Long Beach Workers Prepare for High Tide with Emergency Sand Berms

On Sunday morning, workers from the City of Long Beach engaged in urgent preparations to construct a sand berm that extends westward from 62nd Place on the Long Beach peninsula. With only two hours remaining before high tide, the situation remained tense.

Challenges Faced by City Workers

During the construction efforts, city groundskeeper Robert Quinonez expressed doubts about whether they could build the berm sufficiently high to prevent water from surging onto the street, as it had done the previous day. Following a fierce storm, the residential streets were still half-filled with remnants of sand washed ashore, with sandbags strategically placed in front of homes to mitigate flooding.

The sand operation involved a track hoe operator who quickly maneuvered to dig into a mound of sand, effectively dropping it to form the berm. “We build as much as we can up, and just…” Quinonez noted, indicating the urgency of their situation.

Community Impact and Resident Perspectives

Among the onlookers was 56-year-old Alphonso Tubbs, who recently purchased a condo on the street. Expressing relief that his new home was located on the safer side of the construction site, Tubbs remarked, “Just imagine if I was just on that side. They’re about to get smashed,” pointing toward the east.

Another resident, Marianna Messina, a 23-year veteran of Long Beach, praised the city’s response, stating that ongoing operations to pump out water and clean up the thick layer of sand left behind have been “excellent.” However, the aftermath has been tough for many; Messina shared that a friend’s home had been tagged as unsafe.

Financial Investment in Coastal Protection

According to city officials during a public briefing on Saturday, Long Beach had already allocated approximately $1 million to address the challenges posed by the severe weather conditions on the peninsula.

Ongoing Efforts Against Rising Water

By 8:30 a.m. Sunday, city workers were actively managing water pumps as they contended with a steady flow of water in an alley between 63rd and 64th Place. Suddenly, a significant volume of water began to cascade down 63rd Place and onto Ocean Boulevard. “It’s coming,” shouted one of the workers in a moment of urgency.

Meanwhile, nearby residents were shoveling sand to create makeshift channels to redirect the water. Jason Kravetz, 57, observed the impending water flow and remarked, “Here comes one,” as he prepared for the incoming surge.

As the water flowed, Robert Martin, 67, worked diligently to clear the path despite standing in the rushing water. “It’s still coming,” Kravetz noted, capturing the ongoing struggle of residents battling the impact of the rising tides.

Hopes for Better Conditions

Despite the continuing threats, Kravetz remained optimistic during a brief pause. “So far, I think it’s a good sign,” he said, noting that the waves appeared calmer compared to previous days. However, just moments later, a powerful wave surged, prompting him to dash back to assist in their flood control efforts. “Hey, it worked, you guys,” he exclaimed, celebrating a small victory as their efforts momentarily held back the tide.

The situation in Long Beach highlights the community’s resilience in the face of natural challenges and emphasizes the importance of rapid emergency preparedness.