Gas Leak Evacuates Village Restaurants

Update 2:22 p.m.: Paradise Beach Grille has re-opened, while Fog Bank remains closed. The gas, however, is still out at Paradise Beach meaning the menu is limited to simpler items like soup, salad and sandwiches. 

Original Report: Business is on hold at the and on Wednesday afternoon as a natural gas leak reported at 11:33 a.m. forced the evacuation of both eateries. 

Construction across the street from both Esplanade restaurants in front of the Capitola Hotel has slowed traffic of late, but now it has resulted in business stoppage as well.

"They're doing some construction and one of the workers hit [the gas line]," Central Fire Spokesman Mike DeMars said.

The line, which DeMars said is either a half inch or one inch, runs to either the Fog Bank or Paradise Beach Grille. Since its destination is unknown, both places were emptied "as a precaution."

While gas leaks can be dangerous, DeMars said this one isn't much to worry about.

"The way it is right now, there's probably not that much of a danger because it's going into open air and it's going to dissipate," he said. "If it's venting into a building it's more of an explosion hazard because it's accumulating and building up."

PG&E is on scene digging up the pavement to get down to the line to shut it off and stop the leak, DeMars said. While the situation is being resolved, Central Fire will keep an engine parked in the area. 

DeMars had no estimate for when the situation would be resolved or when the restaurants would be able to reopen.

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