Long Beach Breakwater Controversy

Federal wnats and needs change over time. They are inert when it comes to local issues. They should have given the rocks to the city years ago. The claims of depressed values is interesting as the rocks have been there before most of us were alive. They will more than likely order a study.

Laurie, I am not sure that my question recorded on your other blog, so I will ask it here.  What reason did the California Senators give for not sponsering a Bill?

Laurie, interesting... I was not aware of this.

Eric,

The study has been ordered.  I wouldn't say that the breakwater is the reason for lower home values, but a clean ocean with waves would certainly increase desirability.

George,

It seems that Congressman Rohrabacher is more concerned with catering to his Orange County base.  It seems that has been what has ensured his re-election.  No reason was provided. 

Irina,

We have 2 large run-off canals that pour into the bay on either side of Long Beach.  All of the trash that accumulates in the canals during our extended dry season pours into the bay, along with whatever has been dumped into the canals throughout the Los Angeles area.  Something has to be done.

The third large run off canal runs through Mar Vista and Santa Monica dumping into the open ocean without any obstructions.  This keeps the water circulating and pulling out into the deeper waters with the natural motion of the tide.   

We would like the same consideration.   

The homes in Alamitos Bay can be protected by making the beaches longer, which would involve dredging sand from the bay up and onto the existing beaches.   

Laurie I learned something new.  From what you described the original purpose for the breakwater is no longer relevant and it does interrupt the natural flow of the water thus leading to not so clean water.  I tend to agree  with the residents that this probably has an adverse effect on tourism.  Keep us posted.

Laurie - Very interesting post.  It will be interesting to see how this all gets worked out.  Your photos was really something to see.  I don't recall there being enough surf for surfers in Long Beach.  Wonder when that photo was taken, perhaps pre breakwater.

Long Beach has always been a step child to the rest of the area.. it would be nice for the powers that be to make it the really coll place it could be..

Laurie, I had no idea the Federal goverment was in control of any city in California!!!!

Laurie - that is so interesting - I had no idea Long Beach had this - great information! 

Jennifer,

That does seem to be the general consensus.  The original purpose has not been relevant for many decades.   Although the coastline has been built up with the breakwater in mind.  They will have to consider the effect on the coastline, homes and business that exist today, if nature is allowed to take her course.  Tourism would be a much larger industry here if our waters were clean.  It will be a very long time before this is all resolved. 

Marlene,

That is a historic picture of Old Long Beach before the breakwater was built and the waves flowed in freely.  Notice the Villa Riviera in the background as statuesque and beautiful today as it was then.  This picture was taken at the Downtown Long Beach site of the old Pike.  There is a harbor there now which would not be affected by the removal of the breakwater.  This is close to the port and the dock where the luxury cruise lines come in.  

The area affected would be a bit south in the more residental areas of Belmont Shore and The Peninsula at Alamitos Bay.  

Kaye,

Long Beach is already a very cool place, but you are correct it is still considered a step child to some of the more expensive beach areas North and South of us.  We in Long Beach see a unique kind of beauty not present in these more expensive areas with mostly newer builds.  We are proud of our historic homes and heritage.  

Bringing back the tides and cleaning out our bay would enhance the Long Beach living experience and be a boon to our tourism industry.  

Mana,

The federal government owns and is responsible for the breakwater.  It was built for national security to protect us against submarines and torpedo's during WWII.   Their control does not extend to the City of Long Beach. 

Cyndee,

Any breakwaters down in Florida? 

Wow!  I didn't know they had these kind of studies.  I'm curious to see what Cyndee says about the beaches here in FL!

Do they really know for sure it was able to withstand torpedoes?

Feinstein and Boxer are more interested in trying to bring back "The Fairness Doctrine".

Were I live we have had so many studies done on the beach but no amendments, resolutions. I hope that this study goes beyond being just a study.Very interesting blog, What is the next step ? Will it be put to the ballot if there is a resolution to get rid of the Long Beach breakwater? One way or the other it is an election year so I would like to see who is going to support it. I can see why it would create stagnant under current. Let nature be.  

Susie,  I am curious also.

Neal,  Don't know the answer to that and don't have to worry about it either.  Torpedo's are so yesterday in today's war games.  Today's weapons of mass destruction are much more frightening.  I am thinking clean water.

Lenn,  Polititions! Ugh!

Lloyd,  Lloyd, this study is a precursor to the next level of studies, you know how that goes.  If this project goes anywhere it will be at least 5 years out or so.  At least it is getting started.   

Laurie, this is even worst than what I originally thought... I hope this project comes through for Long Beach.  How very sad...

BTW, I think we're waaaaaaay past the torpedoes age. 

Interesting information, I was not aware of this either! 

I wonder if they are afraid to do anything from both a cost and liability perspective? 

I remember this being an issue when I lived in the area in the nineties.  Nothing was done back then either.  That thing is absolutely huge, would be an astronomical undertaking to remove it.

Irina,

I hope the project makes it through all of the studies also.  It would be lovely to have clean water here again.

All this talk about torpedos is cracking me up.

Ana,

I think in the end the million dollar homes will win out over the environment, but I hope I am wrong.

Jeff,

At least the City Council approved a study this time.  Will probably go nowhere though.  

Good Morning Laurie-

'Deaf Ears'?

In Washington?

Nahhhhh - that's not possible!

Right - back to reality......

I can understand the original reason for the breakwaters, but as that threat no longer exists I would think that even the densest politician would see the need to go back to the original state of things and improve the beaches.

Good Luck!

Marc,

LOL!  I hope you are right.  I would love to see the waves rolling in again.   

Good diving off the wrecks out there, though...

There's no need for a study in my opinion, just take it down. The water is disgusting and what kind of beach is it with no waves. Down with the breakwater!

Yeah!  Man the torpedo's, break out the dyn-o-mite, lets have a beach party!  LOL!  Where the heck is Moon Doggie?

Shari,

That would be because Santa Monica and Long Beach are the lucky recipients of the largest runoff canals in the City of Los Angeles.  Actually Long Beach beaches are pretty clean, residents get together weekly and help out.  

It would be nice if the City did SOMETHING about getting the water in both areas to at least acceptable levels.   

Sometimes a petition drive can work; however, petitions don't usually sway the Washington guys; geeze, nothing like having your voting rights and decisions ignored. How many people live in Long Beach? Enough to affect the vote in the next election compared to Orange County votes? :-)  Very interesting read

Carole,  I believe LB has about 500k residents.  I doubt that it is enough to sway the vote, but I'll just bet that some people in the OC would like our water cleaned up as well, it has to be affecting the water there as well.  We'll see what happens.  

Wow Laurie, I never knew this existed.  As an avid surfer and beach lover I 100% agree that this should be taken down, or at least part of it.  Keep me posted on any news.  I would think the Surfrider Foundation would definitely get on board, if they are not already, and help bring attention to this issue.

Joe, I am certain that every surfer and green-o-lina in Southern California would agree with you, and every homeowner in Alamitos Bay wouldn't.  There-in lies the problem.