Sick Sea Lion Rescued from Santa Monica Beach Amid Surge in Marine Mammal Illnesses

Santa Monica Beach became the site of a marine rescue on Monday, March 10, 2025, as Marine Mammal Care Center (MMCC) personnel responded to reports of a 300-400 pound male sea lion displaying signs of illness. The animal was carefully secured and transported to MMCC for urgent treatment.

Rescue personnel confirmed that the sea lion was likely suffering from domoic acid toxicosis, a condition caused by toxic algal blooms off the California coast. These blooms are triggered by Pseudo-nitzschia australis, a type of algae that produces the neurotoxin domoic acid. This toxin accumulates in small fish such as sardines and anchovies, which are then consumed in large quantities by sea lions, leading to severe neurological and cardiac issues.

Understanding Domoic Acid Poisoning

Domoic acid attacks the brain and the heart, causing seizures, neurological impairment, and heart failure in marine mammals. If left untreated, the toxin can result in permanent brain damage, and repeated exposure can lead to longer-lasting and more serious effects.

While there is no direct cure for domoic acid poisoning, MMCC veterinarians employ supportive treatments to help affected animals recover. This includes:

• Flushing the toxin from their system with fluids
• Providing fish that is free of domoic acid
• Administering anti-seizure medications, similar to those used for humans
• Exploring new therapies to reduce brain inflammation and minimize long-term damage

“Since the toxin is water-soluble, we hydrate the animals as much as possible,” explained an MMCC rescuer on-site. “If we can get them into care before significant damage occurs, we have a good chance of helping them recover.”

Public Urged to Report Stranded Marine Mammals

Authorities have noted a significant increase in sick and stranded sea lions along Los Angeles County’s coastline. MMCC urges the public to remain vigilant and report any sightings of distressed marine mammals by calling 1-800-39-WHALE.

To ensure safety for both wildlife and the public, MMCC has issued the following guidelines:

DO:

✅ Maintain a distance of at least 50 feet from marine mammals.

✅ Use a camera’s zoom function to take photographs.

✅ Keep pets leashed to prevent interactions with the animals.

✅ Call 1-800-39-WHALE or notify a lifeguard if a marine mammal appears distressed.

DON’T:

🚫 Approach, touch, or attempt to move the animal.

🚫 Try to feed the sea lion, as human food can be harmful.

🚫 Take selfies up close—use a zoom lens from a safe distance.

Coastal Alert: Surge in Sea Lion Strandings

Authorities have issued an urgent coastal alert following a sharp increase in sea lions found stranded along the Southern California coast. Toxic algal blooms have been affecting marine mammals in growing numbers, leading to widespread reports of disoriented and sick sea lions washing ashore.

MMCC continues to play a critical role in responding to this crisis, rescuing and rehabilitating marine mammals suffering from domoic acid poisoning. The center, which has been operational since 1992, remains one of the busiest year-round marine mammal rehabilitation facilities in the nation.

The Santa Monica sea lion rescue serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing environmental challenges impacting marine life. With public awareness and swift action, conservation efforts can help ensure the health and survival of these vulnerable animals.

𝗠𝗔𝗥𝗖𝗛 𝗧𝗢 𝗦𝗔𝗩𝗘 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗦𝗘𝗔: Activists Demand Action on Palisades Fire Toxic Debris Cleanup

