Encinitas, CA, October 23, 2024 – The City, State, and private bluff owner have settled with the three plaintiff families involving twelve family members as part of the ongoing litigation commonly known as Davis, et al v. State of CA, City of Encinitas, Leucadia-Seabluffe Village Community Association, and Seabreeze Management Company. Of the total settlement, the City’s share is $13,300,000 which is paid by the City’s excess insurance. As part of the resolution, the City is working with the Davis family on ongoing educational efforts for beachgoers. The case is still ongoing because it has not been dismissed at this point.

“This is a tragic situation,” said Mayor Tony Kranz. “Bluff failures are a natural and unavoidable occurrence, so the City continues to do its best to educate and warn beach patrons to stay as far away as possible from the bluffs. In fact, the City’s ongoing public education and enhanced awareness efforts are dedicated to the memory of these families.”

In Encinitas, generally the beaches are owned by the State of California and the bluffs and cliffs are privately owned. The State and the City, equally, along with the private bluff owners were able to resolve the case with the Davis family. The City is engaging in further public education and awareness efforts, additional lifeguard training and posting enhanced signage about bluff safety to include QR codes that will take beach goers to a video on bluff safety, and the dangers of being too close to the bluff faces.