Mysterious doors beneath the Palisades north of California Incline (live, cities)

[Charles]

I have only seen that one at the bottom of the California Incline. There may be others further north but there is so much brush and trees it's hard to say if any are there anymore.

[Lindsey_Mcfarren]

Well I have an idea, why not call the city and ask. The mystery is killing me.

Yes I can see them being a draw to homeless.

[Charles]

Originally Posted by Lindsey_Mcfarren

Well I have an idea, why not call the city and ask.

Done.

I sent this to SM's Contact Us form:

"Back in the 1970s I noticed little doors at the bottom of the Palisades in a mile or two stretch north of the California Incline. Recently I haven't seen them as it looks like they were either obliterated by landslides or construction or covered in shrubs and trees. It looks like there still is one intact at the bottom of the California Incline.
I have been wondering about these doors, their purpose, when they were constructed, etc for decades. One explanation presented to me is that they were some sort of access to drainage equipment or pipes or something like that - I really don't know.
Can you find out from someone, perhaps some city historian or facilities person....not sure who, about these little doors? Thank You."

[Lovehound]

Originally Posted by irukandji

...to keep people from sleeping inside. The only people who would want entrance to that little hidey hole would be the homeless or someone wanting to keep out of sight. Whatever the motivation, the City does not want to have to police it, so they cemented it shut.

Almost certainly true.

If you look around bridges and freeway overpasses you will also see inspection hatches ("doors") and they are there to allow for inspection to determine if the structures are safe or need maintenance.

[Lindsey_Mcfarren]

Originally Posted by Charles

Done.

I sent this to SM's Contact Us form:

"Back in the 1970s I noticed little doors at the bottom of the Palisades in a mile or two stretch north of the California Incline. Recently I haven't seen them as it looks like they were either obliterated by landslides or construction or covered in shrubs and trees. It looks like there still is one intact at the bottom of the California Incline.
I have been wondering about these doors, their purpose, when they were constructed, etc for decades. One explanation presented to me is that they were some sort of access to drainage equipment or pipes or something like that - I really don't know.
Can you find out from someone, perhaps some city historian or facilities person....not sure who, about these little doors? Thank You."

Oh what a good idea, I'm glad you did it. I love little mysteries like this. It will be interesting to know. I should imagine an old timer who has lived in the area for many many years would have an idea.

[Charles]

Originally Posted by Charles

Done.

I sent this to SM's Contact Us form:

"Back in the 1970s I noticed little doors at the bottom of the Palisades in a mile or two stretch north of the California Incline. Recently I haven't seen them as it looks like they were either obliterated by landslides or construction or covered in shrubs and trees. It looks like there still is one intact at the bottom of the California Incline.
I have been wondering about these doors, their purpose, when they were constructed, etc for decades. One explanation presented to me is that they were some sort of access to drainage equipment or pipes or something like that - I really don't know.
Can you find out from someone, perhaps some city historian or facilities person....not sure who, about these little doors? Thank You."

The city of Santa Monica replied to my online inquiry:

Thank you for your inquiry into these "most interesting" little doors at the bottom of the Palisades Bluffs.
In 1933 many slides occurred in the Bluffs, which led to the construction of drainage tunnels in the area. These doors provided maintenance access to the drainage tunnels, which were designed to relieve the hydrostatic pressure from the bluffs caused by rain & irrigation water seeping down into the bluffs from above. In the 1940's and 1950's heavy rainfall and soil erosion caused frequent slides, and in 1994 the Northridge earthquake triggered rockslides and fallen debris to cover the area. In addition, damage in the park typically involved loss of ground.
Evaluation of these conditions led to the current method of relieving hydrostatic pressure via perforated pipes (hydraugers), which the City installed in 16 locations. For your pleasure, we've attached two photos of the tunnel portals taken in 1932 and the 1940's to reflect how they appeared in their original state. We hope you find this information interesting, and that it answers your question on the "little doors".

There are attachments for you to view.




Tunnel Door - 1932.jpg - http://user.govoutreach.com/santamon...66437&aid=7004




Tunnel 1940's.jpg - http://user.govoutreach.com/santamon...66437&aid=7005

[Photos not protected by copyright: City of Santa Monica web pages designed on or after January 1, 2003 shall be in compliance with accessibility standards for electronic and information technology covered by Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act Amendments of 1998 as issued by the Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board December 20, 2000 (36 CFG Part 1194).]

[Lovehound]

Nice post Charles, and good research work. As I said, the doors are inspection hatches, for maintenance.

[greggd]

I just saw one of the boxes housing the doors. its full of cement/slurry. I will take a picture and post next time I'm in the passanger seat.

[Lindsey_Mcfarren]

That is such an interesting story. I love life's little mysteries.
California was such an interesting place in those days.

[SoCalMomma]

I hate to say it, but knowing the 'REAL' story kind of ruined my childhood memories & thoughts that little trolls lived inside there LOL