Dead fish litter the shore of the Salton Sea near Desert Shores on Thursday. The sea level has been receding for the past few years, but residents still say they enjoy living in the area. (Elizabeth Varin) |
SALTON SEA BEACH - Emmie Lou Eaton first came out to the Salton Sea to party for the Fourth of July in 1981. Now, almost 30 years later, she’s moved to the area, set up shop and even organizes community events like a fishing derby and visit with Santa Claus.
“Either I’ve loved it here, or it’s been a heck of a party,” she said.
While many people say that those living by the Salton Sea can’t afford to live anywhere else, Eaton sees differently, she said. Those out there choose to be there because of the environment: quiet, serene, but still a place to have a good time.
Eaton is one of the thousands of residents who continue to live near the sea though water levels are dropping.
The sea level has been dropping by feet for the past few years, which has had its effect on some of the area residents, along with wildlife and public health.
Though the sea level is going down, it hasn’t stopped Salton City resident Darryel Neal from going out on canoes or kayaks. When he does head out onto the sea, he does what he can to clean up, he said.
More than just being a serene environment, the area is a community, he said. He and his wife run a youth center and work with the local schools to help the children there.
It’s like one big family in the area, Neal said. Everyone has the community’s welfare at heart. It is more than can be said of some state officials who make false promises, he added.
Since he moved to the area eight years ago, Neal has heard promises from wannabe elected officials, he said. Yet nothing seems to get done.
“It’s frustrating, but I’m still here,” he said.
The sea level lowering is not just an issue for residents near the Salton Sea, but the whole Imperial Valley, said John Kariotis, Salton City resident who is also part of the newly formed West Shore Salton Sea Growth Association. While residents near the sea are having higher levels of bronchial illnesses, dust storms are also possible in Imperial County.
Riverside County just hasn’t seemed to have had the same health problems because of the sea, he said. That could change if it continues to dry up and wind directions go north.
The growth association’s mission is to try and deal with some of the issues and get the west shore growing, he said. There used to be crowds heading out to the sea, wanting to live in the area.
“This used to be the Salton Riviera,” he said. “We’d like to see that again.”
Staff Writer Elizabeth Varin can be reached at evarin@ivpressonline.com or 760-337-3441.
Breakout
What they’re saying
“It’s a great place to live. The people are very nice, low crime rate. I really feel blessed to live here.”
Emmie Lou Eaton of Salton Sea Beach
“This little town sticks together.”
David Raigoza, owner and chef at the Salton Sea Beach’s Holly May’s Bar and Grill “Where nice people go”
“If you don’t live here, you’re not living.”
Thelma Thompson of Salton Sea Beach
“Either I’ve loved it here, or it’s been a heck of a party,” she said.
While many people say that those living by the Salton Sea can’t afford to live anywhere else, Eaton sees differently, she said. Those out there choose to be there because of the environment: quiet, serene, but still a place to have a good time.
Eaton is one of the thousands of residents who continue to live near the sea though water levels are dropping.
The sea level has been dropping by feet for the past few years, which has had its effect on some of the area residents, along with wildlife and public health.
Though the sea level is going down, it hasn’t stopped Salton City resident Darryel Neal from going out on canoes or kayaks. When he does head out onto the sea, he does what he can to clean up, he said.
More than just being a serene environment, the area is a community, he said. He and his wife run a youth center and work with the local schools to help the children there.
It’s like one big family in the area, Neal said. Everyone has the community’s welfare at heart. It is more than can be said of some state officials who make false promises, he added.
Since he moved to the area eight years ago, Neal has heard promises from wannabe elected officials, he said. Yet nothing seems to get done.
“It’s frustrating, but I’m still here,” he said.
The sea level lowering is not just an issue for residents near the Salton Sea, but the whole Imperial Valley, said John Kariotis, Salton City resident who is also part of the newly formed West Shore Salton Sea Growth Association. While residents near the sea are having higher levels of bronchial illnesses, dust storms are also possible in Imperial County.
Riverside County just hasn’t seemed to have had the same health problems because of the sea, he said. That could change if it continues to dry up and wind directions go north.
The growth association’s mission is to try and deal with some of the issues and get the west shore growing, he said. There used to be crowds heading out to the sea, wanting to live in the area.
“This used to be the Salton Riviera,” he said. “We’d like to see that again.”
Staff Writer Elizabeth Varin can be reached at evarin@ivpressonline.com or 760-337-3441.
Breakout
What they’re saying
“It’s a great place to live. The people are very nice, low crime rate. I really feel blessed to live here.”
Emmie Lou Eaton of Salton Sea Beach
“This little town sticks together.”
David Raigoza, owner and chef at the Salton Sea Beach’s Holly May’s Bar and Grill “Where nice people go”
“If you don’t live here, you’re not living.”
Thelma Thompson of Salton Sea Beach
