News Summary
Two orphaned mountain lion cubs are left vulnerable after their mother was killed by a vehicle on Ortega Highway. This tragic incident amplifies the urgent need for safer wildlife crossings in Southern California. With approximately 100 mountain lions falling victim to traffic each year, efforts like the upcoming Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing aim to mitigate these dangers and protect wildlife.
San Juan Capistrano – Two young mountain lion cubs have been left orphaned after their mother, F390, was tragically killed by a vehicle on Ortega Highway. F390 was only 3 years old when her death was reported by the UC Davis California Carnivores Program. The two cubs, now at 14 months, are still reliant on maternal supervision to develop essential survival skills.
The director of the California Carnivores Program, Fernando Nájera, indicated that road traffic poses a significant threat to mountain lions in Southern California. According to the 2024 Roadkill Report, approximately 100 mountain lions fall victim to vehicular collisions each year within the region. This heartbreaking incident underscores the urgent need for safe wildlife crossings where urban developments meet natural habitats.
Prior to her fatal accident, F390 had successfully crossed Ortega Highway several times, illustrating the necessity of implementing safer passageways for wildlife in areas known for high traffic. Efforts are underway to address these concerns, notably with the construction of the $92.6 million Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing over the 101 Freeway. This project aims to reduce wildlife-vehicle collisions and is projected for completion by the year 2026.
The plight of F390 and her cubs is part of a larger trend concerning wildlife safety in urban surroundings. Ongoing development and increasing vehicle traffic are factors contributing to the challenges faced by these animals. The state recognizes the pressing need for improved infrastructure to ensure safer migration routes for wildlife populations, thus protecting both animals and drivers.
This tragedy also comes alongside numerous local updates in Southern California. In related news, more than 51,000 Disneyland employees are set to receive shares from a $233 million class-action settlement that was recently approved in the Orange County Superior Court. Additionally, plans for the “Symphony of Flowers” multimedia light show in Huntington Beach’s Central Park have been put on hold due to environmental concerns, including legal challenges citing violations of the California Environmental Quality Act.
Moreover, Costa Mesa’s Fairview Park Mesa is slated for habitat restoration with a contract valued at $1.3 million aimed at preserving native vegetation. In city governance, former Cyprus city manager Peter Grant has been appointed as the new city manager in Yorba Linda, with a five-year contract at a salary of $315,000.
Among the legal proceedings, Judge Jeffrey Ferguson has been sentenced to 35 years to life for the shooting death of his wife. The trial concerning the Los Angeles Angels and the wrongful death lawsuit related to Tyler Skaggs’ overdose is set to commence in October.
In other incidents, a woman from Placentia was arrested for involuntary manslaughter following her toddler’s drowning during a bath without supervision. A man accused of fatally shooting a woman in Carlsbad was killed in a police shooting in Laguna Hills, and a 79-year-old man died after being struck by a suspected DUI driver in Santa Ana.
On a lighter note, Taco Bell has recently opened its “Live Más Café” in Irvine, which drew nearly 700 customers on its opening day for specialty drinks. The Irvine Barclay Theatre is celebrating its 35th anniversary with a free street fair and concert. The lineup for the Newport Beach Film Festival has also been unveiled, set for October 16-23, featuring 100 films and 250 shorts.
Additionally, the Rotary Club of Huntington Beach is organizing a free Science Nite event on October 3, featuring interactive activities for families. The National Menopause Show is scheduled for October 4-5 at the Anaheim Convention Center. In sports, the Estancia High School football team remains undefeated after a recent victory against Whittier Pioneer. Meanwhile, Libromobile bookstore in Santa Ana is undertaking efforts to archive community history, focusing on marginalized voices.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Southern California Heat Wave Leads to Multiple Rescues
MeridianLink Inc. Faces $4.7 Million Loss Amid Weather Challenges
Additional Resources
- Los Angeles Times: Symphony of Flowers Won’t Come to Huntington Beach This Year
- Wikipedia: Huntington Beach, California
- CBS News: Huntington Beach Sued Over Symphony of Flowers Light Show
- Google Search: Huntington Beach Symphony of Flowers
- OC Register: Huntington Beach City Council Considers Terminating Symphony of Flowers Contract
- Google Scholar: Huntington Beach Symphony of Flowers
- ABC7: Huntington Beach City Council Approves Immersive Light Show
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Light Show
- Orange County Tribune: A Change of Heart on Electric Flower Show
- Google News: Huntington Beach Light Show
Author: STAFF HERE COSTA MESA WRITER
COSTA MESA STAFF WRITER The COSTA MESA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECostaMesa.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Costa Mesa, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the OC Fair, Concerts in the Park, and Fish Fry. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Costa Mesa Chamber of Commerce and Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Orange Coast, plus leading businesses in retail, fashion, and technology that power the local economy such as Vans, Experian, and South Coast Plaza. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, HERESanDiego.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
