California Tragedy Part II

Poor California. The Golden State has had a tough couple of weeks.

The latest, as we all know, is the oil spill that occurred last Friday, unleashing 58,000 gallons of black goo into the San Francisco Bay. The photos of slick wildlife have been heart-breaking. Fortunately, according to Angela Jackson, director of public relations for the San Francisco Bay Convention and Visitors Bureau, volunteers have been streaming in and pitching in with the clean-up.

A Marine Spill Response Corporation employee checks a boon at Chrissy Fields beach near the Golden Gate Bridge. (Getty Images)

So, how should tourists handle the spill and plan their activities in light of the disaster? First, know that the Department of Public Health is advising folks to avoid the beaches. In addition, some strands in and around the city and Marin County have been closed to the public, including Baker Beach, Crissy Field, China Beach, Fort Point, Kirby Cove, Rodeo Beaches, Muir Beach and the Angel Island shoreline. Officials are also warning visitors to avoid water activities, which are probably none too popular this time of the year. If you do have a hankering to go swimming, surfing or windsurfing, suppress it.

But let's now focus on what you can do, like visit Alcatraz and ferry over to Sausalito. And if you happen to see a bird or animal in distress during your leisurely boat ride, do your part to help: Call 311 and identify the location of the wildlife.

For more information on the oil spill, see the Oiled Wildlife Care Network.

By Andrea Sachs |  November 13, 2007; 6:35 AM ET  | Category:  Andrea Sachs
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