Apparently, residents up and down the North Orange County coast have complained for decades about a sickening odor that wafts through the streets from time to time. But is it real? Photo: Flickr/Jeff Turner
Just last week, the New York Times’ California Today briefing ran the headline: “What Stinks in Huntington Beach”? If you missed it, check it out here (I also highly recommend subscribing if you are a California resident, or have an interest in California in general). Anyway, the headline caught my eye as someone born and raised in Huntington Beach.
According to the article, residents along the coast – from Newport to Long Beach – have complained for decades about a foul stench wafting into their homes from time to time. There is even a petition on Change.org titled “STOP the “Natural Gas Smell” plaguing Huntington Beach Residents” that’s currently 523 signatures strong.
Funny thing is, as a longtime resident of Huntington Beach during my formative years, enjoying many a surf session at the Cliffs – the supposed origin site of the stench – I can’t say that I remember ever being “plagued” by a foul odor. Nor do I recall discussions with classmates, friends, family, or anyone about an offensive stink enveloping the city, terrorizing local residents.
Those convinced that a smell exists explain that it’s natural gas-like. Seal Beach City Council member Ellery A. Deaton told the Times, “It’s more than a smell. It’s noxious. When it happens I need to run around and close my windows.”
The article goes on to point out that officials have undertaken a number of investigations into the smell, but all have come up short in providing conclusive evidence of the smell’s origin. “Over the years, City Council, fire department and air quality officials have tried unsuccessfully to get to the bottom of it,” writes author Mike McPhate.
Theories abound, ranging from a natural gas leak (which has been ruled out by the Southern California Gas Company) to a bi-product of the many oil tankers off the coast.
The Times offers no additional clues, which begs the question: Does Huntington Beach actually smell? I accept the possibility that perhaps over the years I may have grown accustomed to the odor and therefore yield to our readers. Have you noticed anything? Do you have a theory? Tell us in the comments.
