Pacifica Pier closure has locals, visitors alike feeling the loss: 'It is quiet out here now'

PACIFICA, Calif. (KGO) -- More than a month after the Pacifica Pier was shut down, the town is still reeling from the loss of its iconic landmark.

And with no potential reopening date in sight, many locals and visitors alike say the atmosphere just isn't the same.

It's been over six weeks since structural damage closed the Pacifica Pier indefinitely, and the seaside town is a little sleepier than normal.

"There's always a good part. It is quiet out here now," said Alexander Dahdouh.

Dahdouh is part of a group staying at an Airbnb right in front of the pier, a location they say they booked right before the damage happened.

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"Maybe that's why we got such a great deal. I got it for like 30 cents or something," said Bruce Cates.

While the price might not have been that low, the group says they were sad to learn about the pier's closure, saying it's put a damper on their trip.

"It's a little disheartening. You know, you come over right by the shore in San Francisco, and it's kind of disheartening to see the pier's been destroyed. There's a lot of barricades open. It's not as pleasant to watch," Dahdouh said.

And it's not just visitors feeling the impact.

"It's a local kind of dynasty almost. Everyone knows about it, and it's all everyone can talk about," said Pacifica resident Emily Sulcer.

For decades, the pier has been a Pacifica icon. That includes the now-demolished Chit Chat Cafe, which used to sit on top of it.

MORE: 'It's heartbreaking': Pacifica Pier cafe demolition begins after massive crack discovered

A mile or so down the road, a second Chit Chat location says since the closure, the café has been feeling the support.

"Definitely, people have been coming in, showing support. Definitely asking us a lot, too, about what we're going to do next," said employee Ellarin Baylon.

At this point in time, there is no definitive answer on where the city will actually get the money to fix the pier. But local officials are lobbying both the state and federal governments to try and secure funding.

No matter what happens, many residents say they just want what's best for the community and are hoping to find a solution that makes everyone happy.

"There's a huge community of people that utilize it every day. So, it's a big loss to that community and probably the whole city as a whole," Sulcer said.