Local businesses prepare for upcoming storm

Leslie Wetsel runs Paradise Beach Grille in Capitola and with it facing the beach and ocean in the Capitola Village, she and her staff are busy moving tables and tying down patio furniture.

“We sand bag all the doors and sometimes we might even sandbag the front in case it comes through this way and it gets flooded on the street…We don’t want it coming through the street.”

It’s a routine Wetsel says brings back memories 17 years ago with a large storm, it sent water flowing right into the restaurant, “You felt like you had an entire hurricane coming through the building. it was awful, now we know to sandbag the doors. we’re getting rid of all the plants and just preparing in hopes it doesn’t come through.”

Residents across Santa Cruz County have the same idea. Hardware stores and building material businesses have been packed with people stocking up on sandbags.

“Since about 6:30a.m. this morning the phone has been ringing for sandbags and the people have been lined up ever since,” said Central Home Supply general manager Mike Lavelle.
Lavalle says they’ve sold hundreds of sandbags and other storm gear and sales have more than doubled in just one day.

“It’s been quite a fury down here today – we can’t seem to sack them fast enough.”