Ventura Pier reopens after a year-and-a-half closure caused by storm damage

The Ventura Pier, seen on Dec. 28, 2023, was closed after being damaged by high surf. Ventura’s famous pier reopened Saturday after massive waves damaged the landmark last year. Social media posts and news video footage showed people striding onto the pier early Saturday, carrying fishing poles, coolers and folding chairs. Mary Joyce Ivers, deputy public works director in Ventura, told KTLA that the city had to replace 37 timber piles, which hold up the deck of the pier, as well as 100 pieces of hardware and cross-bracing and 3,000 square feet of deck board. “It’s such a great landmark and so many great things happen on this pier for families and our community.” The repairs cost at least $3.3 million, with the federal government and the state expected to pick up the tab, according to a city news release.