A lot of us still remember the day a beautiful mountain lion came down from the hills and went for a walk on the streets of Santa Monica.
And while that is a rare occurrence, we are seeing it happen more and more and that's why State Senator Jerry Hill wants to enact a new law to help protect mountain lions.
It was May of 2012 when this majestic cat was first spotted in Santa Monica. And while everyone wondered how the cat got there, everyone was also hoping it would be captured safely and returned to the wild where it belonged.
But the story didn't have a happy ending. Officials say that when tranquilizers didn't work and the lion became aggressive, they had to shoot the animal dead.
And just last month, up north in Half Moon Bay, it happened again. Two young mountain lion cubs, weighing only about 30 pounds each and spotted hiding under the porch of a home, were shot and killed by game wardens.
And just like with the Santa Monica lion, many were outraged and angered by what appeared to some as a last resort measure that was taken too quickly. That's why Senator Jerry Hill wants to change the law.
He will introduce legislation that would require the California Department of Fish and Wildlife to utilize non-lethal options in these cases -- unless it's clear that the lion could cause immediate death or physical harm to humans.
Sounds like a no brainer right? But apparently current state regulations don't give wardens much flexibility when mountain lions venture into areas populated by humans.
The mayor of Half Moon Bay says last month's killing of the cubs was a wake up call.
Meanwhile, Hill's legislation will also allow the CDFW to partner with wildlife groups and non-profits who are experienced in dealing with these wild animals can hopefully assist wardens in tranquilizing and trapping them.
Seeking to toughen the allowable alcohol limit for drivers, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is calling on states to lower the legal blood alcohol content (BAC) to 0.05 or lower from the current 0.08.
Seeking to toughen the allowable alcohol limit for drivers, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is calling on states to lower the legal blood alcohol content (BAC) to 0.05 or lower from the current 0.08.
Certain projects, such as adding a well thought-out family room can be a wise investment, as they do add to the value of the home. Other projects, however, allow little opportunity to recover the costs when it's time to sell.
Certain projects, such as adding a well thought-out family room can be a wise investment, as they do add to the value of the home. Other projects, however, allow little opportunity to recover the costs when it's time to sell.
People who follow the ancient practice of yoga may be getting an added health boost, with a new study suggesting it can fight high blood pressure -- also known as hypertension.
People who follow the ancient practice of yoga may be getting an added health boost, with a new study suggesting it can fight high blood pressure -- also known as hypertension.
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Wednesday, May 22 2013 5:34 PM EDT2013-05-22 21:34:01 GMT
A bear with a tag on its right ear wandered around in a neighborhood in Sun Valley for more than an hour today before being tranquilized by fish and game personnel.
A bear with a tag on its right ear wandered around in a neighborhood in Sun Valley for more than an hour today before being tranquilized by fish and game personnel.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 2:52 PM EDT2013-05-22 18:52:33 GMT
Wendy Greuel had a light moment with the media as well as serious and sometimes emotional ones as she officially conceded the Mayor's race to Eric Garcetti.
Wendy Greuel had a light moment with the media as well as serious and sometimes emotional ones as she officially conceded the Mayor's race to Eric Garcetti.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 1:42 PM EDT2013-05-22 17:42:08 GMT
When tragedy strikes - like the tornado in Oklahoma, USAR (Urban Search and Rescue) Teams are called to help from all over the country. In fact, the USAR Team from LA City Fire is ready to go on 2 hours notice.
When tragedy strikes - like the tornado in Oklahoma - USAR (Urban Search and Rescue) Teams are called to help from all over the country. In fact, the USAR Team from LA City Fire is ready to go on 2 hours notice. They have thirteen K9s trained to sniff out victims under rubble. Seven are ready to travel on a moment's notice.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 8:25 PM EDT2013-05-22 00:25:19 GMT
Far-reaching legislation to grant a chance at citizenship to millions of immigrants living illegally in the United States cleared the Senate Judiciary Committee on a solid bipartisan vote.
Far-reaching legislation to grant a chance at citizenship to millions of immigrants living illegally in the United States cleared the Senate Judiciary Committee on a solid bipartisan vote Tuesday night.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 7:23 PM EDT2013-05-21 23:23:54 GMT
A scant turnout is expected Tuesday when voters choose between two City Hall regulars who failed to bring much sparkle to the contest to succeed Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, who exits office July 1.
A scant turnout is expected Tuesday when voters choose between two City Hall regulars who failed to bring much sparkle to the contest to succeed Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, who exits office July 1 after two up-and-down terms.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 7:12 PM EDT2013-05-21 23:12:30 GMT
FBI officials say a joint task force has taken down at least a dozen senior members of the 18th Street gang in a series of early morning raids. The suspects have been arrested for numerous charges.
FBI officials say a joint task force has taken down at least a dozen senior members of the 18th Street gang in a series of early morning raids. The suspects have been arrested for numerous charges.
Credit: The Mountain Lion Foundation
