From the Prez

VOLUNTEERS NEWSLETTER • November 2010

From the Prez Esther Imbagliazzo, CMA Volunteer President The November 2010 issue of I found a tremendous amount of information on the San Pedro Today magazine show- internet while researching for the article, “Volunteering in cased the 75th anniversary of America,” which I wrote for the last issue of Fins & Tales. Cabrillo Marine Aquarium. On the There’s just too much information to include in this cover was our own John Olguin, newsletter. If you’re interested in finding out more, looking healthy and young as use your search engine and enter “volunteering” or ever. On page 20 was a wonderful “volunteerism.” Many organizations, from the U.S. article, “Sea of Love – Celebrating Government to the private sector, keep track of the value 75 years of the Cabrillo Marine of volunteers. An article from the Independent Sector Aquarium.” The article included the smiling face of gives an estimated value of volunteer time from state to our Director, Mike Schaadt, standing in front of the state. This isn’t an easy task, because volunteers provide mural behind the touch tank. Highlights of how many intangibles that can’t be easily quantified. The the collections of marine animals began, with a few values range from an estimated hourly rate of $11 per species in jars to present day exhibits, are included in hour to a whopping $32.74 an hour in Washington, DC. this wonderful tribute to the staff and volunteers who California estimates the value of its volunteers at $23.29. worked so hard to make CMA what it is today. I’d like CMA’s Programs Director, Larry Fukuhara, likes to reward to thank San Pedro Today for this recognition. We’re volunteers with “volunteers bucks.” It looks like you’d the only aquarium in the City of Los Angeles, and I’m better start those printing presses, Larry. Rates have just often curious as to why so many don’t know we exist. gone up.

CMA is a gem that sparkles within the Department of It’s hard to believe that we’ve come to the end of another Recreation and Parks. This recognition is well deserved. year. Thanks to our experienced staff and dedicated If you don’t have a copy of this magazine, you can visit volunteers, 2010 has been a wonderful and productive their website and download the entire issue. Their web year. I wish everyone a healthy and happy holiday season. address is: www.sanpedrotoday.com My wish for 2011 is that it’s vastly slower than 2010.

Somehow, I don’t think that wish will be granted.

Note from Paula Moore, FRIENDS Executive Director Last month, FRIENDS Board Chair Jack Ferrell was hospitalized due to a sudden, serious illness and subsequent surgery; he is still recuperating in the hospital. Jack’s appreciation of CMA – its volunteers, professional staff, programs and successes – has made him a steadfast supporter for many years, and a devoted leader of the FRIENDS organization. We wish him steady progress in his recovery and look forward to his return.

Board Vice Chair Phil Nicolay is providing interim leadership as he continues to also serve as Corporate Circle Committee chair, a fundraising committee he has energized for the past several years. Phil’s acceptance of this additional responsibility is greatly appreciated and demonstrates the high value he places on support of the FRIENDS organization and CMA.

1 CMACMA Director’s Author’s Message Message Mike Schaadt, CMA Director

With all the gloomy economic news, many of you may wonder about the financial health of CMA. Here’s a quick primer on just how we’re able to “keep engaging all visitors in education, recreation and research to promote knowledge, appreciation and conservation of the marine life of Southern California” (CMA’s mission statement re-approved in 2003).

CMA is part of the Recreation and Parks Department (R&P Dept.) of the City of Los Angeles, but the majority of funding for CMA comes from revenue generated by the activities of the Port of Los Angeles (Port). CMA is located on public land that is under the control and jurisdiction of the Port. This land is held in trust for the people of the State of California, a mandate referred to as the Tidelands Trust (Trust). The Port is under obligation to the State to use Trust properties in accordance with explicit purposes in the public interest, principally, to operate a port. Some ancillary uses can also be considered to fulfill the public trust, such as recreating on a beach or park or exploring sea life in an Aquarium. In those cases, the State has concurred with use of revenue from the Trust (Port revenue) being spent on such ancillary uses. For example, the cost of operating CMA can be appropriately reimbursed by the Port to the City’s General Fund, which designates the funds to the R&P Dept. where CMA’s accounts are located.

