Monday, October 3, 2022
A gray seal that showed up in a Beverly, Massachusetts pond quickly won over the town’s hearts during his week-long stay before officials relocated him. - NOAA Fisheries
Welcome to Beverly, Massachusetts
On September 15, NOAA stranding staff was alerted that a seal was swimming in Shoe Pond in the Cummings Center office park in Beverly, Massachusetts. We determined that it was a gray seal. Although it’s an unusual location, the pond connects to Beverly Harbor through a 250-yard-long cement tunnel that empties into the Bass River. It’s not unusual for seals to follow fish into shallower waters, including rivers—in 2019 a harbor seal swam up the Connecticut River to Holyoke, Massachusetts.
Working with the Beverly Animal Control Officers, our staff visited the pond over the next few days. We observed the seal, evaluated its health, and gathered information about its behavior. The seal hauled out on the wall in front of the exit tunnel several times, so we knew it could leave the area when it was ready. Cummings Center staff opened the dam gate on September 18, and the seal briefly swam towards the exit, then hopped right back into the pond!
On the Move!
Overnight on September 19, the seal moved from the lower saltwater pond into the larger upper pond that is freshwater. Beverly residents were visiting the office park often to check up on the seal and its well-being, affectionately referring to the seal as “Shoebert.” Given that seals are protected under the Marine Mammal Protection Act, our staff took this opportunity to provide a seal 101 for visitors. We reminded everyone to maintain the safe wildlife viewing distance of 150 feet or more. Our goal was to ensure the safety and well-being of the seal, responders, and the public. Since there were no barriers to the seal leaving on its own, we wanted to give it a chance to do so before we intervened.
As we approached the 1-week mark, the seal showed no signs of exiting the pond on its own. Ultimately we decided to take action—it would be best to get the seal back to a more suitable seal habitat. Seals can live in freshwater for short periods as long as there are fish to eat, but really, they belong in the ocean. In this case, we were concerned that the seal might leave the pond and go into parking lots or on roads and get injured. Gray seals can also be aggressive, so the longer it was in the pond, the more likely there would be an interaction between the seal and people.
Planning for Rescue
On Wednesday, September 21, staff began to collect more information about the bottom conditions of the pond and observe how the seal would react to a boat. This information would help response teams plan for the rescue. The Cummings Center provided NOAA staff with a rowboat, and we learned that the seal was very curious and would follow the boat. Beverly Fire Department sent two divers into the water to check for any obstructions that could harm the seal or snag nets during a rescue attempt. We relayed this information to our stranding partners who were assisting with this response. These dedicated teams planned to travel from three states on Thursday morning to assist us NOAA with assessing suitable rescue options.
As the teams were in transit on Thursday morning, we began getting calls that the seal had hauled out on the sidewalk near the Cummings Center parking lot. It was on the grass not far from a busy road. Our plans for the day quickly changed from observing the seal to preventing the seal from encountering people or cars. Stranding partners included the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW), Seacoast Science Center Marine Mammal Rescue, Whale and Dolphin Conservation, and Mystic Aquarium. They joined our staff and local authorities, hoping to take advantage of the seal’s behavior and safely capture it while it was on land.
Despite periods of heavy rain, teams attempted several rescues of the seal. We first sent out the boat unattended, and slowly pulled it to shore, hoping the seal would follow. Other attempts involved a Beverly firefighter and stranding network partners rowing the boat to different locations throughout the pond. We hoped to entice it to quieter locations, or to net it as it approached the boat. Each time, the seal showed interest, but remained just out of reach of the rescue teams.
As it grew dark, we decided to end operations for the day, to keep everyone safe. We knew that the seal was changing its behavior and trying to haul out more often. We left a large collection of gear at a NOAA team member’s house nearby: two large kennels, nets on long poles, and herding boards. Team members from IFAW and Mystic Aquarium stayed nearby overnight, planning to reassess the situation on Friday.
Early Morning Wake Up Call
The seal's stay ended in the early morning hours of Friday, September 23, a little more than a week since it began. At 2:30 a.m. Beverly Police Department officers were alerted by Cummings Center security that the seal was outside their office on the lawn, having navigated a significant journey across an empty parking lot. Acting quickly, the police, fire, and animal control staff used tables to prevent the seal from leaving the parking lot while stranding teams and safety gear arrived on scene. The NOAA team was on scene next and, using herding boards, circled the seal and corralled it safely into the kennel. Shortly after, IFAW staff arrived and the group transferred the seal into the large wooden kennel for safe transport down to Mystic Aquarium.
