The worst summer for the seals since 2005
August 16, 2010 – 1:56 pmDear All,
This has been the worst summer for the seals and for us, pro-seal activists, since 2005. The anti-seal goons have been viciously attacking the La Jolla seal rookery on the daily basis, setting up numerous tables and huge banners all over the area blocking us from setting up our seal information booth and keeping the animals off the beach.
The anti-environmentalists ask to respect wildlife to look good in the eyes of the unaware, first time visitors, but they have no respect for seals themselves, harassing the animals and doing everything in their sick power to deny them a minimum protection of a guideline rope even during seal pupping season. They are desperate and aggressive, REFUSING TO SHARE the space with the animals even late at night
Their signs use lies and defamation against our organization
These individuals are hiding behind an anonymous “Friends of the Children’s Pool”, not a 501(c) nonprofit (if you go to their website, which I don’t wish to advertise here, you won’t find a single name or contact info), but we know the the San Diego Council of Divers is a real sponsor.
FYI, we have never made a claim that we rescue seals (only SeaWorld has a license to do that), but we do report injured animals cooperating with the rescue team. And yes, we do protect the seals, that’s why we are harassed by the anti-seal people all the time. All the money raised at our booth goes to a separate seal account and is used only to continue our fight for the seal protection.
Here’s what their signs say:
Expensive plan to close the beach ? How much does the rope cost – $20? I’ll pay from my own pocket. As for the permits to allow the rope to be installed, these are all internal city permits that require paperwork job performed by already hired coastal development agency clerks.
Shared use? Then why there is no room made for the seals on the sand? The anti-seal people sit all over the beach preventing exhausted animals from coming on shore.
The anti-seal folks know as much about sharing the beach with seals as they do with sharing the space with us on the sidewalk – do they really need 3 or 4 tables blocking everybody and displaying the same message?
They have no shame setting up an additional (4th or 5th?) table right next to our posters and blocking the federal sign.
They frequently turn our signs face down and smear them with dirt
The anti-seal activists spread lies about the seal protection rope violating the trust – I am sorry, but they obviously haven’t heard of SB428, the new state law amending the old Tidelands trust of 1931 allowing creation of the marine mammal park at the Children’s Pool.
Park ranger as a better alternative? Let me explain the truth behind the ranger program:
At the May 17th special City Council meeting when 6 of the councilmembers voted for protection of the seals, the anti-seal council woman Lightner was bothered by the fact that we, the pro-seal activists are present at the beach, therefore she proposed a ranger program TO GET RID OF US, seal protectors. Within one day, she mysteriously received $79 thousand dollars from an anonymous source (we suspect one of the most vicious people behind attack on our seals, Melinda Merryweather being behind this donation).
Ranger Randy Hawley started his duties at the seal beach in mid July. His first introduction to the seal crew was a threat: he told that our signs were illegal and requested us to remove them. I do not need to mention that such request is simply illegal since ranger Hawley not only has no authority to remove our signs, but would be penalized by courts to do so (free speech is guaranteed by the constitution).
Ranger Hawley works Saturday and Sunday afternoons only, showing up at about 4:30 pm, leaving around 7pm. Most of his time is spent on a buddy-buddy talk with the anti-seal people (he doesn’t seem to think their signs are illegal), chatting with the public about topics unrelated to the seals and sitting in his truck.
The ranger has NO AUTHORITY whatsoever and he openly admits that he cannot pull people away from the seals. What’s the point of him being there then?
Wouldn’t you like his job? $79,000.00 a year for 6 to 8 hours a week DOING NOTHING. IF THAT’S NOT A FRAUD, WHAT IS? We demand a thorough investigation into the fake ranger program. The ranger program is a conflict of interest as he is paid with the anti-seal money (Merriweather and Lightner) catering to the anti-seal side”s demands. Here’s an article sent to the La Jolla Village News written by a local visitor about his impressions of the ranger:
You can reach ranger Hawley at 858-581-9980, RHawley@sandiego.gov
You can also complain to the Park and Rec department Stacey Lo Medico who hires the ranger, she can be reached at (619) 236-6643, slomedico@sandiego.gov
and councilmember Sherri Lightner (619) 236-6611, SherriLightner@sandiego.gov
If you know of a good investigative reporter who would like to follow the money and expose the fraud, please do not hesitate to forward them this blog and my contact info.
PS: Some people posted comments that the ranger does not make the amount of money I reported above: today, 08/21/10 ranger Hawley personally confirmed that he’s total salary package including taxes, health care and retirement plan is $79,000.00 annually for a maximum of 720 hours of his “work”.
