Enduring California’s Environmental Challenges: Genevieve Beals’ Story

As waves relentlessly crash over Long Beach’s Peninsula, resident Genevieve Beals stands witness to repeated environmental calamities. In Corona, wildfires forced her to evacuate twice from her condominium, leaving her with a lingering anxiety. “I had to be evacuated twice,” Beals shares, explaining the heightened sensitivity that results from seeing even ordinary sunlight reflections on distant hills.

On June 24, 2024, as the Serrano fire ravaged fields near Tampico Circle in Corona, Beals sought solace by moving to the beach. Yet, the tranquility she hoped for was elusive. Waves smash few feet from her apartment, rising three stories into the air. She faces the constant presence of TV news helicopters and seawater rushing with the high tides.

Beals describes her ongoing battles as a series of disasters—wildfires followed by coastal flooding. “It’s just, like, here I am again,” she declares, expressing resignation.

“We’ve been getting warned about this for years,” she notes, as powerful waves crash onto the shore, splashing neighbors’ balconies.

In 2026, awareness of sea level rise poses a persistent threat. Back in 2019, Long Beach authorities advised Peninsula residents they might endure a decade or two of increasing floods without expecting infrastructure miracles or governmental assistance. The only feasible solution involved a planned retreat from the coastline, highlighted by Jerry Schubel, Aquarium of the Pacific’s former executive.

Wildfire risks are similarly undeniable in California’s mountains. Beals recalls scrutinizing all aspects before purchasing the Corona condo, fully acknowledging its location in potential wildfire territory.

Despite evacuating twice due to fires, Beals relocated to the Peninsula 18 months ago, seeking refuge. However, in August, the first significant king tide inflicted more damage, hammering waves onto homes along the boardwalk.

Beals shows the notice from Long Beach City officials forecasting king tides late November, during December, and in January. She could leave anytime with notice since her lease soon expires, yet finding a safe locale poses challenges.

With California’s iconic landscapes beset by disasters, prospects for peace remain uncertain despite her love for the sunny beach on clear days.

A lifeguard monitors the closed boardwalk surrounded by soaring Pacific waves. Residents face the consequences of an unusually active hurricane season influenced by global warming trends. Driven by elevated nearshore ocean temperatures and diminished wind shear from El Niño, hurricanes are stronger. Research at Colorado State University reported record-breaking cyclone energy levels, surpassing 2018’s previous record.

El Niño forces exotic marine life toward California shores. Uncommon sightings include whales, hammerhead sharks, devil rays, wahoo, and more, attracting attention from coast explorers. “We’re seeing fish that should be in Cabo San Lucas right now,” comments NOAA fish biologist Owyn Snodgrass.

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