A stand-up paddler swims at sea near Cabrillo Beach in the San Pedro neighborhood of Los Angeles February 17, 2015. An annual Beach Report Card, released Wednesday, June 14, 2023, concludes that California is experiencing historic winter rainfall, high runoff rates and dirtier waters along the coast. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong, file)

SANTA MONICA, Calif. (AP) — An annual Beach Report Card released Wednesday concludes that historic winter rainfall in California is causing high runoff rates and dirtier water along the coast.

According to Heal The Bay, only two beaches nationwide made the 2022-2023 honors list: Bean Hollow State Beach in San Mateo County, south of San Francisco, and Point Loma in San Diego County.

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In the last poll, 51 beaches made the honors list. The non-profit environmental organization examines more than 500 beaches and assigns letter grades from A-plus to F.

The extremely wet winter has led to several rain-induced sewage spills and washed pollutants, including bacteria, into the sea through storm drains, the report said.

“Record rainfall this year had a major impact on water quality along the California coast,” said Tracy Quinn, CEO of Heal the Bay. “Now more than ever we must prioritize projects with multiple benefits to manage stormwater as a water quality and supply solution while ensuring the public remains informed of public health risks.”

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Still, the group said 95% of all beaches in the state received an A or B rating for water quality from April to October 2022, the months when most people travel to the coast.

The worst beaches are on the “beach bummer” list for chronic pollution that could make swimmers and surfers sick. According to Heal The Bay, four of the state’s ten dirtiest beaches are in San Mateo County — Linda Mar, Marlin Park, Erckenbrack Park, and Pillar Point.

Topping the list of the most polluted beaches were Playa Blanca near Tijuana, on the San Diego County border, and the beach around the Santa Monica Pier.

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December 14, 2021

A boogie boarder rides the high waves at Ocean Beach in San Francisco, California on December 8, 2020.

Douglas Zimmerman/SFGATE

Large waves generated by storms and winds in the Pacific Ocean deliver monster waves to the beaches of the San Francisco Bay Area, prompting the National Weather Service to issue the warning, “Never turn your back on the ocean.”

The Weather Service issued a high surf warning through 10 a.m. Wednesday, warning of large breaking waves of up to 20 to 25 feet.

The recommendation applies to the North Bay coastal region, including Point Reyes National Seashore, the San Francisco Peninsula coast, San Francisco, Monterey Bay and the Big Sur coast.

“Breaking waves can sweep people from jetties and docks into cold and dangerous seas where hypothermia or drowning can occur within a minute,” the weather service warned. “Inexperienced swimmers should stay out of the water due to dangerous surf conditions.”

In these conditions, waves are expected to run further up the beach than usual and the breaking surf can catch beach-walkers off guard.

“The swell is coming up behind the storm,” Weather Service meteorologist Jeff Lorber said. “It came about through a lot of activity in the North Pacific. The swell peaked yesterday but will be bolstered by north-westerly winds today which will create dangerous conditions on the beaches.”

Amy Graff is the news editor for SFGATE. Born and raised in the Bay Area, she began her career in the news at UC Berkeley’s Daily Californian newspaper, majoring in English literature. She has been with SFGATE for more than 10 years. You can email her at araff@sfgate.com.

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A storm that churned in the Gulf of Alaska sent the first major swell of the season to the Bay Area beaches Monday night, with waves up to 5 to 17 feet forecast for through Tuesday.

The biggest waves are predicted for northwest facing beaches from Sonoma County to Monterey County, including Ocean Beach in SF, Montara State Beach, and Marina State Beach.

The National Weather Service has a beach hazard statement that is in effect through 11 p.m. Tuesday. “Never turn your back on the sea,” warned the weather service.

This is the first beach hazard declaration that the weather service has issued for the region since March.

“This is the transition period when we will see larger northwest waves,” said Anna Schneider, a forecaster at the Bay Area Weather Service’s office. “It’s not that big compared to what we get in winter, but it’s a lot bigger than what we’ve seen all summer. Since it’s the first swell of the season, we wanted to make that statement.”

The warning comes after a cold front hit the Bay Area on Monday evening, bringing rain and light drizzle to the region. While the temperatures were cold on Monday morning, the sky was crystal clear and provided nice conditions for a stroll on the beach.

