Kayakers and other onlookers positioned themselves as early as 4 a.m. Saturday to watch the implosion of the 165-foot plant and say goodbye to a bit of local history.
Ignition flashes could be seen in the seconds before the main towers toppled, seemingly in slow motion, sending up an enormous plume of dust.
The 60-year-old plant was decommissioned in 2010. Many had considered it to be an eyesore along Chula Vista's otherwise scenic coast.
The demolition opens up bay views and makes way for a public park.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
