Sun worshipers win again

Deepa Bharath

It seems the rain gods made a New Year’s resolution 48 years ago

-- to stay out of Southern California on Jan. 1.

On Wednesday, the sun shone brightly on the beaches and on the

legendary Rose Parade. The only clouds were the hangovers that

lingered in the heads of last night’s revelers.

A strong storm system that wreaked havoc in the Pacific Northwest

and Northern California less than three weeks ago was almost

forgotten.

There was no sign of rain on Wednesday or for that matter, the

next seven days, said Bill Hoffer, a meteorologist for the National

Weather Service in Los Angeles.

Despite this year being called an “el nino year” by the pundits,

the first week of January will escape wet weather, he said.

“We don’t know why,” Hoffer said. “It’s just the way it works

out.”

The last time it ever rained on New Year’s Day was in 1955 with a

recorded rainfall of 0.21 inches. The most it rained on New Year’s

Day, the record, was a whopping 6.21 inches. That was in 1934.

The pleasant winter weather did not attract huge crowds to the

beach. However, people were seen scattered all over the sands. Most

of them relaxed on chairs, eyes closed. A few young people played

soccer.

Several surfers made it to the beach expecting significant surf.

Some said they were disappointed.

“We were hoping for better waves,” said Eric Dinatale of Costa

Mesa. “We got a swell initially, but it’s all walled up now.”

Kyler Barnes said he was not planning on surfing but was spurred

into action after looking at the webcam pictures on Surfline, a Web

site that gives surfing forecasts and live surf pictures.

“About 10 in the morning we did have some good sets, some up to 4

feet,” he said. “But now, it’s like strong powerful walls. It’s OK,

but it could’ve been better.”

Chris Genny, a Newport Beach resident, was relaxing on the sand

with his family and guests.

“It’s nice we have some good weather during the holidays,” he

said. “It’s especially nice when you have people over for the

holidays.”

* DEEPA BHARATH covers public safety and courts. She may be

reached at (949) 574-4226 or by e-mail at deepa.bharath@latimes.com.