Funding from the Port covers city personnel staffing, utilities, maintenance, office supplies and contracts with specialized vendors (e.g.. bioillustration and veterinarian services). The non-profit support group FRIENDS of CMA (FCMA), of which the CMA Volunteers are a part, raises much needed funds for CMA exhibits, programs and equipment. School tours and publicTHE festivals are supportedPORT by Port funds and the generosity of donors to FCMA. Some CMA programs are partially supported by participant fees, but, thanks to the Port and FCMA, these fees are kept affordable for CMAOF visitors. LOS ANGELES

Without the Port, CMA would receive much less funding, especially in today’s trying economic times. And without FCMA, the exciting exhibits and programs would be a shell of what they are today.

FRIENDS Floyd’s Forum Book Club Floyd Anderson, Volunteer Coordinator FRIENDS of Cabrillo Marine To all volunteers: Aquarium Book Club will Thank you for all the time and meet on Tuesday, January 25, energy you pleasantly contribute 2011. The first selected to Cabrillo Marine Aquarium. Since reading is a Sherlock Holmes my first day at CMA, I noticed how short story, entitled “The we rely on the generosity of our Adventure of the Lion’s volunteers. All of the volunteers are a vital part of the success of Cabrillo Marine Mane” by Sir Arthur Conan Aquarium, from the youngest to the most Doyle. FRIENDS members are experienced. From the Sea Fair to the Spring FREE. Non-members are Program and everything in between, these $5. Exquisite desserts and events and programs would not be possible refreshments will be served without your immense dedication. It’s an honor at 6:50 pm in the Virginia to be associated with generations of wonderful Reid Moore Marine Research volunteers who continue to devote themselves Library (upstairs). The Book to Cabrillo Marine Aquarium. Club will be led by CMA librarian, Cecily Thomas. Call 310-548-7593 for more information.

2 EDITOR’S CORNER Sherry Ruffer, Editor Dorothy “Dottie” Todd (1919-2010) Dottie Todd, a long-time resident of Manhattan Beach and CMA docent, passed away Friday, October 1. Her 91 years were filled with social service and volunteer activities, most involving children - including her own three. Her long-time friend and co-CMA docent, Bobbie Hedges, told me Dottie was an avid cook/baker, RV camper in Mexico and shell collector, known by many as “the shell lady.” A memorial service was held November 6 at Sea Fair on October 17 was a success, although the Manhattan Beach Community Church. weather didn’t contribute much. The crafts for kids, AZA (Association of Zoos and Aquariums) the face painting, the information exhibitors and the representatives will be on CMA premises any day Chinese dancers were great fun and the cupcakes were now, inspecting every aspect of CMA’s operations for delicious! John Olguin was, as always, a bright light for accreditation renewal. One of them may ask you - any the 75th Anniversary segment of the festival. (More Sea one of you - about CMA’s mission. You needn’t recite the Fair photos, page 6.) official mission statement in it’s entirety. Just tell the Sea Scare on October 30 was a major success, with more person why you’re here: to educate children on marine than 3,000 attendees. Our Library hosted 618 people, life - to teach the public about marine environment with 300 hand-painted Halloween bags assembled by – whatever it is that motivates you to honor the children. CMA Steering Committee member Martin commitment you chose to make to CMA. Ruby’s McDonald’s Restaurant donated dinner for the The Marineland 2010 Reunion at Terranea was held many volunteers. (Sea Scare photos, page 7.) in September, bringing back staff, volunteers and prior attendees. Unfortunately, I was out of town and missed it. My family didn’t go there often, as we figured “it’ll always be there.” I’ve heard from several people that the memories and memorabilia at the reunion were wonderful! Do you recognize Ela being kissed by a really huge sea lion?