Dozens of demonstrators marched from Santa Monica City Hall to the Santa Monica Pier on Sunday, March 9, 2025, demanding urgent action to address toxic wildfire debris polluting Los Angeles County’s coastline. The March to Save the Sea brought together environmental activists, community members, surfers, and local leaders who voiced concerns over hazardous waste accumulating on beaches in the wake of the Palisades Fire. Chanting "Keep the debris out of the sea!" and "We want answers, not cancers!" protesters called for immediate environmental testing and cleanup efforts, emphasizing the dangers of toxic ash, asbestos, and heavy metals that have washed onto the shore. Many speakers accused government officials of failing to provide transparent testing and cleanup plans, warning that continued inaction would lead to severe public health and ecological consequences. Elizabeth Kahn Baum, a lead organizer of the march, highlighted the need for accountability from local and state officials. She emphasized that there is no clear plan to remove the toxic debris, pointing out that storm drains are already black with contamination. She called the situation a serious public health crisis, urging immediate, consistent, and transparent testing across Los Angeles County beaches. Veronica, another organizer, stressed that the disaster is far from over. She refuted claims that the debris is simply burnt wood, explaining that hazardous materials such as batteries, insulation, plastics, and other chemicals are breaking down on beaches and leaching into the ocean. She warned that the longer officials wait to act, the worse the damage will become. Surfers and longtime beachgoers expressed frustration over the ongoing pollution. One local surfer stated that he had not been in the water for weeks because of the contamination. Another protester, dressed as a “goddess of the ocean” covered in soot and debris, symbolized the devastation to marine life and urged immediate action, stating that sea lions and fish were suffering due to the pollution. A petition circulated at the protest called on Governor Gavin Newsom, Los Angeles County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath, and other officials to stop hazardous waste processing at Will Rogers Beach and Topanga Creek, citing the ecological sensitivity of these areas. Protesters also demanded expanded environmental testing, calling for more sample sites, increased frequency, and transparency in reporting. They pushed for immediate, ecologically responsible cleanup efforts that do not involve heavy machinery, which could further disrupt fragile marine ecosystems. Many protesters emphasized the economic impact of polluted beaches, warning that declining tourism and unsafe swimming conditions could have long-term consequences for coastal communities. Others pointed out that hazardous waste from the Palisades Fire continues to spread, posing risks far beyond Santa Monica. While Santa Monica Mayor Lana Negrete was unable to attend due to travel, organizers noted that their advocacy efforts had led to some initial progress, including the decommissioning of hazardous waste sorting sites at Will Rogers Beach and Topanga Creek. However, they insisted that this was only the beginning, urging continued public pressure on officials to ensure comprehensive cleanup efforts.a The protest concluded with a renewed commitment to activism, as organizers announced plans to form a Coastal Alliance and register as a 501(c)(4) organization to push for stronger environmental protections. Demonstrators vowed to continue marching, petitioning, and demanding action until officials provide clear answers and solutions. One activist stated that people should not have to beg for clean beaches and insisted that the government must step up because the ocean cannot wait.

Venice Beach Comes Alive with Annual Mardi Gras Parade, Honoring a Decades-Long Tradition

VENICE BEACH, CA — The spirit of Mardi Gras filled the Venice Beach Boardwalk on Saturday, March 8, 2025, as the annual Mardi Gras Parade brought a vibrant display of music, costumes, and community celebration. Accompanied by the lively sounds of a brass band, the event carried forward a tradition that dates back nearly a century.

Venice's Mardi Gras legacy traces back to its inaugural festival in 1935, inspired by the famed New Orleans celebration. The original event, held from August 16-18, featured a grand spectacle that included the arrival of King Neptune by outrigger canoe, the coronation of Queen Venetia, and a royal procession along Ocean Front Walk. The queen’s proclamation ushered in three days of revelry, marked by parades, costume contests, and live entertainment.

In its early years, the festival became known for its elaborate floats, participants wearing massive plaster of Paris heads crafted in Arthur Reese's studio, and a lively street carnival on Windward Avenue. The atmosphere was further enhanced by gondoliers and Keystone Cops, adding a touch of theatrical charm to the festivities.

By 1941, the festival had expanded to a four-day celebration, drawing crowds in the hundreds of thousands. The event lineup grew to include a treasure hunt for children, aquatic competitions, the Miss California beauty pageant, and a grand Mardi Gras Ball, fostering a strong sense of civic pride and community spirit.

Today, the Venice Beach Mardi Gras Parade continues to honor this storied history, blending tradition with modern creativity. As the parade winds through the boardwalk, it serves as a vibrant reminder of Venice’s cultural heritage and artistic roots. For those looking to explore more about the history of Venice’s Mardi Gras celebrations, historian Jeffrey Stanton’s website offers a detailed look into the evolution of this beloved event.

𝗣𝗢𝗪𝗘𝗥𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗣𝗜𝗘𝗥: Crews Relocate Electrical Utilities Ahead of Bridge Replacement

Construction crews were spotted Friday afternoon, March 7, 2025, actively working with heavy equipment as part of the Pier Electrical Utility Relocation Project beneath the Santa Monica Pier Bridge. Doty Bros. Construction Company is leading the effort, which involves digging for an electrical power box and relocating critical electrical infrastructure ahead of the bridge’s demolition and reconstruction.

The project aims to shift electrical equipment—currently housed in a utility room under the bridge—to a new permanent location in Beach Parking Lot 1N. This relocation is a necessary step before the Pier Bridge Replacement Project, set to begin in late 2025, ensuring continued electrical service for businesses on the pier.

