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.
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.
In recent years, veterinarians have stepped in to provide a quick, cost-effective place on the Internet for owners to have their questions answered and get solid advice no matter the time of the day.
In recent years, veterinarians have stepped in to provide a quick, cost-effective place on the Internet for owners to have their questions answered and get solid advice no matter the time of the day.
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Tuesday, May 14 2013 6:04 PM EDT2013-05-14 22:04:37 GMT
Citing problems exposed by the Boston Marathon bombings, senators weighing amendments to a sweeping immigration bill agreed Tuesday to boost security provisions around student visas.
Citing problems exposed by the Boston Marathon bombings, senators weighing amendments to a sweeping immigration bill agreed Tuesday to boost security provisions around student visas.
Tuesday, May 14 2013 2:31 PM EDT2013-05-14 18:31:41 GMT
[VIEW PHOTO GALLERY] They range in age, but they all think alike. They're Simi Valley's K-9 search and rescue, and these women go out at all hours of the night to save dogs that have gone missing.
[VIEW PHOTO GALLERY] They range in age, but they all think alike. They're Simi Valley's K-9 search and rescue. Using Facebook and some serious tracking techniques the women of Simi Valley Missing Pets go out at all hours of the night to save dogs that have gone missing.
Tuesday, May 14 2013 2:24 PM EDT2013-05-14 18:24:37 GMT
Today is crunch time for the operators of medical-marijuana dispensaries in Garden Grove. The police chief has sent them letters telling them they must close by today or face fines of 1-thousand dollars.
Today is crunch time for the operators of medical-marijuana dispensaries in Garden Grove. The police chief has sent them letters telling them they must close by today or face fines of 1-thousand dollars.
Tuesday, May 14 2013 2:48 AM EDT2013-05-14 06:48:17 GMT
There is one residential detox center across the street from Bertran Elementary in Reseda. Two others are right around the corner, and two more are being built nearby.
There is one residential detox center across the street from Bertran Elementary in Reseda. Two others are right around the corner, and two more are being built nearby.
Monday, May 13 2013 9:08 PM EDT2013-05-14 01:08:41 GMT
A 25-acre wildfire has shut down some northbound lanes of Interstate 5 in Castaic, north of Los Angeles, and is threatening a mobile home park.
A 25-acre wildfire started by a burning vehicle north of Los Angeles slowed northbound traffic on Interstate 5 to a crawl Monday and threatened a mobile home park, as hot weather and tinder-dry vegetation kept fire crews busy.
Saturday, May 18 2013 3:40 AM EDT2013-05-18 07:40:51 GMT
Maribel Ramos, 36, was last seen on surveillance video dropping off her rent check about 8:30 p.m. May 2 in Orange. Roomate has been arrested for her murder.
Maribel Ramos, 36, was last seen on surveillance video dropping off her rent check about 8:30 p.m. May 2 in Orange. Roomate has been arrested for her murder.
Credit: The Mountain Lion Foundation
