Big cleanup underway at Santa Cruz beaches

After a weekend of high surf and pounding waves, crews are facing the mammoth task of removing driftwood and debris from beaches in the city of Santa Cruz.

“It reminds me how powerful the ocean is because I think people underestimate that a little bit,” said Marisa Frueh, a Scotts Valley native who was watching the waves Monday.

On Cowell Beach, there was so much debris, most of which came from the San Lorenzo River, that public works crews were out with a bulldozer carrying it away by the truckload.

“We are trying to get this cleaned up so it doesn’t keep washing in and out of the tide,” said Santa Cruz wharf supervisor Jon Bombaci. “It’s also a hazard for people who are using the beach and playing in the surf.”

According to Bombaci, they had to keep the wharf closed until late Saturday because the waves were just too big.

“We were looking at 20 to 25 foot (waves) inside, so there’s a danger there that you might have waves take out fence sections or injure people,” said Bombaci.

The wharf is still in “suitable” shape, according to Bombaci, but the large waves are here to stay until at least Tuesday. That’s no problem for surfer Shane Sinnott and his buddy..

“We are going to go right off the wharf,” said Sinnott. “It looks fun over there.” Bombaci, however, recommends being extra careful if you plan on getting in or even if you are just walking near the water.

“Just check your surroundings and never turn your back on the ocean,” said Bombaci.

After cleaning up Cowell Beach, crews have their eyes on Main Beach on the other side of the wharf but that’s a tough task that will have to wait until Tuesday.

It’s not all bad though, at least for Lisa Bagnall, who is finding a silver lining in a messy beach. “I am collecting driftwood to bring to preschool tomorrow so our students can paint on them,” said Bagnall.

The high surf advisory is in effect until Tuesday morning at 3 a.m.