Sunny looks up while being cuddled by Rey as the two sea otters make their first appearance at the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach on Wednesday, April 29, 2026.
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Thomas R. Cordova
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Long Beach Post
)
Topline:
The two otters, paired together as part of the Long Beach Aquarium's surrogacy program that it runs alongside the Monterey Bay Aquarium, now live as mother and daughter.
Rey and Sunny: Before last month, a young southern sea otter named Rey would never have imagined she’d be a mother. That changed when she met Sunny, a pup — about two weeks old — found orphaned and alone on Asilomar State Beach in February. For Rey, Sunny will be the first pup she raises into adulthood. It’s a full-circle moment for her: About two-and-a-half years old, Rey was found stranded herself in July 2023. As a surrogate mom, she’s teaching her adopted baby everything she needs to know to fend for herself, regardless of her inability to return to the wild.
About the surrogacy program: The program, created by the Monterey Bay Aquarium in the 1990s, was launched in Long Beach in 2024. It pairs maternal-age female otters with young, motherless pups who would otherwise not survive on their own in the wild. Experts say this quick-forming connection, between that of surrogate-raised otters and their wild offspring, has played a significant role in growing the population found along California’s Central Coast. Now a federally threatened species, California’s southern sea otter population has rebounded to about 3,000.
Before last month, a young southern sea otter named Rey would never have imagined she’d be a mother.
That changed when she met Sunny, a pup — about two weeks old — found orphaned and alone on Asilomar State Beach in February. The pairing went off without a hitch.
The two otters now live as mother and daughter at the Aquarium of the Pacific. They arrived at the facility last month, paired together as part of the facility’s surrogacy program that it runs alongside the Monterey Bay Aquarium.
The program, created by the Monterey Bay Aquarium in the 1990s, was launched in Long Beach in 2024. It pairs maternal-age female otters with young, motherless pups who would otherwise not survive on their own in the wild.
Megan Smylie, the sea otter program manager, says the operation has since rehabilitated and released nine otters into the wild, with the three others expected to leave by the summer.
The aquarium can handle 11 otters at a time, with up to seven in the main tank with rehabilitation pools that can each house two otters. They currently have five otters, including two other females that are preparing for surrogate motherhood.
But Sunny and Rey cannot be released into the wild. Experts say both are already too used to being around people and lack the survival instincts to make it on their own in the ocean.
Sunny searches for shrimp in its habitat while two sea otters make their first appearance at the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach on Wednesday, April 29, 2026.
(
Thomas R. Cordova
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Long Beach Post
)
Instead, the two are destined for motherhood in captivity. For Rey, Sunny will be the first pup she raises into adulthood. It’s a full-circle moment for her: About two-and-a-half years old, Rey was found stranded herself in July 2023.
She spent a couple of years at another facility before moving to Long Beach.
“Ray has far surpassed my expectations of what I thought was gonna happen,” Smylie said. “She’s fantastic.”
As a surrogate mom, she’s teaching her adopted baby everything she needs to know to fend for herself, regardless of her inability to return to the wild.
The two were seen manipulating an imitation crab shell and foraging for food. Young otters, because of the thickness and buoyancy of their fur, don’t have the strength to get their furry bodies to the bottom of the water tank.
Otters have the thickest coat of any mammal, with as many as a million hairs per square inch. The hairs trap air, which acts as insulation and helps keep the otters buoyant.
In time, she may teach the pup how to use tools. Sea otters are known to be crafty creatures, able to use rocks to crack clamshells, take nuts off bolts and open doors on their own.
When it’s time to calm down, she’ll groom the pup, and when it’s time for a nap, Rey will pull Sunny to her chest and roll onto her back. The maternal bond in the wild is a strong one, and the pup requires constant attention.
Experts say this quick-forming connection, between that of surrogate-raised otters and their wild offspring, has played a significant role in growing the population found along California’s Central Coast.
