Tag: Los Angeles

Gray whale carcass with bite marks washes ashore on L.A. Beach

The 39-foot gray whale carcass was discovered floating off Marina del Rey on Saturday with most of its head missing.

**UPDATE: Orcas might not have killed the whale despite an initial claim by a researcher. An examination of the carcass after the whale washed ashore revealed possible shark bites, but results of a necropsy are pending.  We apologize for any erroneous information that might have been provided by sources.

Two Los Angeles County boaters on Saturday spotted a gray whale that had recently been killed by orcas and was missing most of its head.

Alisa Schulman-Janiger, director of the ACS-LA Gray Whale Census and Behavior Project, told FTW Outdoors that Jean Huber and Christy Varni discovered the floating carcass at mid-morning less than a mile off Marina del Rey.

Huber and Varni, project volunteers, said the orcas, or killer whales, were not present. But they told Schulman-Janiger that orca teeth marks were evident on the 39-foot carcass.

Schulman-Janiger, also Lead Research Biologist for the California Killer Whale Project, suspected five orcas that had been spotted farther south, off Orange County, on Thursday.

The orcas were photo-identified after Thursday’s sighting as Bigg’s killer whale CA56 and her three kids, along with a closely associated female, CA133.

“I can’t say for sure that this was them, but they were confirmed to have killed at least one common dolphin on Thursday,” Schulman-Janiger said.

Gray whale carcass a day before it washed ashore. Photo: Jean Huber

Bigg’s killer whales prey predominantly on other marine mammals, including gray whales. But virtually all previous gray whale predations have involved much smaller calves.

The CA56/CA133 pod has only been documented seven times as of Thursday, with most sightings logged off Monterey in Central California.

Until Thursday, the farthest south these orcas had been documented was off Santa Barbara in December 2023.

Orcas kill gray whale in rare predation event off L.A.

A rarely seen pod of marine mammal-eating orcas is presumed responsible for killing the 25-foot gray whale.

**UPDATE: Orcas might not have killed the whale despite an initial claim by a prominent researcher. An examination of the carcass after the whale washed ashore revealed possible shark bites, but results of a necropsy are pending.  We apologize for any erroneous information that might have been provided by sources.

Two Los Angeles-area boaters on Saturday spotted a juvenile gray whale that had recently been killed by orcas and was missing most of its head.

Alisa Schulman-Janiger, director of the ACS-LA Gray Whale Census and Behavior Project, told FTW Outdoors that Jean Huber and Christy Varni discovered the floating carcass at mid-morning less than a mile off Marina del Rey.

Huber and Varni, project volunteers, said the orcas, or killer whales, were not present. But they said tooth-rake marks (common after orca predation) were evident on carcass.

Schulman-Janiger, also Lead Research Biologist for the California Killer Whale Project, said the orcas are likely the same five orcas spotted farther south, off Orange County, on Thursday.

Gray whale carcass missing much of its head. Photo: Jean Huber

They were photo-identified by Schulman-Janiger after Thursday’s sighting as Bigg’s killer whale CA56 and her three kids, along with a closely associated female, CA133.

“I can’t say for sure that this was them, but they were confirmed to have killed at least one common dolphin on Thursday,” Schulman-Janiger said.

Bigg’s killer whales prey predominantly on other marine mammals, including gray whales. But virtually all previous gray whale predations have involved much smaller calves.

The CA56/CA133 pod has only been documented seven times as of Thursday, with most sightings logged off Monterey in Central California.

Until Thursday, the farthest south these orcas had been documented was off Santa Barbara in December 2023.

UCLA-Northwestern game Sunday postponed due to wildfires around Los Angeles

UCLA women’s basketball will not play Northwestern on Sunday due to the LA wildfires.

On Friday the Big Ten Conference announced that the Northwestern women’s basketball team decided against traveling to Los Angeles this weekend to face the No.1 UCLA women’s basketball team on Sunday due to the wildfires that are devastating the area this past week. 

There have yet to be any makeup dates for the game, with the Big Ten saying they’re looking into rescheduling possibilities. Nothing yet has been announced. UCLA’s women’s basketball team has not issued a statement about Sunday’s postponement but did repost the Big Ten’s announcement.

This will delay the Bruins’ quest for the program’s best-ever start. The team tied its best-ever mark on the road against Purdue on Tuesday with a 83-49 win which moved the Bruins to 16-0. 

In addition to the game against UCLA on Sunday, Northwestern also chose not to play its scheduled game against USC on Wednesday. UCLA’s next scheduled game is another home game on Wednesday against Penn State and is currently scheduled to take place. It’s the latest sporting event to be adjusted due to the fires, with the NFL moving the Vikings-Rams playoff game to State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, from Sofi Stadium in Inglewood, California.

The greater Los Angeles wildfires have already taken 11 lives, destroyed over 7,000 structures and have burned thousands of acres since the fires began on Tuesday.

How the Los Angeles wildfires affected the sports world, including a postponed game

How the sports world was affected by the devastating wildfires.

The devastation from the horrific multiple wildfires in the Los Angeles area continues as firefighters try to fight them.

