by JoAnn Allen | Jan 12, 2026 | Uncategorized
Portola Station (41st & Portola) The building permit continues to move through the review process. The project proposes converting the existing auto garage and café (Cliff Café) into a full‑service restaurant with a bar, interior seating, a 238‑sq.-ft. patio, and a fire pit. The permit also includes construction of a second‑story one‑bedroom/one‑bath residential unit with two decks. Once the permit is issued, additional construction may begin.
Pleasure Point Plaza (former storage yard across from SUDA) This 1.2-acre project was initially permitted in 2019 for 33 rental units, including four lower-income units, along with commercial space. Save Pleasure Point (SPPt) endorsed this 2019 project. Currently it appears the project has been modified to include 50 rental units, still with only four lower-income units, but with reduced commercial space.
More detailed plans are expected by the end of January. SPPt is concerned about the project’s density relative to lot size and the reduction in setbacks – a key factor in avoiding overcrowding and ensuring adequate privacy, light, and air flow between buildings.
The Lumberyard (38th & Portola) This project is proposed as a three‑story development with 22 for-sale condominiums including four lower-income units and ground‑floor retail. The developer (Pietro) is reportedly making design adjustments; however, no revised plans have been resubmitted to date, and no Planning Commission hearing has been scheduled.
40 Moran Parcel (& East Cliff Drive) All trees were removed following a 2024 storm that caused significant damage to nearby properties. A newly installed fence along East Cliff Dr is currently outside this parcel’s lot line. We have contacted Parks staff to request it be located to the correct boundary.
There are also reports that only parallel parking may be allowed along this fence. Given that Moran’s parking lot frequently overflows, we have notified Parks that perpendicular parking is necessary to accommodate beachgoers. Reducing on‑street parking by roughly 50% would push traffic into nearby avenues—an unnecessary and negative impact on the neighborhood.
East Cliff Walking & Bike Path Major design changes are planned for 2026 to reduce congestion between pedestrians and bicyclists. County staff have been on site measuring and evaluating the area, though a construction start date has not yet been announced.
A sincere thank you to everyone helping maintain the flower beds and green spaces—your efforts are truly appreciated.
Save Pleasure Point Steering Committee (SPPt) Listed in alpha order: Jo Ann Allen, Kimber Blackburn, Patti Brady, Alyson Butler, Kevin Butler, Paige Gordon, Carin Hanna, Glenn Hanna, Lowell Marcus, Matt McMillan, Padi Romero, Deb Still, Jerry Still, Marika Strauss, Kevin Walter, Vanessa Young (All Pleasure Point residents and business owners)
by JoAnn Allen | Jan 12, 2026 | Uncategorized
Save Pleasure Point is about protecting what makes our neighborhood special. Pleasure Point isn’t just a place—we are a coastal lifestyle defined by creativity, connection, and a low-key vibe enjoyed year-round by residents and visitors alike.
Save Pleasure Point is BIMBY — Balance in My Backyard. We advocate for balanced growth that fits our neighborhood, respects our coastal setting, and reflects the real-world conditions of Pleasure Point. We fully support housing affordability and thoughtful, well-planned change. Growth is part of our future—but how we grow matters.
It is time for California legislators to move away from one-size-fits-all development codes that remove limits on height, size, and setbacks regardless of location. What works in one community does not work everywhere.
Development should enhance and strengthen a community—not diminish it. Local voices matter, and local context must be central to project approvals. Our Board of Supervisors unanimously adopted the Design Principles for the Pleasure Point Commercial Corridor, initiated via Save Pleasure Point’s advocacy. As stated by the Planning Department:
“The Guiding Design Principles represent the community vision for development in the corridor and provide important guidance to staff and project applicants regarding what is considered compatible development.”
As of 2026, while these principles remain in effect, they are increasingly being set-aside by Planning staff and developers operating under recent state legislation that applies a one-size-fits-all approach.
Throughout Pleasure Point, new and redeveloped commercial projects—as well as housing and mixed-use developments—should be flexible, realistically appropriate to our locale and include rents that moderate-income residents can realistically afford. We stand with developers who build through genuine community partnerships.
Projects exceeding three stories, rising above 40 feet, or pushing density beyond what parcel sizes can reasonably support risk eroding the very character that makes Pleasure Point both a historic and contemporary jewel of a coastal community.
Pleasure Point’s sense of character also sustains our ongoing “cash-register” contributions to the County’s General Fund through vacation rentals; Lower 41st’s boutique shopping and dining district; our parks; world-class surf and beaches; and the many local businesses that support Pleasure Point’s unique lifestyle.
Allowing growth while preserving Pleasure Point’s character is a challenge—yet we firmly believe BALANCE is achievable.
Join us: savepleasurepoint.org
Email: [email protected] NO dues—just your voice.
Save Pleasure Point Steering Committee (SPPt) Listed in alpha order: Jo Ann Allen, Kimber Blackburn, Patti Brady, Alyson Butler, Kevin Butler, Paige Gordon, Carin Hanna, Glenn Hanna, Lowell Marcus, Matt McMillan, Padi Romero, Deb Still, Jerry Still, Marika Strauss, Kevin Walter, Vanessa Young (All Pleasure Point residents and business owners)
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