'A very special place': Community returns to Oceanside Pier

OCEANSIDE, Calif. (FOX 5/KUSI) -- When much of the Oceanside Pier reopened Friday following a destructive fire, many showed up bright and early to walk its wooden planks.

For Sandy, a walk on the iconic pier is healing.

"It’s a very special place," the North County resident said. “I’ve been walking it since 2022, since my youngest son passed and so, literally, this was my last walk with him.”

The reopening of about 75% of the pier comes two weeks after a fire broke out on the wooden landmark, destroying a former Ruby's Diner.

Sandy said news of the fire broke her heart.

"Knowing that I couldn’t take that walk -- that same walk that he walked -- hurt," she said. "This is my place that I walk with him, this is the place that I sit with him. I know where he stood when I took that last picture.”

On Friday, she walked as far as she could. The damaged end of the pier remained closed and fenced off until further notice. Two structures, a vacant restaurant, and a small snack shack were lost in the fire.

Oceanside Mayor Esther Sanchez says they are currently checking on the condition of the pilings.

"We’re thinking maybe in a few months, that investigation will be done and working through our insurance, most of it will be paid for," Sanchez said.

She says they also have support at the state and federal level.

"Plans are to rebuild on site, use the same footprints, so it is going to continue to be the longest wooden pier," she added.

Though there’s no timeline yet, many people, including Sandy, approached the mayor to express their gratitude for the efforts.

“I know they will rebuild it. I know I will do that walk again," Sandy said.

The fire investigation remains ongoing but preliminary findings point to an accidental cause.

Starting Saturday, the pier will be open regular hours, from 4 a.m. to 10 p.m.