We’re thinking of everyone out there as this all continues to unfold. Of course this has all touched the sports world as well, with at least one game postponed and questions swirling about whether an NFL playoff contest will be moved because of the fires.

Here’s a look at how the fires have affected the sports world in one way or another, and we’ll update this as the news continues to roll in. Here’s a look at the athletes, coaches and games affected:

The Los Angeles Kings and Calgary Flames game was postponed

No word yet on when it will be played.

Kawhi Leonard stepped away from the Los Angeles Clippers after his family was evacuated

Here’s what coach Tyronn Lue said about that, via the Associated Press:

“You definitely have to take care of home. … Totally had my support 100%. Going back, checking on his family and kids, making sure they’re well. And he got back, and they’re doing OK, so just happy and thankful for that.”

The Los Angeles Rams and Minnesota Vikings playoff game has a contingency plan

The NFL could move the game to Glendale, Arizona and it would be played on a Monday.

Riviera Country Club is in the evacuation zone

Videos on Wednesday showed fire approaching the site of the Genesis Invitational.

Lakers coach JJ Redick said his family had to evacuate

From the Associated Press:

“I just want to acknowledge and send thoughts and prayers to everyone in the Palisades right now,” Redick said prior to the Lakers’ 118-97 loss to the Mavericks. “That’s where I live.

“Our family, my wife’s family, my wife’s twin sister, they’ve evacuated. I know a lot of people are freaking out right now, including my family. From the sound of things, with the winds coming (Tuesday night), I know a lot of people are scared. So I just want to acknowledge that. Thoughts and prayers for sure, and hope everybody stays safe.”

Notre Dame women’s basketball gets biggest win of young season vs. USC

This was a monster win for the Irish.

(This story has been updated to add new information.)

Everyone wanted to see the Notre Dame and USC women’s basketball teams play each other. The biggest reason was to see [autotag]Hannah Hidalgo[/autotag] and JuJu Watkins go up against each other.

We got the first of what will be at least two meetings between the teams Saturday in Los Angeles, and the Irish emerged victorious over the Trojans, 74-61. With both teams expected to be national championship contenders, this was the biggest win of the season so far.

The Irish (5-0) never trailed against the Trojans (4-1), who only tied the game twice and not at all after the 4:07 mark of the first quarter. That was the result of the Irish beating the Trojans with superior defense and a high-paced offense that took far more advantage of its opportunities. Their 17-9 steals advantage contributed mightily to their 20-8 advantage in fast break points.

The Irish’s biggest lead was at 21, and the Trojans scored eight straight points at the end to make the final score closer.

Hidalgo scored 16 of her 24 points in the first half. She also had a game-high five steals, but [autotag]Liatu King[/autotag] made up for missing the Irish’s last game by collecting four of her own steals as well as a game-high 11 rebounds.

[autotag]Olivia Miles[/autotag] collected 14 of her 20 points in the second half. That included hitting a career-high four 3-pointers for the third time in her collegiate career and the second straight game in which she reached that mark.

Watkins also scored 24 points, 19 of which came in the second half. Kiki Iriafen had 15 points and finished one rebound shy of a double-double. Talia von Oelhoffen, who helped Oregon State eliminate the Irish in last season’s NCAA Tournament, added 10 points.

Contact/Follow us @IrishWireND on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Notre Dame news, notes and opinions.

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Notre Dame, USC to be featured throughout NBC tripleheader Nov. 23

Don’t make any plans for that day.

Notre Dame and USC make up an intersectional rivalry unlike any other in the country. One upcoming Saturday will showcase both schools on national TV perhaps like never before.

NBC Sports has a longtime association with Irish football, and USC now is part of a Big Ten which has its games broadcast by the same company. And the stars are aligning for one heck of day.

NBC will kick off a tripleheader of coverage involving both schools with the Irish and Trojans women’s basketball teams meeting in Los Angeles at 4 p.m. EST. All eyes will be on that to see whether [autotag]Hannah Hidalgo[/autotag] and [autotag]Olivia Miles[/autotag] get the best of JuJu Watkins and Kiki Iriafen. Both duos are incredibly dangerous.

Next will be the Irish football team’s annual Shamrock Series game with Army at Yankee Stadium. Wrapping up the day’s coverage will be the Trojans football team facing UCLA at the Rose Bowl. Both games will be the teams’ last before playing each other at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum the following week.

Clear your schedule for Nov. 23, Irish fans. It will be the right day to do so.

Contact/Follow us @IrishWireND on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Notre Dame news, notes and opinions.

Follow Geoffrey on X: @gfclark89

How many Angelenos will try to pull off the Dodgers-USC double dip?

Dodgers at 5:08, USC at 8:05. How many people are going to make an attempt to go to both games on a special Friday night in Los Angeles?

The table is set. The schedule has been made known for the people of Los Angeles. Friday night, October 25, is a very special night. At 5:08 p.m. in LA, the Dodgers host the New York Yankees in Game 1 of the 2024 World Series. At roughly 8:10 p.m., USC football hosts Rutgers in a Friday night special. Both games are on Fox Sports, which invites the possibility that the USC game will be pre-empted by baseball. It all depends on how long the World Series game will last.

