On December 31, 2023, a bomb was discovered on a Santa Cruz beach, causing alarm among beachgoers on New Year's Eve. The Santa Cruz County sheriff's bomb squad swiftly arrived at Pajaro Dunes to assess the situation.

Upon inspection, the bomb squad determined that the found object was an inert military ordnance, meaning it did not pose an immediate threat. The sheriff's office speculated that the bomb had likely washed ashore after the region experienced powerful surf in recent days.

Authorities believe that the bomb had been disturbed from its underwater location by the rough tides brought by the recent storms that hit the coast, causing damage to areas like Capitola.

To ensure the safety of the public, personnel from the Travis Air Force Base were called in to remove the bomb from the beach. The Travis Air Force Base confirmed that military personnel successfully recovered the ordnance, which was identified as a U.S. Navy practice bomb model Mk 15, Mod 2, originating from the World War II era.

Following a careful on-site visual inspection and x-ray scan, the bomb was declared free of explosives, ensuring its safe transportation to the Travis Air Force Base. The military base has decided to retain the bomb to prevent any future concerns and as a precautionary measure.

The incident serves as a reminder of the potential dangers that can arise after powerful storms hit the California coastline, as debris and hazardous materials may become dislodged and pose a hazard to public safety. The swift action and collaboration between the Santa Cruz County sheriff's office and Travis Air Force Base ensured the situation was promptly handled without incident.

Beach visitors are urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious items they come across to the authorities to maintain the safety and security of the community.