While we’re checking our ceilings for cracks and listening to reports on earthquake-related water main breaks, I recommend that we all whisper a quick prayer to the patron saint of sewer lines,* because Long Beach Harbor is the storm drain for the entire LA basin.

Four beach closures so far this summer, 31 sewage spills since January. Long Beach is responsible for some of this: Mother’s Beach, Colorado Lagoon, Alamitos Bay and Marine Stadium were closed Saturday when raw sewage gurgled out of a Bellflower Blvd. manhole and oozed its way into Spinnaker Bay, the result of a massive plug of grease in the sewer line. In other words, Long Beach residents need to stop pouring grease down their drains (didn’t your mother ever teach you anything?) and the city needs to find the funds/political will/workers to scour out the grease at more frequent intervals.

Even without the local mishaps our harbor would still be vile. So pour your grease into the garbage, and join the breakwater debate: The District’s Jennifer Stockdale will tell you everything you need to know.

* Most likely Vincent Ferrar (1350-1458), the saint who intercedes for plumbers.

Tags: beach, breakwater, earthquake, jennifer stockdale, Long Beach, Los Angeles River

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Paul Brennan 3 months ago 1 point
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I’m sure Vincent Ferrar is worth every votive candle he gets, but in this case I’d suggest going with St. Adelelmus. In the early 12th century, Adelelmus-- in addition to maintaining a heavy schedule of general saintliness-- designed and oversaw the building of the first city sewage system in Burgos, Spain. He must of done a good job, since as part of his eternal reward he’s the patron saint of Burgos (where he’s known somewhat less formally as San Lesmes).

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