Natural toxin in algae kills sea lions
SANTA MONICA — Three dead sea lions washed ashore on several beaches Monday after getting sick from a natural toxin released by algae.
That brings the total number of sea lions washing ashore in recent days to eight, though the previous five were still alive.
Those animals, some of whom were pregnant, were being nursed back to health by the nonprofit group Whale Rescue Team after they were found ashore in Playa Del Rey, Venice, Santa Monica and Will Rogers State beaches in recent weeks.
The dead sea lions washed up at Cabrillo and White Point beaches in San Pedro.
Peter Wallerstein, a spokesman for the rescue group, said it appeared the sea lions were victims of domoic acid, a natural toxin produced by an algae that has sickened dozens of sea mammals off the Southern California coast in recent years. It attacks the nervous system and causes seizures.
“In 20 years, this is the hardest thing I’ve seen,” Wallerstein said, “the look in the eyes of these sea lions while those neurotoxins are exploding in their brains.” The rescue group has picked up 118 beached sea mammals so far this year, he said, and many of the young sea lions did not survive the domoic acid poisoning.
New hotline service helps callers find what they need
LOS ANGELES — Several Southern California counties are preparing to roll out an emergency hotline service that will offer residents referrals to agencies that help with various needs.
Beginning July 1, callers to the 211 information line can get help in finding affordable child or elder care, how to escape domestic violence or where to get help with housing.
“The 211 service will make it easier for the public to get access to the help they need,” said Maribel Marin, executive director of San Gabriel-based Info Line, which will be answering calls in Los Angeles County. Orange, Riverside, San Diego and Santa Barbara counties will also get on the system in July, and other counties will get on the system later this year.
Compiled from Bruin wire services.