Community members react to flooding in Rio Del Mar Beach area
APTOS, Calif. (KION-TV)- UPDATE ON DEC. 28, 2023 AT 5:25 PM- It was a familiar sight for community members who live around Rio Del Mar Esplanade.
"Its a pure state of panic to be honest as far as the community goes cuz you know there is plenty out there that are not prepared," Jill Vernor who lives in Rio Del Mar Beach said.
Vernor said that her family has owned a home on Beach Drive since 1960's. For Vernor, flooding near her home is like a broken record.
"“This is devastating to keep going through this, and seeing what its doing to this community," Vernor said. "We are barely back up and running and this hits again.”
However for many people who live in Santa Cruz County, they wanted to get a glimpse of the waves.
“I wanted to see what was washing up and I was kind of wanted see the cement ship it’s just taken a ponding the past few years," Lisa Locatelli who lives in Santa Cruz said.
We asked Vernor if she plans on moving from her home on Beach Drive.
"“I love this place, I love Aptos, no storms gonna chase me out of here so I will be here protecting this place forever," Vernor said.
All evacuation warnings have been lifted in Santa Cruz County.
Original Story
California State Parks to partially close areas of Seacliff State Beach and Rio Del Mar Beach due to high tide warnings
Starting on Wednesday morning, California State Parks will be closing a couple of areas at Seacliff State Beach and Rio Del Mar Beach due to inclement weather conditions.
Park officials said they will be closing the following locations due to upcoming high tide and storm conditions.
- Seacliff State Beach lower day-use area and former campground areas.
- Rio Del Mar Esplanade
- Rio Del Mar Platform areas.
Park staff said that they will be evaluating those areas on Friday to determine if they are safe to reopen.
