FIRST FLUSH ~ The “first flush” of the storm drains is an annual event every fall or winter. The first heavy rain causes massive amounts of water and trash to flow out of the storm drains, onto the beach, and hours later, into the ocean. As a result, there is an enormous amount of plastic and urban runoff that is brought to the coastline, and this month was no different. After the first heavy rainfall hit the Los Angeles area this morning of November 21, garbage lodged in catch basins from all over the city was shuttled to the ocean shore. Santa Monica High School’s Team Marine and Heal the Bay Surfrider Club are quick on the scene. The groups ventured to the storm drains to collect samples, survey the damage, and start cleaning up. Club members are testing ocean water for fecal indicator bacteria, while Team Marine assessed the state of plastic pollution on the shore and will perform an emergency beach cleanup after school.