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High surf warning triggers regional infrastructure closure along Santa Cruz coast
Yesterday's big storm gave way to some big waves along the coast near Santa Cruz. And that triggered a coastal infrastructure closure, shutting down everything from beaches to the Santa Cruz Wharf. It's part of a new regional safety plan.
SANTA CRUZ, Calif. - Thursday's storm gave way to large waves along the Santa Cruz coast, triggering a coastal infrastructure closure that shut down everything from beaches to the Santa Cruz Wharf.
Precautionary measure
What they're saying:
The move was part of a new regional safety plan.
Officials said they are still dealing with damage from previous years' storms. When they saw trouble in the forecast, they decided not to take any chances.
For some in Santa Cruz, Friday's high surf warning was more like a siren song.
"I always get excited these days. I want to come out real early," said surfer Ed Thorp.
But while surfers took to the water, beaches up and down the coast remained empty, closed for safety.
With predicted waves up to 45 feet, high winds, and the potential for damage to infrastructure, local officials said action was necessary.
Santa Cruz won't say for sure whether the collapsed wharf will be rebuilt
Santa Cruz officials on Friday said they're working with engineers to study the collapsed wharf to make sure it's strong and stable before they open it to the public.
"To respond proactively, to ensure incidents are responded to progressively and that things don't happen out there. And that was our key goal and that's why we're working through this plan today," said Mike Godsy, superintendent of Santa Cruz Parks and Recreation.
State beaches, the county, and the city of Santa Cruz all collaborated on the plan. They said this is simply the new normal.
"Trying to catch up with defunct infrastructure from prior storms a year ago, to ensure asset protection for the future, the best approach is this regional closure," said Godsy.
Included in the closure was the Santa Cruz Wharf. It was just December when a portion of the structure collapsed into the ocean.
"I think it's a good precaution cause the last time people could have died," said Thomas Goode, of Santa Cruz.
Still, those visiting Santa Cruz on Friday needed to make alternate plans instead of visiting the beaches or wharf. Carla Alba came to watch the waves.
"I don't think that's a disappointment. This part has always been one of the nicest aspects of this area," said Alba, who was visiting from Los Angeles.
These waves put on a show but thankfully appeared to cause no new damage.
"I could see for an out-of-towner, though, being a little disappointed on the wharf, because if you've got a couple of kids, and you want somewhere to eat, I could kinda see that. But we're more surf people anyway, so we want to come see these crazy breaks, right?" said Dave Alba.
What's next:
The high surf warning is in effect until 3 a.m., and officials said people should still be on the lookout for sneaker waves. The wharf and beaches are expected to reopen early Saturday morning.
The Source: Interviews with residents, visitors of Santa Cruz, and the Santa Cruz Parks and Recreation department.