Community Corner

Story in Photos: Tsunami Watch in Santa Cruz

Locals spent their morning waiting to see the tsunami....Make sure to check fascinating USGS video attached about tsunami causes.

Some Santa Cruz residents got ready for the tsunami in typical Santa Cruz fashion. They got out to watch the waves and planned to go eat breakfast afterward.  

Some were nervous, but most didn't believe a tragedy like the one that devastated Thailand several years ago could happen here. While Highway 17 was packed and moving at 10 miles an hour, along the beaches people passed through "Road Closed" signs to get a view. 

California Highway Patrol officers waved them on, without stopping them, even in Rio del Mar, which is only 8 feet above sea level.

Find out what's happening in Santa Cruzwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

"Somebody woke me and told me about it," said Rio del Mar resident Bert Smith, 87. "I had just taken a sleeping pill. Then my daughter came and got me and said, 'Let's go watch it and then go out to breakfast. It's very exciting.' I locked my cat upstairs, and he's going to be very unhappy."

Marketing executive Michelle Pate, 44, was calm, but watching carefully.

Find out what's happening in Santa Cruzwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

"It's probably not going to happen," she said. "But I live right in the flats, so I didn't want to take a chance."

The mobile homes that fill Seacliff State Park were evacuated and moved to the upper parking lot, and some businesses were closed close to the beach.

Across Highway 1 at Heather's Bakery, the mood was lighter. Charlie, who goes just by his first name, was buying coffee and a pastry wearing a swimsuit and goggles. 

"I'm ready," he said. 


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