And in future issues: John Olguin’s 90th birthday February 2011 • Time/Location TBA

The Grand Grunion Gala • May 2011, Doubletree Hotel. Henry’s Farmers Market is donating the wine and Doubletree is waiving their corkage fees. New CMA Curator II to be announced soon.

3 ROCKROCK LOBSTERSLOBSTERS -- PartPart IIII

Cora Webber and Adrienne McColl continue their There are 11 stages of development prior to “settling.” In efforts to raise these little guys in the Aquatic previous years, Cora and Adrienne had their charges reach Nursery. My adopted rock lobster, brown container stage five in seven months. None lived past this term. This #1 (“brownie”) is still alive! Fifteen of the original fifty batch is at or approaching stage five in under five months. babies are alive and doing very well at 134 days old. If any or all of them achieve twelve months, it will be time While this survival rate may not sound like much - it is. for celebration. I hope “brownie” will be there.

Valuable Voucher to Benefit Cabrillo Marine Aquarium

CHECKExcludes previous THIS purchases, OUT gift cards, newspapers, magazines, coupon books, digital downloads, comics, special orders, video games, Smartbox products, Rosetta Stone software, and shipping. Void where prohibited by law. Any other use constitutes fraud. Cash value .01¢. Not redeemable for cash. Valid on Celebrate Cabrillo11/26/10 Marine. Aquarium this holiday season Benefit Days –by shoppingour at Borders in Torrance! A percentage of the Cashiers: Ring items, select S3, select S4, scan or enter barcode #, select S1, enter $0.01, and net sales raised fromTotal. the voucher will be donated to the way of giving backAquarium. Simplify your holiday shopping by making Note: if a customer presents a Total Purchase coupon, such as "$5 off Total Purchase" or "10% off Total your purchases on-line,Purchase", oruse thisvisit barcode the to Bordersring that discount. Torrance Follow the oninstructions on the original coupon, but scan the Friday, Novemberbarcode 26 and on the SaturdayBenefits Day voucher. 27 to The redeem register will only your accept one barcode for Total Purchase coupons. a percentage of the net sales raised voucher. Spread theBo goodrders Online news Code: to your friends, family and from this coupon will be donated to the CAAQ1126E Cabrillo Marine Aquariumneighbors. You can make a positive impact this holiday season! For more information, contact Cheryl Anderson- Butler at [email protected] or call 310-548-7593. Thank you for your continued support of the Cabrillo Marine Aquarium. valid 11/26/10 – 11/27/10

Valuable Voucher to Benefit Cabrillo Marine Aquarium

Excludes previous purchases, gift cards, newspapers, magazines, coupon books, digital downloads, comics, special orders, video games, Smartbox products, Rosetta Stone software, and shipping. Void where prohibited by law. Any other use constitutes fraud. Cash value .01¢. Not redeemable for cash. Valid on 11/26/10. Benefit Days – our Cashiers: Ring items, select S3, select S4, scan or enter barcode #, select S1, enter $0.01, and Total. way of giving back Note: if a customer presents a Total Purchase coupon, such as "$5 off Total Purchase" or "10% off Total Purchase", use this barcode to ring that discount. Follow the instructions on the original coupon, but scan the barcode on the Benefits Day voucher. The register will only accept one barcode for Total Purchase coupons.

a percentage of the net sales raised Borders Online Code: from this coupon will be donated to the CAAQ1126E Cabrillo Marine Aquarium

valid 11/26/10 – 11/27/10

4 Valuable Voucher to Benefit Cabrillo Marine Aquarium

a percentage of the net sales raised Borders Online Code: from this coupon will be donated to the CAAQ1126E Cabrillo Marine Aquarium

valid 11/26/10 – 11/27/10

OFF THE WALL Nancy Cook, Programs (The answers to this test are found in the courtyard and, for the cheaters among you, they are also below.)