Mystic Aquarium staff collected the seal and transported it to their animal rescue clinic for a health assessment. There are only a few options for seal rehabilitation in New England. Although closer than Connecticut, the New England Aquarium in Boston no longer rescues or rehabilitates seals. So the seal headed to Mystic Aquarium because they have the space for a seal of this size.
Clean Bill of Health
The seal had a yellow tag on its rear flipper, indicating that it had been previously rehabilitated and released. We were able to match the spots and scar on his face with a known case and identify it as a male roughly 4-5 years old. He had previously stranded on Cape Cod with extensive injuries to his face and hind flippers. IFAW rescued him, provided initial treatment, and transferred him to Mystic Aquarium for longer term care. They released him in August 2018, after 4 months of rehabilitation for a bone infection and removing one hind digit.
After arriving at Mystic Aquarium from Beverly, veterinarians performed a complete health assessment and physical examination, which included X-rays and bloodwork. He appeared healthy based on this exam and weighed 235 pounds. He stayed at Mystic Aquarium for a few days while plans were made to release him off the Rhode Island coast in a known gray seal habitat. The goal was to give him access to open water so that he can choose where to go and be able to find the appropriate food resources.
New Home
On Monday, September 26, the seal was satellite tagged in preparation for release. This tag may work for several weeks or months, and will fall off by the time he molts or sheds his fur. The seal was released back to the wild on Tuesday, September 27. Gray seals can travel great distances, often traveling from Cape Cod to Nova Scotia in a matter of days. It will be fun to see where he decides to travel to next! Check back for updates on his travels.
Reporting Stranded Marine Life
If you see a seal on the beach, please give it space. Resting on beaches is normal seal behavior. If you think a seal is in trouble, please contact us and trained marine mammal responders will assess the situation. To report a stranded seal or other marine mammal call (866) 755-6622.
Thank you to all the following organizations:
- Cummings Center
- Beverly Animal Control
- Beverly Police Department
- Beverly Fire Department and Rescue Dive Team
- International Fund for Animal Welfare
- Seacoast Science Center Marine Mammal Rescue
- Whale and Dolphin Conservation
- Mystic Aquarium
- Atlantic Marine Conservation Society
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September 28, 2022 at 09:42PM
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A gray seal that showed up in a Beverly, Massachusetts pond quickly won over the town’s hearts during his week-long stay before officials relocated him. - NOAA Fisheries
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'I'm going to set the tone': Josh Jacobs helps seal victory for Raiders in career day on the ground - Raiders.com
You may be wondering, what was on Josh Jacobs' mind when he walked in Allegiant Stadium on Sunday?
"At the beginning of the game, I told the guys, 'Today's the day. I'm going to set the tone,'" Jacobs said postgame, with a game ball tucked in his arm. "I knew we were going to take the ball at the beginning of the game, so I was like, 'I'm going to come in and set the tone.' And that's what I tried to do today."
Jacobs' play didn't just set the tone for his team, but the atmosphere in Allegiant Stadium, propelling the Raiders to their first win of the season, 32-23 over the Broncos. In the first three weeks of action, Jacobs averaged 14 carries and 64 yards – unusual for the 2020 Pro Bowler who averaged over 18 carries and 70 yards a game his first two seasons.
In the Week 4 win, there was nothing pedestrian about his 28 carries, two rushing touchdowns and career-high 144 rushing yards
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October 03, 2022 at 08:38AM
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'I'm going to set the tone': Josh Jacobs helps seal victory for Raiders in career day on the ground - Raiders.com
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New California law will allow ex-offenders to seal criminal records - Fox News
California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed into law a bill that will allow past offenders to seal their criminal records.
SB-731, which was approved by the governor last week, will automatically seal conviction and arrest records for most ex-offenders not convicted of another felony for four years after the completion of their sentences and any parole or probation.
Under the law, arrest records that do not result in convictions would also be sealed.
People convicted of serious and violent felonies, and felonies requiring them to register as sex offenders would be excluded.
CALIFORNIA GOV. GAVIN NEWSOM SIGNS BILL DECRIMINALIZING JAYWALKING
Democrat Gavin Newsom signed into law a bill that will allow previous offenders to seal their criminal records in California. (Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images)
The bill would apply to offenses like domestic violence.
According to supporters of the measure, about 8 million Californians have a criminal or arrest record. They say a criminal record can lead to nearly 5,000 legal restrictions in the state, many of which can limit job, housing and educational opportunities.
The supporters estimate that 70 million people in the U.S. face nearly 50,000 legal restrictions over a criminal or arrest record.
FILE- A person holds on to the bars of a jail cell. (iStock)
Across the country, 37 states and more than 150 cities have enacted laws prohibiting employers from inquiring about a candidate's criminal history before making a job offer, according to the National Employment Law Project. The new California law takes it a step further by automatically sealing convictions for certain ex-offenders.
