Demolition Begins On Cliffside Pacifica Apartment Buildings

PACIFICA (CBS SF) -- It was demolition day in Pacifica on Thursday as crews tore down a red-tagged apartment building that has been teetering on the cliff.

The two-story building at 330 Esplanade Avenue was reduced to pile of rubble. The building has been long vacant, leaving mostly neighbors who were in a celebratory mood.

"We have a view!! I'm so happy!  High five!" Kevin Hubbard and Mercy Feeney yelled as they watched the destruction.

They finally have a clear shot at the Pacific Ocean with the demolition of the building across the street.

"The view is awesome. I can't complain," said Hubbard. "Million-dollar view!"

The clifftop apartment building at 330 Esplanade in Pacifica was in danger of falling into the ocean.  Dozens had to be evacuated back in 2009 when it was red-tagged. It has been sitting empty and condemned for years until today.

The work crews said they should be done by the end of the night. City officials said the owner paid for the demolition.

That won't be the case for 320 Esplanade, the building next door. It was also red-tagged back in 2009.  The owner of that complex is bankrupt, so the city is having to make plans to pay for demolition. A date has not been set.

Last month, a third building, 310 Esplanade, was yellow-tagged after El Niño storms took some more chunks out of the cliff underneath.

Residents have been allowed to go into the building and get their belongings, but they can't stay overnight. The city has not yet decided whether it will stay or also be torn down.

Meanwhile, it's party time for the folks across the street as the champagne pops.

When asked if his landlord was going to raise his rent, Hubbard replied with a laugh.

"I hope not," he chuckled. "And I hope my landlord is not watching!"