The animals, which once boasted a population of more than 300,000 along the Northern Pacific Rim from Japan to Baja California, were prized for their fur and hunted down to about 2,000 by the early 19th Century. Officials say they were thought to have been exterminated until a colony of otters was discovered nearly a decade later.
Now a federally threatened species, California’s southern sea otter population has rebounded to about 3,000. Despite efforts to aid their comeback, the species faces a low survival rate for pups and constant threats of parasites, shark attacks and human-caused catastrophes.
This makes the work of every mothering otter like Rey all the more important, as she is tasked with not only providing pups the childhood she never had but ensuring the preservation of her species.
And while Sunny may never see the ocean again, aquarium staff hope she can grow into a mom herself, giving the next generation of young pups another shot at life.
“That is kind of a happy ending, if maybe a little bittersweet,” Smylie said.
A sign on Atlantic Boulevard welcomes drivers into East L.A.
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Kate Valdez
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Boyle Heights Beat
)
Topline:
An overwhelming majority of East Los Angeles residents who participated in a series of community forums support creating a local community council, according to an interim report released this week that details the community’s priorities.
Why now: The report, produced by the Los Angeles Economic Equity Accelerator and Fellowship (LEEAF), summarizes six community meetings held between February and June as Los Angeles County explores new forms of local governance for the unincorporated community of nearly 120,000 people.
More details: Across more than 300 participants and 200 written comments, transparency and trust were the most frequently raised concerns. Issues around public safety, including homelessness and police reform, ranked as the second most common concern from the thousands of conversations prompted by the report’s research. Uplifting East L.A.’s residents’ political voice and influence was also among the top concerns.
An overwhelming majority of East Los Angeles residents who participated in a series of community forums support creating a local community council, according to an interim report released this week that details the community’s priorities.
The report, produced by the Los Angeles Economic Equity Accelerator and Fellowship (LEEAF), summarizes six community meetings held between February and June as Los Angeles County explores new forms of local governance for the unincorporated community of nearly 120,000 people.
Among the findings, 93% of participants supported establishing a community council, either a town council or Municipal Advisory Council (MAC), to give residents a stronger voice in county government. Another 95% said council members should be elected rather than appointed.
Across more than 300 participants and 200 written comments, transparency and trust were the most frequently raised concerns. Issues around public safety, including homelessness and police reform, ranked as the second most common concern from the thousands of conversations prompted by the report’s research. Uplifting East L.A’.s residents’ political voice and influence was also among the top concerns.
The report also details several governance models, including a county-recognized MAC or an independently organized town council. LEEAF estimates a startup cost of a community council to be around $13,500 with an annual, running cost of about $33,000 a year.
“Founding a community council that genuinely serves the people of East L.A. would be a major step toward advancing political voice and equitable power in East L.A. – and putting East L.A. in the lead of a movement to open opportunity and amplify voice throughout the county and beyond,” the report reads.
Visions for a community council
Community members also suggested alternative models, The Republic of East Los Angeles and Neighborhood Councils for East L.A.
The Republic of East Los Angeles calls for an elected town council with authority over local infrastructure, services, and development and was framed as a first step toward full incorporation as an independent city.
The proposal also called for community control of the Sheriff’s office serving East L.A. and an annual itemized budget detailing tax sources, county contracts or associated salaries with a council of its type.
Neighborhood Councils for East L.A. proposes a system of multiple advisory councils, each with 15 to 21 members, modeled on the existing Los Angeles Neighborhood Councils system. Participants consistently emphasized the need for neighborhood-based representation to address each community’s unique needs.
Representing the community
Residents also emphasized accountability. More than half of participants said any future council should have regular and responsive public oversight.
More than half also said “an effective council should bring real resources to East L.A., with programs like youth activities and public health support mentioned roughly twice as often as funding alone.”
About 61% of community members suggested that members of a council should be residents, while another 22% noted a “long term connection to the community” should be a characteristic of any council member.
