Crown Beach Reopened

Saturday, June 21

The beach area has been reopened for use. 

Thursday, June 19 update (3:00 p.m.)

The beach area and water access at Crown Beach will remain closed today due to preliminary water test results showing a higher than normal bacteria level. This is likely due to a sewage spill yesterday near Kittyhawk Road. While we apologize for the inconvenience, public safety is our greatest concern and we appreciate your patience. We believe this condition will diminish within a day or two. We will continue testing the water until deemed safe by State standards and open the beach just as soon as possible. Please check back or call 510-544-2201 for regular updates.

Thursday, June 19 update (8:30 a.m.)

The Crown Beach beach area remains closed while water tests are being done and results evaluated. Every effort is being made to re-open the beach as soon as possible, but it will not be re-opened until the water is confirmed to be safe. Please check back at 3 p.m. today for an update.

Wednesday, June 18 update (11:30 a.m.)

The City of Alameda has notified the Park District of a sewage spill at Crown Beach (near the intersection of Kitty Hawk). The extent of the spill is unknown at this time. East Bay Regional Park District staff, California Fish & Game, the Office of Spill Prevention and Response, the Coast Guard, and City of Alameda staff are currently on site assessing yesterday's oil spill, and were going to make a decision on the possible reopening of the beach today. At this time, they are also investigating the sewage spill. It is possible that Crown Beach will remain closed for the remainder of the day. More information will be provided as it becomes available.

Wednesday, June 18 update (10 a.m.)

Crown Beach in Alameda is currently closed as cleanup crews continue to remove tarballs along a half mile section of beach near Westline and Otis Drives. No additional oil appears to be washing up today. The beach is being evaluated with the goal of opening it as soon as possible – perhaps this evening or tomorrow. Updates will be posted immediately on this website or by calling 510-544-2201. The source of the oil is unknown at this time. Beachgoers should use caution when visiting and be aware that quarter and dime size tarballs may be on the shore or in the water. Oil should be removed immediately from skin and clothing using regular soap and water. Harsh detergents or chemicals are not needed. A boom was placed near the Elsie Roemer Bird Sanctuary and oil does not appear to have damaged this area. No oiled birds have been discovered. Reports of additional oil or oiled birds should be called in to the Park District’s Public Safety Department at 510-881-1833.

On Tuesday, June 17, at approximately 12:45 p.m. oil was reported at Crown Memorial State Beach in Alameda.

Quarter and dime size sticky tarballs were found on about a one half mile of beach. As a safety precaution, the beach has been closed to the public. At this time, the source is unknown although tarballs and oil residue were reported in Marin County. The East Bay Regional Park District, U.S. Coast Guard, Department of Fish & Game and other agencies have been notified and are investigating. Please refer to this website for updates.

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