Congress has cut federal funding for public media — a $3.4 million loss for LAist. We count on readers like you to protect our nonprofit newsroom. Become a monthly member and sustain local journalism.
There Are Fewer Sick Sea Lions On Our Coasts, But Help Is Still Needed
This sea lion's mother appeared to be suffering the effects of domoic acid toxicosis, acting lethargic and unwilling to eat. There are concerns at the Marine Mammal Care Center that the toxin can be passed to young sea lions via the mom's milk.
(
Jacob Margolis
/
LAist
)
Topline:
Sick sea lions are still showing up on our beaches, though the number of strandings seems to be slowing, according to the Marine Mammal Care Center in San Pedro. Out-of-state vets have flown in to help as the center’s been overwhelmed by the large number of sick sea lions.
Why’s this happening? Sea lions are likely suffering the effects of domoic acid poisoning as a result of a toxic algal bloom off the coast.
Don’t touch the sea lions: Disoriented and sick sea lions can exhibit aggressive behavior. At least three people have been attacked over the past few weeks, including a long-distance swimmer who came face to face with one female sea lion before it latched onto her arm.
Support for LAist comes from
How to help: The Marine Mammal Care Center says they’ve gone through their entire fish allotment (150,000 pounds), and have incurred an additional $350,000 in unexpected costs due to the influx. They’re looking for donations through their website.
As Editor-in-Chief of our newsroom, I’m extremely proud of the work our top-notch journalists are doing here at LAist. We’re doing more hard-hitting watchdog journalism than ever before — powerful reporting on the economy, elections, climate and the homelessness crisis that is making a difference in your lives. At the same time, it’s never been more difficult to maintain a paywall-free, independent news source that informs, inspires, and engages everyone.
Simply put, we cannot do this essential work without your help. Federal funding for public media has been clawed back by Congress and that means LAist has lost $3.4 million in federal funding over the next two years. So we’re asking for your help. LAist has been there for you and we’re asking you to be here for us.
We rely on donations from readers like you to stay independent, which keeps our nonprofit newsroom strong and accountable to you.
No matter where you stand on the political spectrum, press freedom is at the core of keeping our nation free and fair. And as the landscape of free press changes, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust, but the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news from our community.
Please take action today to support your trusted source for local news with a donation that makes sense for your budget.
Thank you for your generous support and believing in independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
The L.A. City Council approved the venue change Wednesday, which organizers say will save $12 million in infrastructure costs. -
Taxes on the sale of some newer apartment buildings would be lowered under a plan by Sacramento lawmakers to partially rein in city Measure ULA.
-
The union representing the restaurant's workers announced Tuesday that The Pantry will welcome back patrons Thursday after suddenly shutting down six months ago.
-
If approved, the more than 62-acre project would include 50 housing lots and a marina less than a mile from Jackie and Shadow's famous nest overlooking the lake.
-
The U.S. Supreme Court lifted limits on immigration sweeps in Southern California, overturning a lower court ruling that prohibited agents from stopping people based on their appearance.
-
Censorship has long been controversial. But lately, the issue of who does and doesn’t have the right to restrict kids’ access to books has been heating up across the country in the so-called culture wars.
Best of LAist