One community member quoted in the report said they want to see the next generation of leaders in East L.A. include a wide demographic of residents.
“I want to make sure groups that know about the area…are included in conversations. There is so much talent and so many people who want to be involved.”
What’s next?
LEEAF will hold two public feedback meetings next month before submitting a final report to L.A. County. The meetings will be held on:
Aug. 8 at 2 p.m. at Garfield High School, 5101 E. 6th St., East Los Angeles.
Aug.15 at 10:30 a.m. at Salazar Park, 3864 Whittier Blvd., Los Angeles.
The meetings will sharpen the results from the report while offering a chance for community members to refine and guide its priorities, according to an email from a LEEAF representative.
A virtual question and answer session about the interim report will be held July 29 at 4:30 p.m. RSVP here.
Two pedestrians walk near the Lineage fire site in Boyle Heights on June 22, 2026.
(
Isaac Ceja
/
Boyle Heights Beat
)
Topline:
Neighbors near the Lineage warehouse in Boyle Heights continue to report concerns about air quality more than a month after the June fire, according to a new survey by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health released Monday.
Why now: The department conducted door-to-door outreach on July 15 and 16 to assess community needs, identify health concerns and connect residents with resources, including air purifiers, masks and health information.
The backstory: The warehouse fire began on June 17 and burned for a week, but residents say its impacts have continued. Many residents and small business owners have complained of foul odors and pests after tons of food was left rotting inside the cold storage facility.
Read on... for more on the results from the new survey.
Neighbors near the Lineage warehouse in Boyle Heights continue to report concerns about air quality more than a month after the June fire, according to a new survey by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health released Monday.
The department conducted door-to-door outreach on July 15 and 16 to assess community needs, identify health concerns and connect residents with resources, including air purifiers, masks and health information.
The warehouse fire began on June 17 and burned for a week, but residents say its impacts have continued. Many residents and small business owners have complained of foul odors and pests after tons of food was left rotting inside the cold storage facility.
Among 240 households that completed the survey, 90% reported a constant odor, 82% said they noticed very strong odors, and 85% said they were concerned about air quality.
Public health teams visited 650 households within the area bordered by Calzona Street to the west, the 5 Freeway to the north, South Herbert Avenue to the east, and Noakes Street to the south. Residents were invited to participate in the voluntary survey and 633 households received resource packets, the agency said in a news release.
The survey also found that 84% of respondents reported an increase in pests, while 74% were concerned about health symptoms. In addition, 79% of public health field staff reported a strong odor during the home visits.
The L.A. County Public Health Department has cited Lineage Logistics for unsanitary and nuisance conditions related to rodent and pest control violations following a complaint investigation on July 15. The department said it will continue to monitor corrective actions and conduct regular reinspections to verify compliance.
Resources and information
Find nearby clinics or doctors:
Call the L.A. County Public Health Department at (833) 540-0473, daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
How to report odors:
Call South Coast AQMD
Dial (800) CUT-SMOG / (1-800-288-7664)
Submit a complaint online
File a report through South Coast AQMD’s complaint form at aqmd.gov/complaints.
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The U.S. Open of Surfing is happening this week and weekend, with special concerts two nights in a row.
(
Robert Gauthier
/
Los Angeles Times via Getty Images
)
In this edition:
This weekend and beyond, check out line dancing at the zoo, a burger-eating contest, the U.S. Open of Surfing and more of the best things to do.
Highlights:
Head south to Huntington Beach for the annual U.S. Open of Surfing. Watch the world’s best surfers take to the waves or grab a ticket for the music stage where the Allah-las and Local Natives will play this weekend.
Burgers Never Say Die is hosting six contestants to see who can devour 20 burgers in just 10 minutes. The winner will be crowned the “Shmasters Champion” and be escorted in a limo to Dodger Stadium for the Red Sox vs. Dodgers game that same night. If one burger is plenty for you, a spectator ticket ($15) gets you a burger, fries and unlimited Skyduster Beer during the two-hour competition — pretty good deal!
