3.7 Aesthetics
Solana Beach
This receiver site sits below steep cliffs and is visible from the stairs at Solana Vista Drive, Fletcher Cove,
and some residences along the bluff. It currently consists of little or no existing beach area. Views of the
beach along this stretch are dependent upon the tides. At high tide the beach is not visible along the
majority of the receiver site as waves crash directly against the cliffs. The only exception is the small sandy
beach at Fletcher Cove which sits above the high tide mark and is located just north of the receiver site.
At low tide a low profile sand and cobble beach is visible below the cliffs (Figure 3.7-6, Photograph A).
The pipeline to deliver sand would come from offshore and would landfall at the northern end of the
receiver site.
Del Mar
The vast majority of the receiver site is characterized by homes built on the beach, there are no bluffs along
the receiver site. All structures are protected by sea walls or rip-rap and there are access ramps or stairs
from most residences to the beach (Figure 3.7-6, Photograph B). This beach is relatively wide and even
at high tide water does not reach the sea walls (except during storm events). At the southern end of the
receiver site is Powerhouse Park. There would be clear views of the site from this park, from all
beachfront residences and from the local access points at roadway terminuses.
The pipeline to serve this site would come from directly offshore; however, it would also extend south to
serve the Torrey Pines receiver site. East of Camino del Mar, the hills have been constructed with
residences which, depending upon orientation, have elevated coastal views. These residents may have
views of the receiver site and the dredge location, but these elements would be part of a larger viewscape
of the ocean and a length of coastline.
Torrey Pines
The Torrey Pines receiver site is visible from North Torrey Pines Road, the parking area at Torrey Pines
State Reserve, and view points within the State Reserve. This segment consists of a thin sand and cobble
beach abutted by steep cliffs. Much of the southern part of the site is visible only during low tide, as waves
reach the base of the cliffs at high tide. Cliffs range in elevation from approximately 50 to 200 feet. The
beach trail from the State Reserve descends onto the beach, south of the receiver site. With the exception
of the parking area for the State Reserve, no development exists in the vicinity of this site (Figure 3.7-7,
Photograph A). There are residences constructed on the hills north of Peasquitos Lagoon with distant
Page 3.7-10
Regional Beach Sand Project EIR/EA
99-69\SANDAG EIREA 3.5 to 3.12.wpd 7/17/00
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