Tag: Santa Monica Beaches

MALIBU—On March 20, Canyon News learned that the Marine Mammal Care Center (MMCC) located at 3601 South Gaffey in San Pedro, has had to set up portals on area beaches due to the toxic algae bloom occurring for the fourth year in a row. MMCC is finding sickened sea lions washing up on the shores of Los Angeles County Beaches. The sea lions are not the only ones getting sick. The toxic blooms are now affecting dolphins and sea birds too.

The MMCC is processing the intake of sick patients at the portals. The MMCC reports symptoms in sea lion patients including a loud barking sound, swinging of the head, lethargy, and seizures.

Reports indicate that the increase in Harmful Algae Blooms (HABs) over the last few years could be attributed to the excess of nutrients in the soil from fertilizers and the runoff of wastewater. They thrive in these conditions coupled with warm temperatures.  Forecasters often report a “Red Tide,” when the blooms are most prevalent.  This occurs not only on the coast of southern California but also in Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, and some have even been reported in the cold waters of Lake Eerie.

It is important not to approach the sea lions. They aren’t pets. They are sick and exhibiting some aggressive behavior. On the MMCC website, there are helpful tips on how to help the sea lions such as viewing them from afar. If they react to your presence, you are too close. The website suggests using a camera to snap a photo rather than trying to approach the sea lions for a “selfie.”

The following came directly from the MMCC website:

“The [MMCC] rehabilitates sick and injured marine mammals at our hospital until they can be released back into the wild. Annually, the center cares for 250-500 sea lions, elephant seals, fur seals, and harbor seals.”

Since 1992, they have cared for over 10,000 marine animals by “providing a clean and stress-free environment” is paramount! Our focus is always on keeping the animal as wild as possible to ensure its success upon release into its natural habitat.

The MMCC encourages those who would like to volunteer or support their efforts to visit the MMCC website to find out how to get involved.

By Sharon

MALIBU—On Tuesday, January 7, Beach Water Quality Advisors from the Los Angeles Department of Public Health (LADPH) issued a press release warning the public to avoid swimming and playing in the ocean waters in area beaches that have high levels of bacteria that could be harmful to residents and their human and fur babies.

Residents are reminded that swimming in infected waters is a health risk for humans and canines alike.

The following beaches were tested and have been contaminated with bacteria.

Topanga Canyon Beach in Malibu

100 yards up and down the coast from the lagoon.

Pico-Kenter storm drain at Santa Monica Beach. Santa Monica South Tower 20

100 yards up and down the coast from the storm drain.

Pulga storm drain at Will Rogers State Beach

100 yards up and down the coast from the storm drain.

Solstice Creek at Dan Blocker County Beach

100 yards up and down the coast from the creek.

Inner Cabrillo Beach in San Pedro
The entire swim area.

Mothers Beach in Marina Del Rey
The entire swim area.

Santa Monica Pier in Santa Monica
100 yards up and down the coast from the pier.

These warnings have been issued due to bacterial levels exceeding health standards when last tested.

Warnings have been lifted for the following beach areas where recent sample results identified water quality levels within State standards:

Marie Canyon Storm Drain at Puerco Beach

By Sharon

CALIFORNIA—On December 25, the National Weather Service (NWS) issued a warning of high surf and rip currents for the Pacific coast including the Malibu coast, central coast, and all of the beaches in Los Angeles, Ventura, and Santa Barbara Counties.

Multiple warnings have gone out reminding beachgoers of dangerous surf. 
The following information came directly from the NWS website:

“A series of Pacific storm systems will continue to impact the western U.S. into this weekend with periods of strong damaging winds, high surf, heavy lower elevation rain, and heavy mountain snow.

A large, long period west to northwest swell will bring high surf to area beaches, highest on west-facing beaches, along with strong rip currents, strong long-shore currents, and powerful breaking waves. Use caution in or near the water, stay back from the water’s edge, and never turn your back on the ocean.”

Reports indicate that there may be minor coastal flooding within hours of the morning high tides from 7:00-7:30 a.m. throughout the weekend. Shallow flooding is also possible on some of the beach roads, low-lying areas, bike paths, and parking lots. Visitors are encouraged to use caution.

By Sharon

SANTA MONICA—On Sunday, April 21, just before 3:00 p.m., the Santa Monica Police Department (SMPD) arrested a single Black male who was grilling meat in his shopping cart. He appeared to be living in homelessness.