!!!!!!!!!!!!
OUR LARGE 5 FOOT TALL “PLEASE DO NOT GO ON THE BEACH” STURDY BOARD SIGNS that we place at the entrance to the beach WERE STOLEN SATURDAY, August the 7th night.
Although I called the police and filed a police report, no investigation has been conducted. There is a camera installed at the top of the lifeguard tower and it would not be that difficult to see who stole our signs. Only anti-seal people could have committed the crime – the signs were large and heavy and they don’t fit in a regular car. Who other than the enemy would love to see them gone?
The signs were expensive and, since our budget is more than tight nowadays due to bad weather and economy, we would welcome donations in order to replace them. Our signs were very effective to stop respectful yet unaware visitors to the beach from disturbing the seals.
Thank you and let’s hope for better times.
Dorota
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33 Comments! WOW! Read Below what others are saying.
I will put a check in the mail..to help your cause..shame on that man…he the ranger is getting good bucks …for being a butt head…shame on all you none people who was not born in calif..i am ashamed of all of you..of iam going to get crap on this one..yes I live in kansas..and love my wildlife…deers.turkeys..foxes…in fact..i have a family of foxes across the road from where i live….we have a lot of wildlife out here …what is wrong with you people..we need to protect the seals for the our kids..and grandkids…I was born in calif…oh this over about seals..the animals where here before us..shame on you..you want to take me on I will fly back to san diego..and take you all on…keep up the good work…and get the park ranger out of there..we have a park ranger like that where we camp at…he is a butthole.KIMMIE
By kimmie on Aug 17, 2010
Thank you Kimmie.
By Dorota on Aug 17, 2010
This is wonderful news! I’m thrilled to hear that your organization is experiencing some difficulty. Now you know what your bitter medicine tastes like. You have participated in harassment of normal, innocent, beach-going citizens for years based upon your whacked-out beliefs that the seals need your protection. How arrogant and smug you are to think that God’s creatures need your intervention. I applaud any efforts made to interfere with the actions of your group. Whomever took part in them is alright by me. I hope your signs were used as firewood to cook some tasty burgers.
By people come first on Aug 18, 2010
the ranger does not make anything close to that amount of money at all! You have false information and are using anything you can to help your case. In fact, just last week those “anti-seal” people he is so buddy buddy with wrote a letter to Randys supervisor claiming he is kicking people off the beach left and right and threatening people who are close to the seals. How do i know this? Hes my dad! and if he were making that much money I would not be working 4 jobs and paying for my own college!!! The ranger is there to keep the peace and make sure none of you EXTREMISTS on either side are causing disturbances and wasting those TAX DOLLARS youa re so worried about on police calls. If you want to investigate some wasted money try looking at the amount of police calls made at the childrens pool over bickering anit/pro seal people. Come on people, lets all just get along and stop the mud slinging and focus our energy on positives!!! LEAVE MY DAD ALONE!
By Lindsay on Aug 18, 2010
That’s is crappy that somebody stole your sign and that the seals are being harassed. Just kidding those seals are gay and if I get sweated by some stinky hippie over some stupid seals I will punch him in the face! I think that it is funny when the seals flush and the baby seals get squashed! hahahahahahaha!
By Seal lover on Aug 19, 2010
Kimmie you are4 a dumb bitch and you probably take it in the ass.
By Seal lover on Aug 19, 2010
It is a good thing that the CHILDRENS POOL is being used by HUMANS. you folks can go die. I love the seals. they WILL find a spot to rest. i swim with them and they REST while floating you dummies.
By Seal lover on Aug 19, 2010
But now I can only look at seals on seal rock and I have to use the zoom on my camera.
By Jeff on Aug 19, 2010
oh and if you dont want your signs stolen you shouldn’t forget to take them with you at night.
By Stone on Aug 19, 2010
I wonder how many seals have become tasty snacks for the Great White sharks that have been seen off the La Jolla shoreline. Sounds like a good way to scare away tourists who want to enjoy the ocean. Good thing they only come to look at seals. They should be able to enjoy a clean beach once in a while. The seals don’t need this deveopment and are doing just fine without it. A true Pro-Seal person would want seals separated away from people; not right in the center of a popular development specifically designed for people.
Dorota, you and your mindless followers are small minded, Anti-Seal, Anti-People, Anti-Democratic LOSERS. The proof is on this very web site.
