With our free press under threat and federal funding for public media gone, your support matters more than ever. Help keep the LAist newsroom strong, become a monthly member or increase your support today .
A Rare Orca Pod Is On The Move In SoCal
 
Topline:
A rare pod of orca whales appear to be headed south after spending a week in the waters off of Los Angeles and Orange counties.
 
Trips to California are rare for the Eastern Tropical Pacific Pod of orca whales since they usually stick to waters off the coast of Mexico. But over the past week, they've been spotted from the Palos Verdes Peninsula to Newport Beach.
On Monday, Newport Coastal Adventure tour group spotted them in Del Mar. These recent sightings are rare in Los Angeles in Orange counties.
Harbor Breeze Cruises in Long Beach last saw the orca whales two years ago. Assistant port captain Tyler Askari said he thinks dolphin-hunting brought them further north.
"They came right up to the boat. They were hunting down dolphins, and even killed quite a few right in front of the boat so it was a sight to see," he said.
Askari said the pod, including two calves, was spotted in Newport Beach on Sunday and are likely headed back down to Mexico. 
At LAist, we believe in journalism without censorship and the right of a free press to speak truth to those in power. Our hard-hitting watchdog reporting on local government, climate, and the ongoing housing and homelessness crisis is trustworthy, independent and freely accessible to everyone thanks to the support of readers like you.
But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
 
- 
                        Users of the century old Long Beach wooden boardwalk give these suggestions to safely enjoy it.
- 
                        The Newport Beach City Council approved a new artificial surf park that will replace part of an aging golf course.
- 
                        The utility, whose equipment is believed to have sparked the Eaton Fire, says payouts could come as quickly as four months after people submit a claim. But accepting the money means you'll have to forego any lawsuits.
- 
                        The City Council will vote Tuesday on a proposal to study raising the pay for construction workers on apartments with at least 10 units and up to 85 feet high.
- 
                        The study found recipients spent nearly all the money on basic needs like food and transportation, not drugs or alcohol.
- 
                        Kevin Lee's Tokyo Noir has become one of the top spots for craft-inspired cocktails.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