1. The largest of the pinnipeds, the adult male elephant seal, can weigh up to ______tons and reach ___ feet in length. 2. They hold the current record for deep-diving mammals with a dive of over ______feet that lasted 119 minutes. They spend most of their time in the open ocean, from Baja California to ______, feeding on bottom fish and ______. 3. The opah relies on camouflage to get near its prey. In dimly lit, deeper water (400- 1,000 feet) the ______color reflects light and disguises its silhouette and the _____ fins appear black. 4. The ______turtle can travel over 3,700 miles in a single year searching for its favorite food, jellyfish. Over 40% of these animals examined had ______in their stomachs.

Answers 3. silver; red 4. leatherback; plastic bags plastic leatherback; 4. red silver; 3. 1. 2½; 18 2. 5,000; British Columbia; squid Columbia; British 5,000; 2. 18 2½; 1.

CMA GIFT SHOP Jean Steinmetz, Manager If you missed the Gift Shop 2nd Annual Holiday Review on November 6-7, you still have a chance to view the 12 aquatic-themed Christmas trees throughout November and December. “Christmas at Cabrillo” has never been this glorious! You’ll find ornaments in every color under the sea: Nautical Lighthouses, Sunken Pirate Ships, Crystal Fantasy, Under the Blue Sea, Purple Jellies, Beach Spruce, Frolickin’ Fish, Traditional Fun, Peacocks and Octopi, Golden Nature, Native Garden Wine and Blue Dolphins. This year you might want to start decorating a second tree for your family room or kitchen area. Larger ornaments and floral picks can be used to create focal points in designing your new tree. Ask Jean for Happy Thanksgiving and Merry Christmas decorating ideas. There’s also an assortment of beach- from Jean and all the volunteers and staff related Santas, Christmas cards and miniature glass in the Gift Shop! Christmas trees.

There are many new creative ideas in the Shop for your gift-giving pleasure, including new Brighton-like silver jewelry from Rhode Island, home decor from Florida and glass sealife art. FRIENDS is sponsoring a special evening, Thursday, December 16, 5:30-9pm, for your shopping pleasure (wine and hor d’oueves will be served).

So, think of the Cabrillo Marine Aquarium Gift Shop for your Christmas shopping and support the place where you love to volunteer. Remember: volunteers, Aquarium staff and FRIENDS members get a 20% discount off all regular-priced items at all times. 5 Autumn Sea Fair 2010

6 SEA SCARE 2010

MARK YOUR CALENDAR December 2010: 4 Native Garden Workday/Beach Cleanup • 8-10am 4 Weekend Tidepool Walk • 1-2:30pm 5 Weekend Tidepool Walk • 1:30-3pm 5 San Pedro Holiday Parade 12 Salt Marsh Open House • 11am 12 Wilmington Holiday Parade 16 Gift Shop open house for FRIENDS • 5:30 - 9pm • Light refreshments will be served 18 Weekend Tidepool Walk • 12:30-2pm 19 Weekend Tidepool Walk • 1-2:30pm 25 Holiday – Aquarium closed 26 Cabrillo Whalewatch through March: Tue – Fri from various landings, 8:30am-1pm • Call 310-548-8397 for locations/fees January 2011: 1 Weekend Tidepool Walk • 12:30-2pm 2 Weekend Tidepool Walk • 1-2:30pm 8 Native Garden Workday/Beach Cleanup • 8-10am 12 Aquatic Nursery Docent Training • 9am 15 Underwater Parks Day • 11am 15 Weekend Tidepool Walk • 11:30am-1pm 16 Weekend Tidepool Walk • 12noon-1:30pm 17 Holiday – Aquarium closed 22 Salt Marsh Open House • 2pm

Fins & Tales Editor: Sherry Ruffer • Graphics/Layout: Linda Ayers • Photos: Gary Florin, Paula Boubary