This pile of sand was put here by people to be used by people. The seals are using and will always use the entire rest of the Coastline. Go protect the seals somewhere else. The harbour seal is the most widely-distributed pinniped so you shouldn’t have trouble protecting them somewhere else. Can’t you let the Children have this one beach that was specifically built for them and their families!
And remember, the trust also gives People the ABSOLUTE right to fish with the right of Convenient access to said water over said land.
By Balanced on Aug 19, 2010
I went to Casa Beach yesterday and the scuba divers were swimming right up to the seals trying to touch them and I did not see the Ranger once during my four hour period there…Clearly, he isn’t doing his job and the poor seals kept swimming around trying to find a rock to somehow lay on. It is so depressing. Casa Beach was their home. I overheard many tourists talking about how amazing the seals are and asking where the seals could go rest and the sad part is that they have no where to go. The beaches were completed full of tourists when just a few months ago, the seals and their pups would swim right onto the beach and be able to get their much needed rest. This is completely ridiculous.
By Nohomeforseals on Aug 20, 2010
I thought this was the only place seals could rest. Without this development seals would go extinct. Seals didn’t exist before this development, and once it is gone, seals will be gone too. Maybe we should save the seals and put them in sea world where they will safe.
By cyberKICK on Aug 20, 2010
Dorota,
your comments to randy’s daughter are pretty horrible. It shows just how much you hate children. Did your dad molest you or something and that’s why you hate children so much? You really are a sicko, and a lian.
You make some pretty crazy statements too… I mean “war energy”? “Evil worshippers”? Really?
So according to you, someone wanting to use a public beach that was intentionally built by humans for kids to use “worships evil”…
You reeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeally need to get on some meds.
By the way, don’t bother deleting your words. I’ve got screen shots and already emailed them to the city council.
By Concerned La Jollan on Aug 20, 2010
I’m sure people buy sandboxes for their kids and let them share it with their cat. Just bring a scoop to the beach.
By Jeff on Aug 20, 2010
Sure, you can scoop out the poop but what about the urine? That’s disgusting. Just keep the seals off the beach. They will go somewhere that’s better for them and the children can play in sand that hasn’t been used in a litter box.
By Balanced on Aug 20, 2010
Let’s talk intelligently about the pros and cons of the pinipeds that have
“squatters’ rights’ at the children’s Pool. I love animals of all breeds, including birds, insects (maybe excluding ants, fleas and flies), but I am of the opinion that the seals have been the cause of much anger, hatred and ‘being right’ on both sides of the fence. Perhaps if the cause was removed there would be less of the above as time heals most things.
The $$ spent, folks taking sides and being ‘right’ are typical of our times in these days and days ahead.
By setting a new precedent of just allowing the seals to decide, which means making that decision feasible. Both humans and cleaning up the excrement that has accumulated would be involved and then let’s see what happens. Also, though esoteric, would be to send LOVE to the entire situation and let it unfold as it will.
By auntie-seal on Aug 21, 2010
@ Lindsay
Today, 08/21/10 ranger Hawley personally confirmed that he’s total salary package including taxes, health care and retirement plan is $79,000.00 annually for a maximum of 720 hours of his “work”.
By Dorota on Aug 21, 2010
I have always supported the closing of the beach for the seals. This weekend, I took my children to see them. Your organization was at the top of the walkway and featured an obnoxious woman screaming at children through a bullhorn (who were no where near the seals by the way) who were getting their feet wet in the surf. My children were terrified of her and were sure she was scaring the wildlife. Your organization would be better served by open dialogue and education. Animals and people need to live in harmony. Congratulations, you have effectively moved me to the other side of the debate. Your behavior is shameful and I will be contacting every person and organization I know to make them aware of that fact. You operate in clear ignorance of the law, civil rights, and the marine mammal protection act.
By San Diego Mom on Aug 23, 2010
Well said, San Diego Mom. Regardless of how people feel about whether the seals should have undisturbed access to the beach, be kicked off completely or whether the beach should be open to shared use, the Friends of the Seals people have continually acted in an absolutely deplorable manner. While some of their volunteers answer people’s questions and monitor the beach, other volunteers scream and children, scream obscenities at adults in front of children, shine flashlights in people’s faces at night, and generally harass anyone who attempts to walk down the stairs…including people trying to use the bathroom at the bottom of the first landing. It’s getting very out of hand.
