not permitted. And because not all of the piers are open to the public, the California Coastal Commission—with its primary mission to protect public access to the coastline—is threatening to remove all five. Alternatively, if the Port wishes to retain the piers, the piers (including their docks) should be available for public use at all times.
This controversial issue came to public attention as the Port updates its master plan. Public outcry has produced thousands of written comments on the 2019 Draft Master Plan, calling for the piers to remain in use, as a functional and aesthetic benefit and historic asset to the community and to the region. The Port listened to the residents and is considering altering the draft to maintain the piers in their current state, but the final decision rests with the Coastal Commission.
These piers are not only beloved nautical treasures but also unique historic resources that were in use even before Shelter Island existed. They allow boaters and sightseers rare access to the waterfront and marine life. They contribute to our understanding of San Diego's waterfront development from the pre-World War II era to the present. SOHO actively supports the residents in their efforts to preserve these landmarks and urges the Port to maintain the piers in the Draft Master Plan. Then, the Port leadership must convince the Coastal Commission to follow their recommendations based on San Diego's unique character and public demand.
To challenge the language in the Draft Master Plan that calls for the removal of these piers, email the Port of San Diego (PMPU@portofsandiego.org) and California Coastal Commission (SanDiegoCoast@coastal.ca.gov) urging them to save these historic, neighborhood defining features.
(Scroll to view more photos)
 Cotton-West Pier, c. 1935
 Lacy Pier, c. 1935-38
 Wyatt Pier, c. 1944
Donnelley Pier, c. 1949
 Donnelley Pier, c. 1949
 Donnelley Pier, c. 1949
 La Playa Yacht Club Pier c. 1935-38
Photos by Sandé Lollis
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