Beach Report Cards and Water Status

http://www.healthebay.org/brc/statemap.asp

Here's a list of the most polluted beaches in California, as compiled by the environmental group Heal the Bay on its annual "Beach Report Card."  It changes as a function of time, so what's funkified today may clear up by next week (unless of course, its Santa Monica Bay).  I'm really surprised to see Humboldt show up in the top ten.

1. Avalon Harbor Beach on Catalina Island (Los Angeles County)

2. Santa Monica Municipal Pier (Los Angeles County)

3. Poche Beach (Orange County)

4. North Beach Doheny (Orange County)

5. Marie Canyon Drain at Puerco Beach (Los Angeles County)

6. Cabrillo Beach harborside (Los Angeles County)

7. City of Long Beach, multiple locations (Los Angeles County)

8. Campbell Cove State Park Beach (Sonoma County)

9. Clam Beach County Park near Strawberry Creek (Humboldt County)

10. Pismo Beach Pier (San Luis Obispo County)

I'm really surprised to see Humboldt show up in the top ten.

9. Clam Beach County Park near Strawberry Creek (Humboldt County)

Yeah - that blows!  I haven't gone to that beach since I saw a guy with a crowbar in the parking lot about 14 years ago.  Near Strawberry Creek is where the 4-wheelers can access the beach, and it's 5 seconds off of 101 too, so I guess the amount of traffic it gets is what landed it on here - too many cigarette butts, fuel residue, piles of dog $hiite...   

too many cigarette butts, fuel residue, piles of dog $hiite...   

If dog $hit was a criteria, mitchell cove would never leave the No. 1 slot.  That beach has more landmines than Normandy 1943.