Great white shark sighted off L.A. coast

Look out! Surfer Randy Wright is telling KTLA he has seen a dozen sharks recently off the coast of L.A. He even got a few of them on tape (video above). From KTLA:

Ralph Collier, who heads research for the Shark Research Committee, says he can confirm that at least one of the images captured by Wright is that of a great white shark. Wright says that video was taken last Friday, before the Memorial Day weekend.

Here are some other goings-on around Web L.A.:

Venice arson suspects released: Yo! Venice! has been following the case of the Venice arson closely, and reports that the suspects recently arrested have been released. Unfortunately, the blog reports, this means the arsonist could still be in the area. A Yo! Venice! reader sent in a gripping story and photos of a fire set outside his bedroom:

I ran to my kitchen window and beheld the three cars in my apartment driveway all on fire. Surreal. Panic sets in, …find my cell phone, glasses, and call 911. It all took place in a confused jumble, my heart racing, unsure of just what step and tactic to take.

L.A. River fundraiser: A fundraising bike ride down the L.A. River is scheduled this weekend, LAist reports:

Ride organizer JJ Hoffman said that the path between Maywood and Long Beach was recently cleaned up and restriped in anticipation of the event. She also noted that a new section of the river has a bike path, but it unfortunately won't be seen by riders this year...

Fairfax Theater apartment conversion: Curbed L.A. reports that the Fairfax Theater at Beverly Boulevard and Fairfax Avenue will be converted into 71 apartments. Efforts to have the building designated a historic landmark failed, with many locals coming out in favor of the apartments:

Among other things, speakers noted that Fairfax Avenue was "tired-looking," and that the theater offered no parking (the condo plan will have underground parking). "The idea that this could be a sustainable arts theater just isn't viable," said Jeff Jacobberger, chair of the Mid-City West Community Council, who opposed historical designation.

Dirtiest hotels in California: TripAdvisor.com has released a list of the 10 dirtiest hotels in America and ABC 7 reports three are in California, including the Heritage Marina Hotel in San Francisco, which was rated the dirtiest:

Capistrano Seaside Inn, located along Pacific Coast Highway in Capistrano Beach was ranked No. 8, and the Desert Lodge in Palm Springs was ranked No. 9.

-- Anthony Pesce

Have some news for Linking L.A.? Contact Times reporter Anthony Pesce.

Comments

[Geox]

Oh, no! Apex predators in their natural environment! Quick, someone call the sea-police!

[Randy L.]

Don't let Rep. Sanchez know, she'll call it a racist shark, Great White, looking to harrass swimming "hispanic" illegals.

[Buster Brown]

Boy, do I miss the days of having real reporters. When the reporter notes that lifeguards have been directed not to speak to the media or answer questions about sharks, I guess these days it's only citizens who are wondering exactly WHO gave these public employees those directions, and why.

Apparently withholding information is the best way to inform and educate the public. I DON'T maintain that there is a heinous danger to the public being covered up - ala the story behind "Jaws."

Rather, it's too bad that those who actually know the facts, the risks - or the lack thereof - are either prohibited from speaking, or simply aren't even pursued because the "reporter" seems to have sought no expert information. Indeed, we all know the story never would have made it to coverage if there hadn't been video of a shark breaching.

Come on, folks. If you wear the press pass, do the job. ANYbody remember what they learned in J-school?