Efforts to protect waterfront areas in Santa Barbara west of the Yacht Club underway

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. - Heavy equipment has moved in and an all out effort is underway to protect a section of the Santa Barbara waterfront damaged in recent storm surges.

A section of the parking lot by the boat yard has been exposed after winter waves wiped out asphalt, K-rail barriers and a portion of the parking lot.

Multiple truckloads of rocks are being laid out by crews using three excavators to create a barrier before the next big waves arrive, possibly this weekend. King Tides are in the forecast.

Without this, waves can intrude into the parking areas, the boat yard, and threatened harbor businesses along with the Maritime Museum.

While the emergency work is taking place, the Yacht Club parking lot is off limits.

The work is being coordinated by the Santa Barbara Waterfront Department and the Yacht Club administrative staff.

The Yacht Club turns 151 years old this year.