Former board members and volunteers wonder where all the money went By Terelle Jerricks, Managing Editor
Real News, Real People, Really Effective
The Marine Mammal Care Center in San Pedro recently announced it is in dire financial straits and needs to raise $1 million by June. Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn stepped up with $100,000 from her office, but that’s still a long way from the goal. “We are saving lives here at MMCC and these precious animals need our help,” said a prepared statement released by the organization. “But we can’t do this alone—it’s going to take a village. We need you to come together to save this incredible organization.” The statement attributed the Marine Mammal Center’s financial predicament to an increase in operating costs. In turn, those increases were said to have derived from an unusual mortality event that struck the California sea lion population between 2013 and 2017. The death of many sea lions created a population of their pups that were stranded on the beaches due to malnourishment. The event took a toll on staff, volunteers and the financial footing of the organization, according to the statement. This is all true, but to anyone who has paid attention to the Marine Mammal Care Center over the past 30 years, it would seem there’s more to this story. A lot of long-time observers, former board members and ex-volunteers say the whole thing sounds fishy. The questions are many, but the number one question is, “Has someone taken money from the cookie jar?” With the available evidence, it’s not exactly clear. But from the perspective
[See Mammal, p. 8]
New health trend: Intermittent fasting... is it right for you? p. 2
Buono’s grand opening and a new Western Avenue gem in Northern Cafe p. 10
On Jan. 6, legislation to create clear and present danger of climate a California Green New Deal was change,” said Bonta. introduced in the State Assembly Activists and scientists alike by Assistant Majority Leader Rob said the action was needed, but Bonta, along with 13 co-sponsors translating broad aspirations into from across the state. Like the action remains challenging. national version, introduced by “We need a Green New Deal Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, a at the federal level,” said Sunrise Democrat from the Bronx, it aims Movement Bay Area organizer to address issues of racial and Isaac Silk. “But also, there’s a economic equity to ensure a just whole heck of a lot that California transition to a sustainable future, can be doing to go beyond what the with shared economic prosperity. current climate goals are to ensure “Just like with the original we have a viable future. Young New Deal by FDR in 1932 that Assembly majority leader Rob Bonta. people across the state and young lifted America out of the Great File photo people in Sunrise realize that Depression, we too must now California can be doing a lot more. UC Merced climate scientist LeRoy Westerling harness all of our people power, political capital and courage to meet today’s greatest challenge — the said the state should not wait for federal leadership
or appropriations. “Prosperity and economic and health security for all Californians depends on deepening our technological leadership in green, low-carbon technologies.” The state’s public universities, colleges and community colleges are important partners. “Large scale public investment is required to implement green technologies throughout the state’s economy,” Westerling said. “A highly-trained workforce is necessary for the development and management of green technology systems to manage our vulnerabilities to climate risks.” On the other hand, the costs of climate change — the costs of doing nothing — by 2050 “are on the order of hundreds of billions of dollars,” the bill’s statement of findings notes. “Adaptation efforts and resources to prepare communities and minimize climate impacts, particularly to disadvantaged communities, are needed to ensure the
January 23 - February 5, 2020
Dancing Waters and the demolition of San Pedro’s cultural history p. 9
By Paul Rosenberg, Senior Editor
Supervisor Hahn proposes new homeless shelter in San Pedro p. 3
A Green New Deal For The Golden State
[See California, p. 20]
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