Erosion is dissolving Goleta Beach. A town hall meeting tonight at 7 will discuss whether a seawall is the best way to save it.

Removal of the controversial rock revetments currently on the beach has been scheduled for May 15. However, Tom Phillips, a member of the Surfrider Foundation, said the rocks should be taken out earlier because their presence jeopardizes the breeding of grunions. Grunions are seafish native to the Goleta coast that lay their eggs on the beach in March or April; removing the rocks within this period could prevent the eggs from hatching.

Those in favor of the rocks say they perform a necessary service to the eroding coast.

According to a flier being distributed by an organization in support of the rock revetments, “The county hired Moffatt and& Nichol, an engineering firm, to create a plan to protect and nurture the park. The best solution for protection was to put in environmentally safe rock revetments…. They are the best line of defense against erosion and they do not create down coastal problems or scouring.”

Whether the rocks will remain has divided the local community. Those interested in voicing their opinion on the issue are invited to attend the meeting tonight with 2nd District Supervisor Susan Rose at the Goleta Valley Community Center.