This Week on the Central Coast…
A new aquatic species, support for neglected dogs, expanded climate-action funding, and a fun musical at Cabrillo.
Monterey
Mystery Mollusk Discovered By MBARI Scientist
A mystery mollusk was recently discovered in the Monterey Bay. The Bathydevius caudactylus is a new species of sea slug found in the “midnight zone” off our coast. The creature is unique due to its bioluminescence, gelatinous body, and distinct hood and tail. Unlike other sea slugs that crawl along the seafloor, this species floats through the water and uses its hood to trap prey
The initial sighting was in 2000 using a remotely operated vehicle. Over the years, the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute continued watching and studying the slug to make sure it truly was a new species.
The findings were recently reported in the journal Deep-Sea Research Part 1.
SPCA Expands to Include Training Facility for Neglected Dogs
The Sally Lucas Treatment, Learning, and Compassion (TLC) Center is a new SPCA facility a year in the making. The facility will be at the Salinas-Monterey Highway location. The TLC center will help neglected dogs overcome various behavioral challenges, including separation anxiety, reactivity, and fearfulness. To support these efforts, the new center will feature a training pavilion, consultation rooms, and heated kennels.
The center will help dogs get adopted more confidently by offering continued guidance with training and care. These efforts ensure that dogs and their new families have a lasting relationship.
Santa Cruz
New Grant Will Help UCSC Strengthen Climate Action Projects
Second Nature is a nonprofit organization heading the project called America is All In. The project aims to accelerate climate action in colleges and universities. This week, UC Santa Cruz was awarded the Catalyst Grant Award as part of the America is All In project, worth up to $7,500.
UCSC will use the grant to support its Sustainability & Environmental Justice Ambassadors (SEJA) program. With the grant, SEJA students will be able to develop programs to educate peers and ensure those programs are accessible to everyone on campus. They will also partner with other local businesses and organizations to boost visibility and understanding of environmental issues.
In addition to the SEJA program, UCSC also organizes an event called the People, Planet, Power Summit. The Amah Mutsun relearning program aims to assist the Amah Mutsun tribe in cultural revitalization and environmental justice efforts. UC Santa Cruz also plans to reduce their carbon emissions and has a Zero Waste Action Committee to reduce waste on campus.
SpongeBob SquarePants Musical at Cabrillo
Cabrillo College’s Theater Arts Department is putting on “The SpongeBob Musical” throughout the rest of November. The show is a musical adaptation of the popular cartoon. The story follows SpongeBob SquarePants and friends as they try to prevent a volcanic eruption from destroying Bikini Bottom where they live. The show features music from a variety of artists, including David Bowie, Cyndi Lauper, and John Legend.
The final showings will be this weekend, November 22-24, at Cabrillo College. Tickets are $26 for general admission or can be purchased in groups of 10 for $10 each. You can purchase online at the Cabrillo website.