Put on your cowboy boots for a line dancing night amongst the animals at the L.A. Zoo. The Zoo’s regular after-dark events this week feature music from Pulp Vixen, food trucks, lawn games, and a silent disco.
This is not a drill. The Cinerama Dome is reopening. I repeat, the Cinerama Dome is reopening! Could 2028 get more exciting for this town? I don’t think so.
Thanks for bearing with us this week as we transition Best Things to Do to once a week, which we hope will give you more time to plan your weekend and the week ahead. Let us know if you have feedback or event suggestions at bestthingstodo@laist.com
In music this week, we are spoiled for choice. Licorice Pizza’s picks include the Violent Femmes’ residency at the Bellwether every night through Friday. Let me go on!
On Wednesday, Tower of Power and the Preservation Hall Jazz Band get horny at the Hollywood Bowl, while Cypress Hill is with Ozomatli at the Pacific Amphitheatre.
Thursday, the Fixx is at the Belasco, Sublime plays the Grammy Museum roof and Flyleaf begins their three-night run at House of Blues Anaheim. Friday, Motionless In White plays the Forum, the Pretty Reckless with special guest Paris Jackson play the Wiltern, and Black Moth gets their freak on at the Pacific Amphitheatre.
Saturday, K-pop girl group Ive is at the Forum, Of Montreal is at the Regent, John Legend is at Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts and Lil Wayne with 2 Chainz and The Game play Long Beach F&M Bank Amphitheater.
Rock Goddess Kim Gordon plays two nights at Pacific Electric this weekend, and another rock goddess, St. Vincent, takes on the Hollywood Bowl with the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra and Anoushka Shankar on Saturday. Plus, Death Cab for Cutie and Nation of Language are at the Greek. Looking ahead to next week, Sarah McLaughlin will take the Greek stage on Tuesday.
Below are the rest of the events you should know about this weekend and beyond.
Events
The People of Pompeii
Through Sunday, Oct. 4 Theatricum Botanicum 1419 Topanga Canyon Blvd., Topanga COST: FROM $40; MORE INFO
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Ian Flanders
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Lucy PR
)
A new (and timely!) comedy by award-winning playwright Bernardo Cubría, The People of Pompeii opens this weekend at Theatricum Botanicum and runs through the fall.Set in a far-far-away land — ok not really, it’s Topanga — the play takes place in the aftermath of the Palisades Fire as evacuated residents return home and try to regain a sense of normalcy. Cubría, who moved to Topanga five years ago, addresses issues of “performative progressivism, gentrification, race, class and the uneasy social dynamics between longtime canyon residents and wealthy newcomers” in the show, which features characters based on his real life (Cubría co-stars alongside his wife, Lauren Saffa). Plus, Saturday — opening night — is also taco night!
Surf Guitar 101 Festival
Friday, July 31 through Sunday, Aug. 2 Garden Grove Elks Lodge 11551 Trask Ave., Garden Grove COST: FROM $44; MORE INFO
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Courtesy Surf Guitar 101 Fest
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Grab yourself a tiki drink and groove on down to the Surf Guitar 101 Festival in Garden Grove. Southern California’s own invention, surf guitar bands like the Bomboras, Los Straitjackets and Slacktone will play the annual event; plus, you can stick around for a vintage swimsuit contest, guitar seminars and more.
Burger-Eating Competition
Saturday, August 1, 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Burgers Never Say Die 2388 Glendale Blvd., Silver Lake COST: FROM $15; MORE INFO
Why should Joey Chestnut have all the fun? Watch or eat (or both) at the first-ever Burgers Never Say Die Burger-Eating Competition. The local spot is hosting six contestants to see who can devour 20 burgers in just 10 minutes. The winner will be crowned the “Shmasters Champion” and be escorted in a limo to Dodger Stadium for the Red Sox vs. Dodgers game that same night. If one burger is plenty for you, a spectator ticket ($15) gets you a burger, fries and unlimited Skyduster Beer during the two-hour competition — pretty good deal!
