Sea lion gives birth in Malibu
A sea lion gave birth on Paradise Cove Beach June 16. Normally, thousands of sea lions give birth every June on San Miguel Island in the Channel Islands. There, the pups are nursed, and at age 3 months are taught to swim and catch fish on their own. Giving birth at Paradise Cove meant this sea lion was disoriented and possibly sick.
Malibu resident Sandy Carter and her family put up caution tape around the area to protect the cow and her pup from overzealous onlookers. After the new mother spent eight hours resting and nursing the pup, a team from WildRescue came in to help out. With assistance from local residents, the sea lions were put in crates, which were transported to the Marine Rehab Center in San Pedro. They could eventually be returned to their natural ocean habitat. Those interested in checking on the sea lions’ progress should call 548.5677.
Tennis players needed
Santa Monica-UCLA Medical Center is recruiting tennis players of all abilities to participate in the 7th annual Westside Challenge to Beat Breast Cancer, which takes place Oct. 23 at the UCLA/Los Angeles Tennis Center.
There will be a tennis marathon, family activities, entertainment and a silent auction. Proceeds from the event will go to the low-cost mammography-screening program at the medical center, which provides affordable screening and follow-up care for females in the community. For a player packet or more information, call 573.1606.
CPR classes
Teenagers and adults can learn CPR through the instruction of the American Red Cross’ “The ABC’s of Safe Summer Super CPR” on Saturday at the Los Angeles Fire Department Frank Hotchkin Memorial Training Center. Participants can learn life saving techniques for emergency situations. Those interested in participating should call 800.627.7000.
Couple attempts to save endangered bird
California Coastal Commissioner Sara Wan and her husband, former Malibu Mayor Larry Wan, are attempting to save the endangered El Oro Parakeet of Ecuador from further danger.
The Wans began a campaign through their organization, the Western Alliance for Nature, to buy and preserve 80 acres of the birds’ habitat in southwestern Ecuador. Larry Wan said they sought contributions to purchase the land from its owner, a local politician in need of campaign funds. The Wans proposed matching donations, and the amount was raised in less than
60 days.
A cloud forest habitat will be contained in the area to support the parakeet, which dwindled to nearly 125 remaining in the world. Larry Wan said the Western Alliance plans to hold tours of the area for those who contributed when the reserve is ready.
Sheen supports PETA
According to the Los Angeles Times, Malibu actor and activist Martin Sheen sent a letter to the state Assembly recently to support a bill that would ban the sale and production of foie gras in California. The People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals says ducks and geese are force fed large amounts of food through long pipes that are shoved down their throats. The bill was approved by the state Senate last month, and is before the Assembly this week.
However, a San Francicsco restaurant owner told the Los Angeles Times that PETA’s allegations were not true.
Wesson asks feds to save film industry
State Assembly Speaker Herb J. Wesson Jr. asked the U.S. Congress to pass laws that would give tax deductions to employees in the movie and television production industry.
Assembly Joint Resolution 92 urges the president and Congress to pass legislation to provide federal income tax credit incentives on wages paid for film and television production work in the United States.
Wesson said the incentives would prevent further “runaway productions,” in which companies use other countries’ lower wages and government subsidies, and film overseas as opposed to here.
Summer reading program begins
The summer reading program for children, “Ride a Wild Tale,” begins on June 24 at the Malibu Library, with weekly events taking place through Aug. 5. The events will take place on Thursdays at 3:30 p.m. The kickoff event will be “Let Them Eat Books,” which will include wild tales by “We Tell Stories.” On July 1, Erin Moore will perform rope jumping tricks and will ask others to participate. On July 8, children will get a chance to learn about the mystery and magic of soap bubble, and discover how math and science are related to bubble making. For information on more events and other questions about the program, call 456.6438.
Blood supply low
The American Red Cross is urging Southern Californians to donate blood. For Los Angeles, Orange and San Diego Counties, the Red Cross has less than one-third of a one-day supply of type O negative blood, which translates to 37 units of blood to serve about 150 hospitals and a population of more than 15 million. According to the Red Cross, a five- to seven-day supply of all blood types is desired in Southern California to maintain a stable supply.