The city of Encinitas on Wednesday closed down access to Stonesteps Beach because of damage to the stairway.
"The city’s structural engineer deemed the main support beam for the upper deck and lower stairs of Stonesteps is structurally unsafe requiring replacement and closure," the city reported in a post to its website and on Instagram.
"The condition of the main support was discovered during a post-storm inspection and was a result of ongoing exposure to moisture and coastal conditions," Encinitas Parks, Recreation and Cultural director Travis Karlen told KPBS via email
The long access stairway was built at the end of South El Portal in 1991. CaliforniaBeaches.com describes Stonesteps as "a locals beach ... that is a little off-the-beaten-track." The site also describes the access steps as "a large concrete and stone stairway that descends the steep crumbly bluff to the narrow beach below."
Karlen said at the moment, there's no update on how long the staircase will be closed.
The city is advising people to visit Moonlight or Beacons beaches instead. Karlen said those sites are routinely monitored, "and no concerns have been made apparent."