This does raise a question: How many Los Angeles residents — or maybe even Yankee fans who are also Rutgers fans — will try to pull off the Dodgers-USC double on Friday? The Los Angeles Coliseum and Dodger Stadium are not that far apart. Traffic figures to be nasty throughout Friday night in the Los Angeles area, so no one who is contemplating going to the USC football game after the Dodger game is expecting to make it in time for kickoff of the Trojans’ game versus Rutgers. The reasonable expectation is to arrive late in the first quarter, maybe even early in the second.

A question we have to ask: If Game 1 of the World Series is somewhat lopsided — let’s say four runs in the seventh inning — will a USC fan leave Dodger Stadium for the Coliseum? Will a Rutgers fan leave the Yankees at Chavez Ravine and go to the Coli?

It’s obvious that if the World Series game is tense, thrilling and close, that game will earn and demand everyone’s attention until the final out. The odds of being able to pull off the Dodgers-USC double will increase to the extent that one team is able to take a massive lead midway through Game 1 of the World Series. It will be quite a night in Los Angeles, that’s for sure.

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Friday, October 25 will be an amazing night in Los Angeles

Friday, October 25 will offer a buffet of sports and entertainment on a grand scale for Angelenos. Scores will be checked by phones at concerts, most likely.

Friday, October 25, 2024. This will be one memorable night for the people of Los Angeles. On one night, a galaxy of stars will perform in the city, encompassing sports and music in an entertainment extravaganza. USC football will be one small part of a bigger offering of attractions in the City of Angels. Angelenos will have so many choices, and it will be fascinating to see how the people of the nation’s second-largest city will multitask on a one-of-a-kind Friday.

You already know that the Los Angeles Dodgers begin the 2024 World Series against the New York Yankees at Dodger Stadium. First pitch is at 5:08 in Los Angeles. Then the night comes alive a few hours later with an explosion of events Angelenos get to choose from.

At 7 p.m., the Los Angeles Lakers host Kevin Durant and the rest of the Phoenix Suns.

At 7:30, the East L.A. High School Football Classic will be played in SoFi Stadium. Also at 7:30, Pink Floyd’s Gilmour will begin a concert.

At 8, USC football plays Rutgers. Also at 8, an ELO concert starts. Wow! That is simply a ton of great sports and entertainment. You can be part of a roaring crowd at several different LA locations.

It will be a night unlike any other in Los Angeles. Have fun!

Visit our friends at Fighting Irish Wire, Buffaloes Wire, Ducks Wire, UW Huskies Wire and UCLA Wire.

2024-25 Los Angeles Clippers: A quick preview

While many have focused on the departures of Paul George and Russell Westbrook, the Clippers have quietly added key defensive pieces in Derrick Jones Jr., Nicolas Batum, and Kris Dunn. These additions, while not as flashy, could make the team better …

While many have focused on the departures of Paul George and Russell Westbrook, the Clippers have quietly added key defensive pieces in Derrick Jones Jr., Nicolas Batum, and Kris Dunn. These additions, while not as flashy, could make the team better overall, as they focus on balance and fit rather than pure talent.

With Kawhi Leonard and James Harden anchoring the offense, the Clippers still have two elite scoring options. What’s different now is that they’ll be surrounded by versatile, defense-minded role players who complement their skill sets. The team may be less star-studded than last year, but the pieces could fit better, particularly under head coach Tyronn Lue’s nine-man rotation system, which emphasizes staggering stars and maximizing player roles.

Leonard and Harden will continue to lead the way, but with players like Jones stepping into a starting role and Dunn filling the backup point guard position, the Clippers have a deeper, more defensively sound team. Additionally, the team’s flexibility with Harden’s two-year deal ensures they remain competitive now while maintaining future cap room.

2024-25 Los Angeles Lakers: A quick preview

Despite a rough season last year, the Lakers have shown flashes of what they’re capable of, especially when healthy. With a new head coach in JJ Redick and key players like Jarred Vanderbilt and Gabe Vincent fully available, there’s hope for a …

Despite a rough season last year, the Lakers have shown flashes of what they’re capable of, especially when healthy. With a new head coach in JJ Redick and key players like Jarred Vanderbilt and Gabe Vincent fully available, there’s hope for a better run this time around.

The challenge, of course, is the reliance on LeBron James, who is entering his 22nd season at will turn 40 in two months, and Anthony Davis, who has struggled with injuries in the past (though not lately). The Lakers aren’t like a Boston or Spoelstra-coached Miami team that can easily compensate for absences – they need all hands on deck for most of the season, along with a bit of luck. Redick, a first-time head coach, adds an element of unpredictability, but his fresh perspective and approach could be just what this team needs to manage rotations better and push the right buttons.

LeBron himself acknowledged the team’s lack of major moves, saying, “It takes two to tango,” when discussing their offseason attempts. But with a core that went 20-10 down the stretch last season, combined with Redick’s innovative coaching, the Lakers might just have what it takes to surpass their 47 wins from last season – if everything falls into place.