After surveying damage from a powerful winter storm, Huntington Beach Public Works Supervisor Terry Tintle said flooding and fallen trees required some clean-up but the City and neighboring Sunset Beach fared pretty well.
“Unfortunately the combination of powerful winds and rain caused a large Red Gum Eucalyptus Tree limb to fall on the walking bridge at Huntington Lake in Central Park,” he said. “The bridge is closed until the repairs are made.”
Dave Sandler walks in the park daily with his wife, Sandy, and noticed the damage. “We love the trees in the park and it’s especially sad for the double crested cormorants who nest in these trees,” he said.
After surveying storm damage, Huntington Beach Public Works Department jumped into action to make repairs said Mayor Casey McKeon. “Their team worked around the clock to minimize negative impacts of the recent storms,” he said. “The department works year-round to maintain close to 80 parks, streets and nearly 10 miles of beaches, which helps prevent even more damage. We are extremely grateful for their hard work and service,” he said.
While some flooding did occur at places like The Warner Shopping Center at Warner & Goldenwest, Daniel Espinoza of Two Brothers Pizza said there was no damage inside their eatery and customers managed to maneuver their way into the restaurant. “Diners told us they were able to avoid the flooded area by turning around and driving into several other entrances till the pool of water diminished.”
“I noticed the wind destroyed a fence at Everyday California kayaking rentals in Sunset Beach,” said Mike Van Voorhis, a former Huntington Harbour Commission chair, who recalled previous storms with flooding on Pacific Coast Highway—and even a tornado more than a decade ago! “By comparison, we survived this storm fairly well.”