Beach goers should be aware of increased wave activity, torrential currents and waves that run further up the beach than usual.

“Waves will be able to knock down beach goers, with the risk of being drawn into the cold, turbulent sea water,” warned the weather service in its forecast.

Wednesday marks the start of a warming trend as offshore winds are expected to blow warmer air from the inland valleys towards the coast.

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SAN FRANCISCO (KPIX) – Sunday is the last day for the public to ponder a plan to collect fees at some national parks in the Bay Area.

The Golden Gate National Recreation Area is part of the national park system that was built for the good of the people, but now it looks like the people who actually visit the parks need to help maintain them.

Saturday was National Public Lands Day, a day all national parks can be visited for free. In San Francisco, Baker Beach, with its spectacular views of the Golden Gate Bridge, is always free, but that may not last long by the time you head there. The GGNRA plans to charge $ 3 an hour up to $ 10 a day for parking. That didn’t go over so well with those used to being free.

“Some people can’t afford to get out and just think parking is another place they can’t come and enjoy,” said Priscilla Haynes, who visited Baker Beach from home in San Jose.

“I don’t think it will hit the tourists that much,” said Gemma Southerington from Vallejo. “I don’t think this would be a primary target so I think it would harm the locals more than anything.”

The fees would be charged for parking at Baker Beach, China Beach, Stinson Beach, Rodeo Beach, Lands End, Sutro Heights, Navy Memorial, and Fort Cronkhite. The Golden Gate National Recreation Area was the second most-visited national park in America in 2020, and the park district says it needs the money for basic needs like garbage collection and janitorial services.

“We are viewing these fees as a last resort to cover some of the costs that have increased dramatically from the extreme visits to some areas of the park,” said Juan Espinoza, spokesman for the National Parks Service.

“I don’t believe you when you say that,” says Donel Haines, who spends a lot of time on Baker Beach. “I think a lot of money is being wasted.” He said much of the beach cleanup is done by volunteers and he thinks the government is simply not efficient with its spending.

“The cost of things has gotten out of hand,” he said. “That bears no relation to the basic activities of the people.”

His opinions weren’t unique. Many of the people we spoke to have wondered why the parks’ budget doesn’t seem to be able to cover basic expenses.

“I’m not sure where the money is going,” said Shontre Jackson from Vallejo. “I mean, I hope they have good intentions with it, but knowing what they’re actually doing is, he says, she says.”

“There are advantages and disadvantages, right?” said John Strishak of Berkeley. “On the one hand, you want to make sure that the park stays clean. On the other hand, you want to make sure that everyone can use it. Where do you draw this line? “

But Susan Mah, visiting from Burlingame, thinks it’s important to pay to keep things nice.

“Change is hard when people aren’t used to paying,” she said, “but at the end of the day it’s worth it. The low price – $ 5.10 – would be worth it to me. “

The public comment period ends on Sunday and, if approved, would begin gradually over several years from mid to late 2022. To learn more or to leave a comment on the parking fee plan, visit this GGNRA page.

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LOS ANGELES – Sunshine drew crowds to California’s beaches and parks on Sunday despite a statewide stay-at-home order, leading to further closings as officials announced plans to step up testing for the coronavirus.

Santa Monica closed oceanfront parking lots to deter people from visiting its famous beach, and Los Angeles was due to do the same in neighboring Venice Beach starting Monday to help curb the spread of the virus.

Most of the people on the sand made sure to follow the guidelines to stay 6 feet away from others. But spacing became an issue in popular areas like Venice’s Promenade, leading Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti to reprimand visitors for “being too close together too often”.

“The longer we do this, the more people will get sick and more people will die,” Garcetti said at an evening press conference.

Dozens of parks, trails, and facilities in the Los Angeles area that were overseen by the Mountain Recreation and Conservation Authority were closed on Sunday.

In the San Francisco Bay Area, authorities have closed Drakes Beach, Agate Beach, and other popular coastal locations, including Point Reyes Lighthouse and Chimney Rock Headlands.

