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August 14, 2009
August 14, 2009 - August 27, 2009
Volume XII, Issue 24
In This Issue...
Lockheed Fire Just Tops 7,800 Acres - Updated Aug. 23
Wildfire Threatens Davenport, Bonny Doon
Synthetic Turf Suggested for Soquel Park Soccer Fields
Local Beaches Close after Shark Chomps on Dolphin
Capitola Eyes Jade Street Spot for Library
Costs Rising to Keep Rispin Safe
When It Comes to Firefighting, They're Modern-day Minutemen
Redevelopment to Focus on Economic Vitality
Cities Not Excited about Open Space District Proposal
Critics Respond to Government Report on Apple Moth
Temporary Base for PG&E Pipe Replacement
Will Density Bonus Questions Impact Poor Clares Rezoning?
Former Santa Cruz Superintendent Alan Pagano Leads Call for School District Unification
911
Governor's Office Offers $50,000 Reward for Info Leading to Arrest and Prosecution in Morales Murder Case
Around Aptos
Around Aptos 08/14/09
Crimebeat
Crimebeat 08/14/09
Education
Pajaro Back to School Begins with Vote to Survey Tax Options
Health
Cardiovascular Fitness... Something Very Necessary
Opinions
Postmarked 08/14/09
A Clear and Present Danger
The Mid-County Post > News
Local Beaches Close after Shark Chomps on Dolphin
Swimming at beaches from Capitola to Aptos closed when a small porpoise attacked by a shark washed up south of New Brighton beach Aug. 11. The closures could extend through the summer weekend.
The four-foot porpoise was already dead when the shark, likely a juvenile great white shark, bit into it, said Sean Van Sommeran of the Pelagic Shark Research Foundation.

"This was not an attack. This was a dolphin that had been dead for several days," said Long Marine Lab veterinarian Dave Casper. "(The shark) was just scavenging on the carcass."

State parks officials first closed New Brighton, Potbelly and Seacliff beaches according to protocol for confirmed shark activity, which calls for keeping swimmers out of the water for a mile in either direction. Capitola soon followed suit.

Capitola Lifeguard Captain Eric Mitchell said shark activity had been reported off the city's main beach for several days prior to the dolphin attack, and recommended the city extend the beach water closure.

The action impacted the Junior Guard programs as well as beachgoers.

Van Sommeran noted that the Monterey Bay has a history of shark activity this time of year. A smaller salmon shark recently became stranded briefly near Rio Del Mar.

He compared the beach notices to the same precautions taken when a mountain lion is sighted.
The researcher said that the type of shark involved in the incident cannot be determined with certainty, but that a smaller great white is the leading candidate. It may have followed the porpoise carcass as it was carried toward shore.
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