MVMTFest LA
Through Sunday, August 9 2245 E. Washington Blvd., West Adams COST: VARIES; MORE INFO
If you've been hesitant to get involved in the dance community in LA, MVMT Fest is your chance to take a drop-in class, catch a performance, check out a dance party or watch a screening. With events going almost a full two weeks, there is something for everyone
U.S. Open of Surfing
Through Sunday, Aug. 2 Huntington Beach COST: VARIES, CONCERTS START AT $73.20; MORE INFO
Sawyer Lindblad jumps from her board after finishing a ride during last year's US Open of Surfing.
(
Robert Gauthier
/
Los Angeles Times via Getty Images
)
If you didn’t get enough surf at the Surf Guitar fest, keep heading south for the annual U.S. Open of Surfing in Huntington Beach. Watch the world’s best surfers take to the waves, or grab a ticket for the music stage where the Allah-las and Local Natives will play this weekend.
L.A. Stone Fruit Festival
Sunday, August 2 through Saturday, 8 Various local farmers market locations COST: FREE; MORE INFO
I have eaten the plums that were in the icebox. And now I have to go to the L.A. Stone Fruit Festival to buy more. Going all week at many farmers markets around the area, Food Access LA is hosting special events featuring all the plums, peaches and nectarines the area is famous for this time of year.
Movies at the Steps: Wicked
Friday, July 31, 8:30 p.m. Culver Steps 9300 Culver Blvd.,Culver City COST: FREE; MORE INFO
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Courtesy The Culver Steps
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What better place to watch Wicked than at the doorstep of where The Wizard of Oz was filmed? Sunset movies on the Culver Steps happen every Friday in the Summer. This week’s pick is sure to be a popular one.
Madonna: The Rise of the Material Girl (1980-1985)
Opening Saturday, August 1, 6 p.m. Musichead Gallery 7420 Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood COST: FREE; MORE INFO
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Musichead Gallery
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Eventbrite
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It’s always been Madonna’s world; we’re just living in it. The Queen of Pop is back with Confessions II on the charts, but you can relive her early days at a new photography exhibit, Madonna: The Rise of the Material Girl at the Musichead Gallery.
Country Line Dancing
Friday, July 31, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. L.A. Zoo After Dark 5333 Zoo Drive, Griffith Park, Los Feliz COST: $30; MORE INFO
Howdy! Put on your cowboy boots for a line dancing night amongst the animals at the L.A. Zoo. The zoo’s regular after-dark event this week features music from Pulp Vixen, food trucks, lawn games and a silent disco.
Frank Stoltze
is a veteran reporter who covers local politics and examines how democracy is and, at times, is not working.
Published July 28, 2026 5:35 PM
The Jail complex in downtown Los Angeles
(
Robert Garrova / LAist
)
Topline:
A proposed charter change aims to ensure that a portion of the Los Angeles County budget be set aside for programs that fund alternatives to jail. The measure, approved Tuesday by the county Board of Supervisors, would restore funds accidentally removed under a previous charter measure. The measure is headed to the ballot in November.
The backstory: In 2020, voters approved Measure J, which required dedicating at least 10% of locally generated, unrestricted general funds to alternatives to incarceration, including job training, mental health treatment and youth development. It explicitly banned the use of those specific funds for prisons, jails or law enforcement agencies.
What happened: A clerical error in 2024 at the county led to the inadvertent repeal of Measure J. It happened when voters approved Measure G. That measure included language that had the unintended effect of making Measure J null and void starting in December 2028.
The details: The Board of Supervisors voted 4-0 Tuesday to put on the November ballot a measure that would “continue uninterrupted the County's commitment to community investment and alternatives to incarceration.” Supervisor Holly Mitchell was absent from the meeting.
