By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism.
Oldest southern sea otter in captivity dies in California
AP LOGO 3.jpg

LONG BEACH  (AP) — Charlie, the oldest southern sea otter held by any zoo or aquarium, has died in California.

The Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach says Charlie died Monday at the age of 22.

Male southern sea otters typically only live 10 to 14 years in the wild.

Charlie celebrated his birthday last month by eating colorful seafood cupcakes.

Charlie helped sea otters by taking part in a study on how the animals perceive sound.

The aquarium lost another otter in January. Brook, a female, was 21 when she died of congestive heart failure.

California’s sea otters are considered threatened. Hunting in the 18th and 19th centuries nearly wiped them out.

Conservation efforts have brought the population to about 3,000 but otters still face threats such as pollution and habitat loss.

Tennis broadcaster Justin Gimelstob pleads in assault case

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Prosecutors say tennis broadcaster and coach Justin Gimelstob pleaded no contest to misdemeanor assault for attacking a former friend in Los Angeles on Halloween 2017.

The district attorney’s office says the 42-year-old former pro player was sentenced Monday to three years of probation, 60 days of community service and a year’s worth of anger management classes.

Prosecutors said Gimelstob attacked Randall Kaplan from behind as they trick-or-treated with their kids on Oct. 31, 2017. The motive is unknown.

In a statement to the court Monday, Kaplan said Gimelstob struck him multiple times and threatened to kill him. Kaplan’s wife, Madison, described being terrified as she witnessed the assault.

Gimelstob’s lawyer says he pleaded no contest “to move on with his professional life.”