The city contracted Doty Bros. Equipment Company to handle the relocation, with construction officially starting on March 3, 2025. The project is scheduled for completion by September 2025. Work during the first week includes staging area setup, fencing installation, and potholing of utility structures in the parking lot.

The Santa Monica Pier Bridge, originally built in 1939, serves as the only vehicular access route to the pier and a vital pedestrian connection from Palisades Park. The upcoming bridge replacement is designed to improve seismic safety and pedestrian accessibility ahead of the 2028 Los Angeles Summer Olympics.

For inquiries regarding the project, residents and businesses can contact Jason Hoang at 310-351-7913 or jason.hoang@santamonica.gov.

𝗖𝗟𝗘𝗔𝗥𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗟𝗢𝗧: Police and Crews Dismantle Homeless Encampment in Venice

On Thursday, March 6, 2025, a multi-agency task force carried out a homeless encampment cleanup at public parking lots on Main Street and Rose Avenue in Venice. Several individuals were camping in the parking lot in violation of Los Angeles Municipal Code Section 56.11. Agencies involved included the Los Angeles Police Department, Public Works, and environmental specialists from Clean Harbors Environmental Inc.

Los Angeles Municipal Code Section 56.11 regulates the storage of personal property in public spaces, allowing individuals experiencing homelessness to retain essential items within a 60-gallon container, provided they do not create hazards or obstruct public access.

During the operation, homeless individuals in the parking lot were given 15 minutes to gather their belongings and vacate or risk having their possessions discarded. Sanitation crews then cleared debris, ensuring public health and safety. Workers, equipped with protective gear, safely disposed of hazardous and non-hazardous waste.

Under the ordinance, "bulky items" such as furniture and appliances are prohibited on public property, except for essential mobility aids like bicycles, walkers, crutches, and wheelchairs. Originally amended in 2016, Section 56.11 seeks to balance the public’s right to clean and accessible spaces with the needs of unhoused individuals to maintain essential personal items.

No citations were issued during the cleanup.

This effort underscores the city's ongoing initiatives to maintain public spaces while addressing the complex challenges of homelessness in Los Angeles.

𝗣𝗔𝗟𝗜𝗦𝗔𝗗𝗘𝗦 𝗙𝗜𝗥𝗘 𝗔𝗙𝗧𝗘𝗥𝗠𝗔𝗧𝗛: Charred Debris and Mud Cover Will Rogers State Beach

PACIFIC PALISADES – Cleanup efforts continue at Will Rogers State Beach as Los Angeles County Beaches and Harbors crews work to clear mud and debris from the bike path and shoreline in the aftermath of the Palisades Fire. On a rainy Wednesday morning, teams were seen shoveling and sweeping thick layers of mud from the beachside path, while others gathered large piles of charred debris that had washed ashore. The collected material—likely transported from wildfire burn areas by heavy rains—was being consolidated into a designated pile for later removal. Due to ongoing wildfire recovery efforts, several parking lots at Will Rogers State Beach and Topanga Beach remain closed to the public, and federal response teams have restricted access to portions of the sandy beach and bicycle path near the Will Rogers parking lots at Pacific Coast Highway and Temescal Canyon Road.

The Los Angeles County Department of Beaches and Harbors (DBH) is closely monitoring coastal conditions following recent wildfires and subsequent storms, which have raised concerns about debris and ash washing up on public beaches from Malibu to San Pedro. Strong winds and heavy rains carried wildfire remnants into rivers and streams, eventually depositing them into the Pacific Ocean. As waves bring this material back to shore, county officials, in coordination with the Los Angeles County Departments of Public Health and Public Works, the Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Board, and other agencies, are conducting sediment and water quality testing to assess potential health risks.

Preliminary testing conducted after the Jan. 26 storm indicates that dark, silty sediment appearing on several beaches, including Will Rogers State Beach and Topanga Beach, does not pose a hazardous threat to human health or the environment. Lab results from L.A. County Public Works show that levels of metals, petroleum hydrocarbons, chlorinated pesticides, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), volatile and semi-volatile organic compounds, and asbestos are below the thresholds that would classify the debris as hazardous waste. Additional testing took place the week of Feb. 24, with results pending. Officials have no plans to remove the sediment at this time, citing potential environmental risks. Disturbing the material could harm marine ecosystems, erode the shoreline, and disrupt natural sand layers. Instead, tides and weather conditions are expected to gradually clear the sediment.