President Donald Trump passed a major disaster statement on Sunday in support of California’s COVID-19 preparedness and emergency response. The move will free up federal funds to help with mass supplies and emergency aid, unemployment assistance and legal assistance in the event of disasters.

Trump also announced that he had ordered the Federal Emergency Management Agency to send mobile hospital centers to California, Washington and New York.

When the U.S. Navy ship Mercy arrives in Los Angeles, it will open 1,000 beds and become the city’s largest hospital, Garcetti said. The time of the ship’s arrival was not disclosed.

The mayor said the city will set up a website this week that will direct people to centers where they can be tested for the virus. The first tests would be reserved for the “most vulnerable people,” including those with symptoms, those aged 65 and over, and those with pre-existing conditions, the mayor said.

In neighboring Riverside County, testing began this weekend in a drive-through facility outside a minor league ballpark in Lake Elsinore.

Governor Gavin Newsom’s order last week that Californians should stay home to contain the pandemic in the nation’s most populous state was by far the most comprehensive and was followed by similar announcements in New York and Illinois.

California is one of the hardest hit states, with more than 1,600 confirmed cases and 30 deaths on Sunday, according to a record from Johns Hopkins University.

Newsom has said that COVID-19 virus infection rates are doubling every four days in some areas. He predicted that millions could contract the virus in the next two months if aggressive prevention is not taken.

Newsom ordered $ 42 million in emergency funding to allow the state to rent two hospitals – Seton Medical Center in Daly City and St. Vincent Medical Center in Los Angeles – for three months to serve patients with COVID-19 supply.

The emergency fund will also be used to buy or refurbish ventilators, provide more patient transportation services, and expand testing capacity in a government laboratory.

Residents were instructed to stay away from others, not to gather in groups, and to wash their hands frequently. They can get food, fill out prescriptions, seek medical help, look after vulnerable relatives or neighbors, and get exercise, such as going for a walk.

Petrol stations, supermarkets and convenience stores were open, as were auto repair shops. Those who did important services, such as plumbers and electricians, continued to work. But restaurants only delivered or offered take-away.

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WORKING DAY: This is where the Bay Area beaches are open and closed

Dozens of campfires burned on Ocean Beach Sunday night, which is not allowed during Spare the Air days. This after a day that consisted of hot temperatures, smoky conditions and massive crowds along the beaches.

“We were absolutely shocked when we got to the beach today. I mean, we actually thought we should go back to the car and get our masks because we’re not used to seeing so many people,” says Muffi Bailey, who lives in San Francisco.

Ocean Beach parking was closed after an estimated thousand people showed up Saturday night to celebrate Burning Man.

RELATED: San Francisco Closes Ocean Beach Parking Lot After Big Saturday Meeting, Mayor Says

Even so, many parked nearby and went inside on Sunday. Others opted for different locations like Crissy Field’s East Beach.

“It’s about as full as I’ve never seen it before,” said Chris Apicella from San Francisco.

Crissy Field East Beach in San Francisco is packed. One man said it was busier than he’s seen in 20 years. Some people told me other beaches are closed so they came here. You could really smell smoke earlier in the day, but right now it’s not that bad. @ abc7newsbayarea pic.twitter.com/SG0MmlFFzV

– JR Stone (@jrstonelive) September 7, 2020

Most of the Sunday smoke in the Bay Area came from two fires. Both the Woodward and August fires burn north of San Francisco.

Add three-digit temperatures and you have additional concerns in some areas.

Ralph Borrmann of the Bay Area Air Quality Management District said, “This is leading to high levels of ozone, particularly in parts of Santa Clara and the Livermore Valley.”

RECORD HEAT: SF hits 100 degrees, more than 10 cities in the Bay Area hit record temperatures

“People still enjoy themselves, but it’s not the bay we’re used to seeing, it’s not beautiful San Francisco that people visit,” said Austin Teece of Berkeley.

Still as crowded as these beaches. The attitude was positive. The spirit was festive and everything was topped with a spectacular sunset and the hope that we could meet during a hot, smoky pandemic.

“We’re doing our best and I think we just have to try not to match every last letter of every little regulation 100%. Just be patient with all of us, you know,” said one beachgoer Sunday.

The parking lots at Ocean Beach are still closed and will be closed until Tuesday.

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