Regardless of how passionate both sides may be on this issue, common courtesy and respect are needed. Calling people who walk on the beach “evil worshippers” is absolutely laughable. Dorota, without common courtesy and a modicum of respect for the idea that rational, caring people can feel differently than you do on this issue, you do more harm than good to your cause, and completely lose credibility.
By Interested Lawyer on Aug 23, 2010
My husband and I drove to La Jolla (from Clairemont) yesterday. As we approached the Children’s Tidepool, the smell of excrement was awful. It wasn’t until we got a good deal past the Children’s Tidepool that the wonderful smell of the ocean started to waft through our open windows. If I had to live near that smell, I would never want to open my windows (or maybe if you’re around it all the time, you get used to the stench).
I am a second generation native San Diegan and my husband is a native San Diegan as well. We moved to Oregon for 11 years (from 1989 to 2000) and we were appalled when we came to San Diego on vacation that time period to find the “our” beach had been taken over by seals. This is the beach where we learned to swim and where we taught our children to swim.
But more appalling than the fact that the seals were ruining our sweet beach was you idiots screaming at people and telling what they can and cannot do. You may be able to get away with your actions with tourists, but those of us who grew up in SD and know what’s going on just laugh at you.
I’m glad your expensive signs were stolen and I hope they made someone a beautiful bonfire. You people do yourselves more harm than I ever could.
By Native San Diegan on Aug 23, 2010
Fantastic to see so many intelligent people posting opposition to your group, Dorota. I’ve never been to Casa Beach but I’ve seen your “Maniac of the Week” youtube clips and they make you look really bad. Your need to force your opinion on good people is crazy. You really ought to get some professional help with your psychological defects. Normal people trying to enjoy the beach shouldn’t have to be exposed to your insane, assaultive behavior.
By people come first on Aug 24, 2010
@ San Diego Mom and Native San Diegan:
Well behaved women rarely make history.
By Dorota on Aug 24, 2010
You mean like “Bonny and Clyde”?
By cyberKICK on Aug 24, 2010
The lifeguards should be keeping the seals off of the sand at the Children’s Pool to protect public health, safety, and welfare. There doesn’t need to be piles of seal feces and urine in the sand that was specifically put there for the children to play in the ocean. How does the City think that putting up a sign that says the beach is contaminated protect public health, safety, and welfare when they can simply remove the contamination and the cause of the contamination which has been proven to be the seals? Instead they are going to put up a rope and continue to allow the seals to defecate in the sand and deface public property. But the beach is open to use. Disgusting. The public should have a clean beach that the City promised to maintain when the seawall was built.
By Balanced on Aug 25, 2010
Read your post directed at san diego mom and native san diegan. So you admit that you’re obnoxious? That’s the first step in getting help and possibly making the change to decency.
By people come first on Aug 26, 2010
@ people come first
Don’t forget, she hates children, so possibly she is resentful of moms.
By cyberKICK on Aug 26, 2010
Quick, delete this message!
By cyberKICK on Aug 29, 2010
@linzhawley@gmail.com
Aggressive threats against our organization or individuals will be forwarded to the government agencies
By Dorota on Sep 9, 2010
this is awesome man
By jim on Sep 10, 2010
WOW!!! I googled “cyberkick” because I had a funny feeling that this isnt the only website that this crybaby is whining on. AND I WASNT DISAPPOINTED!!! and youve been bitching about this non-issue for over a year apparently!!! What a fucking crybaby!!! WAHHHH a small beach is reserved for seals. Everything sucks WAHHH WAHHH.
HAHAHAHAHA wow!
By Brian on Oct 7, 2010
cool
By matt on Nov 16, 2010
Signs and anything else left overnight are abandoned property. Abandoned property can be removed. Only a fool would leave something out overnight.
By luis on Nov 22, 2010
I have read through both sets of Web sites, both for and against utilizing the beach solely for seals. I was appalled at the tone of the anti-seal Web sites (save the sddivers.com Web site, which was intelligent and dignified). Generally, the anti-seal Web sites engage are angry, dart-throwing, and foul-mouthed. (Just take a look at the comments here.) My sentiments are with protecting some land for the animals. Humans have taken up enough of the planet. I wanted to be swayed somewhat by the “children’s beach” activists, but found no redeeming reason for human/seal use of this beach. My child and I read “The Lorax” recently, and the words of the Lorax seem perfectly clear to the issue at hand, “Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It’s not.” I applaud your efforts Dorota. Thank you for keeping wildlife in my child’s future.
By Colleen Cochran on Jan 8, 2011