Santa Cruz Wharf's Sudden Collapse: What's Next?

In Santa Cruz, California, the community is still stunned after a chunk of the iconic wharf crashed into the ocean. This happened just a day ago, leaving dangerous debris scattered along the coastline. Authorities are now trying to figure out what to do next. They're checking if the rest of the wharf is safe. This isn't an easy call, especially for such a famous landmark. Waves had been rough on Monday, causing parts of the wharf to break off. A restroom facility even got swept away! Two people were rescued, and one managed to swim to safety. Officials worry about the debris in the water, like the restroom now stuck against a cliff. They're asking people not to touch the debris. They're also thinking about how to protect the area from future climate change impacts. Mayor Fred Keeley asked, "Should we just fix it and hope for the best? " He thinks they need to think beyond the immediate issue. A congressperson, Jimmy Panetta, visited the site and promised to help get federal aid. Businesses nearby are worried. The wharf is closed indefinitely, which could hurt their earnings. Gino Marini, who owns Marini's Candies, said losing business, even for a week, will be tough. Engineers are looking at the wharf's structure. There's no timeline for repairs yet. Dave Johnston, who owns Venture Quest Kayaking, hopes the wharf can be fixed soon. He said, "It's the heart of our community. "