Corona del Mar Today: Residents raises concerns about standing water at Buck Gully

The $2-million Buck Gully erosion control project is nearly complete and already has proven to work as intended, slowing down this spring's storm waters that streamed toward Little Corona Beach.

But some neighbors along the gully say the system, which uses rock-filled cages to slow and divert water flow, might be creating an unintended problem — stagnant pools of water that could harbor mosquitoes.

"The water is starting to turn green, and I'm afraid it'll be a mosquito farm," said Sandie Haskell at the April meeting of the Corona del Mar Residents Assn. board.

Robert Stein, an assistant city engineer who oversaw the Buck Gully project, promised to visit the site.

Later, in an email, he said there were "no signs of mosquito larvae."

"The contractor has made some adjustments and the water is flowing better," his email said.

But Haskell and others who live along lower Buck Gully remain concerned.

City officials said they plan to monitor the project and standing water.

The Lower Buck Gully area was cleared of non-native vegetation as part of the project and has been revegetated with native plants.

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Shake Shack seeks beer, wine license

The Shake Shack soon may be serving beer and wine along with shakes and snacks, according to a liquor license application sign in the window of the old-time stand at 7703 E. Coast Hwy.

The Public Notice of Application to Sell Alcoholic Beverages was posted Tuesday. Applications typically take about 45 days to be processed. As of publication of this story, the Alcoholic Beverage Control's online query system had new applications only as of May 7, and the Shake Shack's application was not included or available.

The sign indicates the Shake Shack seeks to serve wine and beer.

The Shake Shack, which is owned by Ruby's, reopened in June last year after an extensive remodel, reverting the 1940s-era stand to its original yellow and adding menu items.

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99% protest at Bank of America

About 20 members of the 99 Percent Coalition staged a protest this week in front of Corona del Mar's Bank of America, waving signs and addressing passersby with a microphone.

The protest was part of a nationwide group of protests against Bank of America branches, organizers said.