Beyond ash and fine sediment, larger charred debris from the wildfires has been discovered on beaches as far south as Redondo Beach, some of which contain nails, sharp edges, or unstable fragments that pose a safety risk to beachgoers. The Department of Beaches and Harbors has deployed crews to remove large debris as it washes ashore, and if specialized removal is required, caution tape or barriers will be placed around the debris to ensure public safety. Officials urge visitors to avoid these areas and remain cautious when walking near coastal creeks, lagoons, and outfall sites.

To ensure public health, the Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Board and the Department of Public Health are conducting regular water sampling. Ocean advisories and closures are issued as needed. Currently, beachgoers from Las Flores State Beach to Santa Monica State Beach are advised to avoid visible fire debris and stay out of ocean water during posted advisories. Additional, non-fire-related advisories may also be in effect. Up-to-date information is available through the Department of Public Health’s ocean water hotline at 1-800-525-5662 or online at publichealth.lacounty.gov/beach.

In response to ongoing concerns, the Department of Public Health has launched a Post-Fire Assessment Plan, tracking air, soil, and water testing efforts across L.A. County. Data from these assessments will be publicly shared as it becomes available. Some parking lots in burn-affected areas remain closed due to wildfire recovery efforts, while others are accessible only to residents or businesses with valid passes for impacted sections of the Pacific Coast Highway. Officials continue to monitor coastal conditions and will provide updates as additional test results become available. Beachgoers are urged to heed closures and exercise caution around cleanup areas.

𝗥𝗘𝗖𝗢𝗩𝗘𝗥𝗬 𝗥𝗢𝗨𝗧𝗘: Metro Bus Rolls Through Fire-Ravaged PCH to Malibu

MALIBU, CA – Santa Monica Closeup traveled aboard a Metro Bus on Line 134 from the Santa Monica Pier to Trancas Canyon Road in Malibu on Monday, March 3, 2025, documenting ongoing recovery efforts following the devastating Palisades Fire. The highway, still closed to the public, serves as a crucial operations hub for rebuilding fire-damaged areas. The elevated view from the bus provided a unique perspective of the devastation. LA Metro has partially resumed service on Line 134, reconnecting Malibu and Santa Monica for the first time since the fire shut down the route nearly two months ago. The limited service, which began on February 28, offers a vital transportation link for residents, workers, and commuters navigating the recovery process. Metro Line 134 now serves stops at the Malibu Pier, Cross Creek Road, Civic Center Way, and Malibu Canyon Road, extending to Trancas Canyon Road in Malibu and into Santa Monica, where it connects with the E Line Station and Ocean Avenue. However, buses will not stop along a 10-mile work zone between PCH/Temescal Canyon Road and PCH/Rambla Vista to ensure passenger and worker safety. “Resuming service on Line 134 is a crucial step toward supporting the residents and commuters who depend on this route,” said Metro Board Member and LA County Supervisor Lindsey P. Horvath. “We are committed to restoring connectivity as quickly as recovery conditions allow.” Public access to PCH remains heavily restricted, with only one lane open in each direction and a 25-mph speed limit enforced. National Guard Military Police continue to staff checkpoints, allowing entry only to first responders, authorized personnel, and select press. Residents and contractors must obtain special entry passes. Metro Board Chair Janice Hahn emphasized the urgency of restoring transit access, stating, “It is important that as we recover from these fires, we get this service back up and running as soon as possible for our riders.” Malibu Mayor Doug Stewart added, “This modified service balances safety with ensuring that residents, workers, and businesses have reliable transportation. We are grateful for LA Metro’s partnership.” Delays are expected due to ongoing lane restrictions, and Metro has stated that schedules may be adjusted as conditions evolve. Metro CEO Stephanie Wiggins underscored the significance of the restoration, stating, “January’s wildfires devastated the region, making this partial service restoration an important step in recovery.” The Palisades Fire, which ignited on January 7, burned over 23,000 acres, destroyed more than 12,000 structures, and displaced 150,000 residents across Pacific Palisades, Malibu, and the San Fernando Valley. Strong Santa Ana winds and extreme drought conditions fueled its rapid spread, overwhelming emergency response efforts. The disaster resulted in five fatalities and numerous injuries, leaving lasting impacts on the region. As recovery continues, Metro’s partial service restoration represents progress in reconnecting affected communities and supporting those impacted by the disaster.