Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Pacifica public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
9 issues with critical priority
Pacifica Pier condition and removal
The city renewed its lease with the State Lands Commission to keep operating the Pacifica Pier. The pier needs a lot of work and the city remains on the hook for it, but sublease income will now be dedicated to a repairs fund.
Safe parking program expiration and homelessness
The PRC's Anita Reese reported 106 people living in encampments or vehicles in Pacifica (88 outside the safe parking program), plus updates on weekly groceries, the back-to-school program, and funding that ends in October 2026. Councilmembers pushed to keep the safe parking program explicitly in the strategic plan.
Measure BB sales tax
Pete Shoemaker announced the launch of the Yes on Measure BB campaign for the 1% Pacifica-only sales tax to preserve essential services, estimating roughly $7 per month per resident.
Coastal Crest quarry housing appeal
The council backed a Cal Cities resolution seeking a state constitutional amendment route to restore local authority over housing and land use, with Pacifica's coastal conflict (Coastal Commission vs. HCD) as a key point to raise.
Linda Mar beach parking lot RV encampment and overnight closure
A resident urged police to enforce posted parking limits at Linda Mar Beach, citing the Supreme Court's Grants Pass ruling, rather than waiting on Coastal Commission negotiations.
Municipal Pier emergency and coastal erosion
Cracking was found in the pier abutment near the Chit Chat Cafe on June 4, forcing an emergency closure of the pier and beaches. The Chit Chat Cafe is being demolished, and shoring up the abutment won't reopen the pier. Residents are pushing for a restoration coalition and state/federal grants — the repair bill could exceed the original $19 million estimate.
FY 2026-27 city budget and structural deficit
The city expects to take in $53.2 million but spend $57.1 million next year — a $2.3 million deficit even after $1.6 million in salary savings. Departments must bring back roughly 5% cut options by June 8, and one-time items like Fog Fest, Pride and the safe parking program are on the chopping block discussion.
Shoreline Adaptation and Coastal Resilience Planning
The city signed onto a $150,000 OneShoreline grant application, with UC Santa Cruz partners, to study whether an offshore reef could blunt wave energy hitting the Beach Boulevard seawall. No city money required yet.
Beach Boulevard seawall replacement and funding shortfall
The $80 million seawall replacement lost its $50 million federal BRIC grant, and the north wall may only have five to ten years left without continued spot repairs. Residents pushed for nature-based alternatives like offshore reefs while staff said beach nourishment adds another $30 million over time.