It’s been a busy Friday morning for us here at City Hall, at Marine Safety, and at Public Works.  Here’s what you should know in a nutshell:

• Many noted (us included, of course) the Broadway / Coast Highway flooding.  This is occurring because of a combination of things – the storm swell, the tide level, and the possibility of the presence of a Kelvin Wave (which is not so much a wave, but a higher height to expected tides).  The tide level and waves push into the Laguna / Broadway channel and flood this low-lying area.  It is not wastewater, but it is pretty icky.  While we’ve got equipment out there working daily to clear the channel’s drainage, this isn’t an easy battle – folks should plan on that stretch of Coast Highway being impacted at high tides for several more days.  Use your secret detours, Laguna.

• Aliso Beach is taking some big hits.  While we added rip-rap following Hurricane Marie’s remnants, this one is hitting Aliso hard.  The waves picked up and moved cement trash cans and cement benches well into the parking area.  We’ve closed the coastal parking lot and are asking that folks – even pedestrians – stay away from there at least for the next few days, as the waves are projected to get larger.  It is not safe to be close to the water should a large wave sneak up on you.  As of about 10:30-ish this morning, the Aliso Creek berm naturally breached, as there was a lot of water backed up into the creek (post breach shown below).

• We’re watching the next few days.  We expect them to not be too rainy (but a bit windy) – our main attention will be on the shoreline.  If you see something, say something – use Ask Laguna for any situation you’re concerned about (unless it’s a life-safety event – then of course call 911).  Surfline projects that this event will be with us for 14-16 days, with today being NOT the extreme (!).

All in all, this is pretty significant.  Most Laguna long-timers say they haven’t seen it like this before.  Or at least in recent memory.  Please remind folks to be extra careful by the water, stay off rocks, stay aware of your surroundings, don’t go in unless you’re an expert swimmer or surfer, listen to lifeguards, call in problems when you see them – phew, that’s a lot.
It still will be a great fall weekend, though (band still playing tonight 5-7 at the Promenade, lots of other events, too) – please enjoy it and be careful out there.