CATALINA ISLAND – A series of rainstorms that pummeled Catalina last month caused some damage to boats in the water and businesses on shore, but it was minimal, overall — and the island got some much-needed rain.

Photo by: ecatalina.com Cart Rental Rocked — Island Rentals, a golf cart rental company on Catalina Island, was damaged in a rockslide during the recent January storms. Overall, damage on the island was minimal, as harbor employees prepared in advance for the storms, and buildings held up through heavy rains and wind.

The second storm, which hit Jan. 18, caused a rockslide directly above co-owner Don Whitaker’s golf car-rental business, Island Rentals. The slide included a boulder 7 feet wide and 4 feet high that tumbled down the cliffs above Pebbly Beach Road, causing damage to the overhang of the building and destroying one golf cart. The road remained closed from the Catherine Hotel to the Mole until the rains subsided and the boulders could be removed.

In a video that appeared on the Web site ecatalina.com, Whitaker stated he was glad the rocks fell at night and nobody was hurt. After an inspection from Avalon city staff, Whitaker was allowed to move his golf carts to the center of Pebbly Beach Road, out of harm’s way.

Concerns from locals arose regarding weakened hillsides (with growth burned off by the May 2007 fires), but no significant damage occurred in that area.

Transportation to and from the island was limited, following closures and cancellations of several Catalina Express and Island Express Helicopter runs because of weather concerns.

Other reports from the week included a damaged roof at Catalina Kid Ventures, forcing the program to relocate to modular units until the damage can be assessed and a decision can be reached on a new facility.

Avalon Harbor endured gale force winds gusting up to 42 knots, according to the Avalon Harbor Department, capsizing a few small craft and resulting in engine damage on several boats. Damage was minimal, though, as Avalon Harbor workers prepared early, moving boats to moorings on the east side of the harbor, staff members reported.