ENCINITAS — Four years after three women were killed in a bluff collapse on Grandview Beach, the families of the victims have reached a $32 million settlement in a wrongful death lawsuit with the city of Encinitas, state of California, and private oceanfront condominium owners and property managers.
Anne Clave, 35, her mother Julie Davis, 65, and her aunt Elizabeth Charles, 62, were killed when several multi-ton hunks of sandstone broke free from a seaside cliff and crashed onto the beach below. Despite rescue efforts, the three women were either pronounced dead at the scene or later succumbed to their injuries.
Of the total settlement amount, the city will pay $13.3 million, covered by its excess insurance, resolving the Davis family’s claims of unsafe property conditions and negligence contributing to the fatal collapse.
As part of the agreement, the city will also expand its public safety efforts, including additional lifeguard training and new signage warning beachgoers of the dangers of being too close to the bluffs. The new signs will feature QR codes linked to videos about bluff safety.
“Annie, Julie, and Elizabeth are greatly missed every day. While no settlement will bring them back, or ever come close to their value to those who love them, we hope that this settlement brings awareness to the bluff’s hidden dangers so that there are no more tragic victims,” said Pat Davis, who lost his wife, daughter, and sister-in-law in the bluff collapse.
In 2020, the Davis family sued the city, state, Leucadia Seabluffe Village Community Association and Seabreeze Management Company. Seabluffe Village consists of 255 blufftop property owners.
Originally, the city sought to dismiss the case, citing “natural condition immunity,” which shields governments from liability for natural occurrences on public property.
However, in late 2023, a judge rejected the city’s motion, allowing the case to proceed on grounds that the collapse may not have been entirely natural, given allegations of poor storm drain management and erosion control.
The area of the collapse, known for its erosion and fragile cliffs, has long been a point of concern. In the wake of the 2019 incident, some residents called for sand replenishment projects and protective barriers like seawalls to prevent future collapses.
However, environmental groups have opposed efforts to secure such measures, citing concerns over beach access and the impact on marine habitats.
While the case has not been fully dismissed, the settlement resolves a major portion of the legal proceedings, allowing both the city and the plaintiffs to focus on increasing awareness of bluff safety to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
“This is a tragic situation,” said Mayor Tony Kranz. “Bluff failures are a natural and unavoidable occurrence, so the city is committed to educating and warning beachgoers to stay as far away as possible from the bluffs. Our ongoing public awareness efforts are a key part of this commitment.”
