Due to the lack of wave action and recreational surf, increased water stagnation, and high bacteria levels, there was a vote amongst the Harbor Commission whether or not to support the Long Beach City Council in a $100,000 joint fun to study the reconfiguration of the Long Beach Breakwater. Surfrider Foundation has held meetings continuously trying to gain support of the city. Unfortunately, on August 20, the Harbor Commission decided 3-2 denying the support and financial aid toward this study. The study that had been proposed in July by the City Council would consider the impacts of removing or reconfiguring the breakwater. This vote simply meant putting money toward the study, not for the actual reconfiguration. Commissioner James Hankla, Doris Topsy Elvord, and Mike Walter rejected the idea while Commission President Mario Cordero and Commissioner Nick Sramek supported. Sramek has the right idea in saying that regardless of the board's position on the issue, this is a concern that must be studied. This study is simply finding out data and understanding what can be done to improve Long Beach. For the Port to be so concerned in promoting a green environmental policy, they should look at how to improve Long Beach and the quality of the water. As another advocate for the study, Fourth District Councilman Patrick O'Donnell says that by refusing to participate, the commissioners "missed the boat".
I am impressed with the Long Beach City Council's decision to support the study of reconfiguring the breakwater. The Long Beach Chapter of Surfrider Foundation has continuously fought for this issue, and they have finally gained some recognition. It is unfortunate that the port has decided not to participate. I think that the study of the breakwater should still be conducted, and the money will have to be found elsewhere. Many people realize that Long Beach has water quality issues, and many are also starting to realize that the Long Beach Breakwater plays a major role in this issue. I would like to see someone step forward soon because the funding for this study could have a major impact in the future years of Long Beach.
The Press Telegram
2 comments:
I don't understand how the port can look the other way on this issue? They can see reports that other people have done, and can see for themselves by looking at the water. I would like to ask them, how is it that they can not reach into their pockets a little deeper, and find a sollution for the problem of the unhealthy water in their port? im sure it will benefit the port and the wider community in the future.
D. Ray New Zealand
I am with you on that one. I am quite uncertain how the port can look the other way. Hopefully everyone else will begin to see this problem as well and start to address the port of their concerns. This is unfortunate, but we need to look elsewhere for funds rather than let the port determine Long Beach's future.
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