Grace 10.2.09

Lucas Grace

Beat Report

10/3/09

City Continues Its Efforts to Clean Up the Beach

In a continued effort, the city has been doing research and planning in order to keep the water and beaches clean. Recently, bird netting has come in to play in an effort to reduce bird population and fecal pollution around the pier.

Studies have often linked birds to the increase in fecal matter polluting local waters. In June 2009 RBF Consulting, Inc. completed a source study testing the waters of the Santa Monica Bay, and concluded that birds were a major contributor to fecal pollution in the area.

While storm drain upgrades have already been put in place, the netting efforts are just beginning. While the fecal pollution is harmful to us, possibly causing salmonella poisoning, the city is also making sure o protect the wildlife as well. Nest still with eggs and hatchlings will be protected until the hatchlings mature.

Day of Peace at the Pier

Friday, October 2, 2009 marked the third annual observation of the U.N.’s Day of Nonviolence. People gathered at the pier to watch activist on the beach that were gathered around a large peace sign.

U.N. Day of Nonviolence, began in 2007 as a way of remembering not only Gandhi, but what he stood for. Gandhi helped India gain its independence from Britain only to be assassinated in 1948.

In Honor of his efforts, the U.N. General Assembly passed a 2007 resolution declaring Gandhi’s birthday, October 2^nd, a day of observance, a day of peace.

St. John’s Gets $100 Million Donation

Billionaire Patrick Soon-Shiong, founder and owner of L.A. based Abraxis BioScience, donated $100 million to St. John’s Hospital.

The huge donation will go to expanding the facilities as well as more than half going to research. Mr. Soon-Shiong’s pharmaceutical company in Los Angeles focuses on cancer medication and research, so it is no surprise that $55million of the donation will go to funding research.