government
High tides provide glimpse into rising sea levels. A Long Beach neighborhood is on the front lines
By Erin Stone at LAist (KPCC / Southern California Public Radio)
· July 14, 2026
· 5 min read
High tides and a small swell overtop a berm built to protect a boardwalk and homes on the Long Beach peninsula.(Erin Stone / LAist)The highest tides of the year typically hit in summer and winter — around each solstice. That’s tracking so far this year, but a combination of natural phenomena and...
Key takeaway This week and last, tides topped 7 feet again.
Why this matters in The Los Angeles
The Long Beach Peninsula's struggles with high tides and sea level rise have significant implications for the city's infrastructure and planning. As the city's climate action plan notes, sea levels are projected to rise by as much as 2 feet by 2050 and nearly 7 feet by 2100, which will require major adaptations to protect homes, businesses, and public spaces. The peninsula's narrow stretch of land, situated between the ocean and Alamitos Bay, makes it particularly vulnerable to flooding and erosion. The city will need to consider innovative solutions, such as sea walls, levees, or even managed retreat, to mitigate the impacts of rising sea levels. Furthermore, the effects of sea level rise will not be limited to the peninsula, as flooding and coastal erosion will likely affect other low-lying areas of the city, highlighting the need for a comprehensive and coordinated approach to addressing this critical issue.
About this story
Original reporting by LAist (KPCC / Southern California Public Radio) . The Los Angeles surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
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Category: government ·
Published: July 14, 2026 ·
Source: LAist (KPCC / Southern California Public Radio) ·
Reading time: 5 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? High tides and a small swell overtop a berm built to protect a boardwalk and homes on the Long Beach peninsula.(Erin Stone / LAist)The highest tides of the year typically hit in summer and winter — around each solstice. That’s tracking so far this year, but a combination of natural phenomena and...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 14, 2026 by LAist (KPCC / Southern California Public Radio) and curated for The Los Angeles readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Erin Stone at LAist (KPCC / Southern California Public Radio). To learn more about how The Los Angeles selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more government coverage from The Los Angeles, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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