July 17, 2025 The Best Source of News, Culture, Lifestyle for Culver City, Mar Vista, Del Rey, Palms and West Los Angeles

Malibu Surfrider beach goers: Beware of tar balls

Thinkstock.
Thinkstock.

The Los Angeles County Office of Emergency Management Thursday asked beach goers in the Malibu Surfrider Beach and Hermosa Beach areas to be mindful of tar balls, lumps of solidified tar resulting from natural seepage from the sea that resist biodegradation and often wash up on beaches.

It is recommended that beach goers not make any physical contact with tar balls and to notify the nearest lifeguard tower, according to the department’s Ken Kondo. Tar balls may irritate skin or cause long-term health effects.

“These tar balls are an annual natural occurrence that we experience in Los Angeles County as the water temperature rise during the spring and summer months,” said Los Angeles County Fire Department Capt. Kenichi Haskett.

“For tar balls located approximately one mile offshore of King Harbor, scientists have confirmed that these substances are coming from a natural seepage from the Pacific Ocean floor,” Haskett said.

Related Posts

Tesla Seen Nearly Crashing into West LA Home After Collision

July 17, 2025

July 17, 2025

Footage depicted a blue Prius on the road with significant front-end damage A crash involving injuries was reported around 12:30...

Mayor Bass Hails National Guard Withdrawal as Victory for Unity

July 17, 2025

July 17, 2025

The Pentagon’s decision to reduce the troop presence follows weeks of legal challenges and public demonstrations Mayor Karen Bass celebrated...

Culver City Event Fights for Fair Contract for Gym Workers

July 16, 2025

July 16, 2025

The rally will kick off with picketing at the gym across the street from the rally location at approximately 4:30...

(Video) Italian Eatery Finds New West LA Home after Wildfire Displacement

July 16, 2025

July 16, 2025

Cinque Terra, a longstanding Palisadian establishment, has brought its Northern Italian cuisine to Rose Avenue Italian Eatery Finds New West...

Dodgers to Host Back to School Bash for Fire-Affected Families

July 16, 2025

July 16, 2025

The free event will offer free groceries, school supplies, outfits, haircuts, medical screenings, and carnival rides The Los Angeles Dodgers...

One Injured in Marina del Rey Vehicle Crash

July 16, 2025

July 16, 2025

The site remained partially closed for over an hour, disrupting local traffic flow A vehicle collision at the intersection of...

Hundreds of Red-Legged Frog Tadpoles Released in Santa Monica Mountains

July 16, 2025

July 16, 2025

Once widespread in California, red-legged frogs vanished from the Santa Monica Mountains by the 1970s Nearly 600 California red-legged frog...

LAPD Seeks Missing 63-Year-Old Man Known to Frequent Playa Vista

July 15, 2025

July 15, 2025

His family last heard from him via a group text on June 22 The Los Angeles Police Department’s Missing Persons...

Nonprofit Formed by Palisades High Alumni to Host Benefit Concert for Fire Recovery

July 15, 2025

July 15, 2025

All proceeds will support relief for the Hildebrand family, Palisades High School’s booster club and Palisades Dolphin Strong The Pacific...

Federal Judge Sides with Santa Monica, Other Local Governments Against Immigration Raids

July 15, 2025

July 15, 2025

Santa Monica Mayor Lana Negrete praised the ruling, saying it reaffirmed the city’s commitment to protecting residents from unjust detention...

Venice Beach to Host First Medal at 2028 Olympics

July 15, 2025

July 15, 2025

Venice Beach, known for its vibrant boardwalk, will kick off the 844 ticketed events, hosting the triathlon along its coastline...

Venice Family Clinic Slams HHS Funding Restrictions as Assault on Immigrants

July 14, 2025

July 14, 2025

HHS announced on July 10 that it would restrict access to programs like community health centers, Head Start, and other...

Santa Monica Assault Suspect Faces Multiple Charges, Authorities Seek Additional Victims

July 14, 2025

July 14, 2025

Marbra allegedly assaulted a 52-year-old woman on the Strand in Santa Monica, facing a felony count of assault with intent...

Newly Built Mar Vista Home with Spa and Plunge Pool Offered at $3.6M

July 14, 2025

July 14, 2025

The home’s powder room stands out with Roman Clay walls and a marble sink, while European oak floors, brass fixtures,...

Veterans Tech Group to Launch Los Angeles Chapter with Networking Event

July 14, 2025

July 14, 2025

Founded in San Francisco, VetsInTech operates 20 chapters nationwide and claims more than 60,000 veterans VetsInTech, a national nonprofit that...