2:40pm | Don’t think for one second that we’ve forgotten about that giant pile of rocks sitting just off the coast of Long Beach.
While the Army Corps of Engineers continues to decide whether or not it will permit the partial reconfiguration of the Long Beach breakwater – possibly improving water quality and maybe even reintroducing waves to the beach – City Councilmember Patrick O’Donnell will host an event tomorrow evening as part of his campaign to make May the Breakwater Awareness Month (BAM).
The event is called “Big Thursday” and will include a historical photo exhibit, screenings of surfing and breakwater documentaries at Shelter Surf Shop on 2148 E. Fourth Street. There will also be an awards presentation for local activists. Big Thursday is free to attend.
“I encourage everyone to come out to “Big Thursday” to get a true Breakwater experience,” said O’Donnell, in a press release. The event is from 6:00-8:00pm.
After years of debate and a very public push to remove or at least change the breakwater, the Long Beach City Council commissioned a study produced by a local engineering firm to determine the best way to alter the structure. The report was presented last summer and the Army Corps of Engineers is currently considering its findings. An announcement on the Corps’ decision is expected within the next few weeks.
Two more BAM-related events are scheduled for this weekend.
Local surfers and other residents will attend a funeral-style event in memory of waves in Long Beach at 10:00am on Saturday, May 22. Guests should wear black, or wetsuits, and will paddle out from Ocean & Granada Avenue. The event will wrap up with an update and presentation from Long Beach Government Affairs Advisor Tom Modica, who has been closely involved in the breakwater process.
There will also be another community meeting to discuss the breakwater study at Ecco’s Pizza, from 7:00-8:30pm on May 24.