The Citizen app first reported a man walking down the bike lane on Ocean Avenue while grilling. He was using a sword as a meat skewer and had a wood fire going in his shopping cart. His fire was put out, and the individual was taken into custody by SMPD officers.

The individual is reportedly facing misdemeanor charges. First reports indicate he may not get a weapons charge since he was not using his sword to cause bodily harm.

The name of the suspect has not been released. There is no more information currently available.

On January 24, 2024, the City of Santa Monica released the results of their 2023 homeless count.

The homeless count results indicate that as of January 2024, Santa Monica has 926 people living in homelessness which is a 15 percent increase compared to 2022. The homeless count completed in 2023 showed 807 individuals living in homelessness.

By Sharon

SANTA MONICA—On February 13, after nearly a week of rain and reports of sewage-infested waters, California surfers found unusually large swells in the Santa Monica beaches making the waves irresistible to many surfers.

The following quote is from a group of YouTubers out of Malibu that call themselves, “Salty Beards.”

From Salty Beards:
“5 straight days of dumping rain in Southern California creating disgusting sewage spills into the ocean with storm drains overflowing and wild winds. On the contrary the storm also brought us some pretty unique swell direction, which created some fun waves in places (like Santa Monica) that usually doesn’t get great waves. For about 30 minutes this stretch of beach turned on for pro surfers Yadin Nicol, Luke Davis, Hunter Jones and Jacob Atwood.”

According to a Surfer Health Study, put out by Surfrider, there is an increased health risk to those who surf within 72 hours following a storm. The study was based on findings from a decade ago.

“Although the winters of 2013-14 and 2014-15 were drought years, the region was hit with 10 storms that produced rainfall ranging from 0.1 to over 2 inches. Key Findings 1 & 2: There is an increased rate of gastrointestinal illness from surfing, and that rate increases following wet weather.

The study found that when surfers enter the water during or in the 72 hours following storm events, an average of 30 per 1,000 will contract GI illness, compared to 18 per 1,000 surfers who will contract GI illness without entering the water, and 25 per 1,000 who will contract GI illness when entering the water during dry weather (Figure 1). From a health risk perspective, that is an extra – or excess – risk of 12 surfers per 1,000 on average who will become ill when they enter the ocean in wet weather, compared to when they do not enter the ocean.”

Reports indicate that the sewage spills after a storm is from overflow running into the area lakes, rivers, streams, and the Pacific Ocean.

A report by the San Diego State University (SDSU) updated  on February 13, indicated that in addition to the contamination caused by overflow, there is raw, unfiltered sewage spilling from the Tijuana River basin into the Pacific Ocean.

This study was requested by, Rep. Scott Peters (D-CA-50th District) over health concerns at Imperial Beach.

“This environmental catastrophe has hurt the region for many years, resulting in decades of adverse health consequences. We must approach it as a health and national security concern, which is why I asked the [Conrad] Prebys Foundation to help me build the case that this crisis goes far beyond beach closures; the people of South Bay now endure constant toxic air pollution that damages their health and well-being.”

The Tijuana Watershed begins in the mountains near Mount Laguna. Water then flows into Mexico before entering San Diego County where it reaches the Pacific Ocean south of Imperial Beach.

The following report was published October 11, 2023.  The full text of this statement may be viewed on the California Waterboard website for San Diego.

“Pipeline PB1A Repairs in Mexico

The most immediate reduction of polluted flows will be realized when the ongoing repairs to a pipeline in Tijuana (PB1A) are completed by November 2023. This repair will immediately reduce the flows in the Tijuana River by 30 million gallons per day (mgd, 75-100% of daily flows) and allow IBWC to expedite repairs to the U.S. IBWC South Bay International Wastewater Treatment Plant (ITP). This pipeline conveys flows diverted from the Tijuana River (PBCILA) and untreated wastewater in the collection system to be discharged on the coast in Mexico at Punta Bandera.

In July 2022, this pipeline failed in Matadero Cañon and damaged pipeline PB1B immediately next to it. PB1B was promptly repaired, but repairs to PB1A were delayed due to its proximity to the border fence, which required federal approvals in both countries, and technical challenges due to an extremely steep slope.”

By Sharon