GOV. NEWSOM REVERSES STANCE, SIGNS FARMWORKER UNION BILL AFTER PRESSURE FROM BIDEN TEAM
SB-731 will automatically seal conviction and arrest records for most ex-offenders not convicted of another felony for four years after the completion of their sentences and any parole or probation. (Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)
Democratic state Sen. Maria Elena Durazo, who authored the legislation, said in a statement that criminal records available through background checks create "a permanent underclass."
She said this includes "mothers that want to pursue new careers through education, fathers who want to coach, homeowners that want to join their HOA board, couples who may want to adopt, or grandchildren that want to care for their elderly grandparent."
Democratic state Sen. Maria Elena Durazo, who authored the legislation, said criminal records available through background checks create "a permanent underclass."
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The measure failed to pass the Assembly a year ago, but an amended version of the bill was approved in June. Supporters originally asked, among other things, for records to be sealed after two years instead of four.
The law will go into effect on July 1, 2023.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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October 03, 2022 at 03:01PM
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New California law will allow ex-offenders to seal criminal records - Fox News
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Sunday, October 2, 2022
How Kyle Shanahan hilariously tried to avoid watching Rams win Super Bowl - NBC Sports
After a heartbreaking NFC Championship Game loss to the Los Angeles Rams to close out the 2021 season, Kyle Shanahan had zero interest in watching his NFC West rival and friend Sean McVay compete in, and eventually win, Super Bowl LVI.
Shanahan sat down with 49ers play-by-play broadcaster Greg Papa on the latest edition of NBC Sports Bay Area's "49ers Game Plan" prior to San Francisco's Week 4 "Monday Night Football" matchup against the Los Angeles Rams, where he revealed how he attempted -- but ultimately failed -- to avoid watching the Rams in the Super Bowl last February.
"I tried not to," Shanahan admitted to Papa. "I actually flew to Mexico, tried to plan it during the Super Bowl because if I'm by a TV, I mean I enjoy football so it would be really hard for me not to watch it, but I knew I would just get too worked up. So I tried to be on a plane, my wife and I, but we landed a little early, got to the hotel. They're having like a Super Bowl party out in the hotel, so I'm like we're not going to that. But I got to my room, turn it on and I got hooked. Cincinnati I thought really dominated that whole game, I thought they really hung around, thought it was really similar to our [NFC Championship Game], they hung around and it was close and then right at the end, Aaron [Donald] made a few plays that took over."
Shanahan couldn't help but notice the similarities between Cincinnati's collapse to the Rams and the 49ers' from two weeks prior. The usual suspects ended up playing a role late in both games.
"It was very eerie to watch it, then you watch [Matthew] Stafford come back and do that no-look to [Cooper] Kupp for the 40-yarder, that was unbelievable. And then you watched Aaron take over."
As close, personal friends with McVay, Shanahan ultimately was happy for the Rams coach but certainly was not rooting for a division rival, especially after just having lost to them.
"You don't like your own division, that's how it is," Shanahan added. "Just like our fans and everything, so that's what you get used to. When it's all said and done, I am happy for him personally. That's the stuff you want for all coaches and people that you've worked with. But by no means are you excited and enjoying it, just like they aren't when they watch us have success. This league is tight, I think the players in this league are tight. Players pull for each other and I think coaches do the same. But we're all very competitive, extremely competitive. It's not fun when we're in the battle but once it gets aside you can really mess with each other and it really doesn't change the friendship."
RELATED: Jimmy G believes arm strength, offensive rhythm 'improving'
The Super Bowl is inevitable no matter where you go and Shanahan's plan to avoid it was doomed from the start.
Fast forward almost eight months, and the two teams are preparing to meet again. With the Championship Game loss still fresh on the minds of Shanahan and the 49ers, they will have their first opportunity for revenge on Monday night at Levi's Stadium.
Download and follow the 49ers Talk Podcast
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October 01, 2022 at 01:10PM
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How Kyle Shanahan hilariously tried to avoid watching Rams win Super Bowl - NBC Sports
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Saturday, October 1, 2022
New law allows Californians to seal arrests and convictions from their records - KTLA Los Angeles
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New law allows Californians to seal arrests and convictions from their records KTLA Los Angeles"seal" - Google News
October 02, 2022 at 11:52AM
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New law allows Californians to seal arrests and convictions from their records - KTLA Los Angeles
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UTA earns national Seal of Excelencia for Latino student success - uta.edu
The University of Texas at Arlington is one of just six institutions nationwide this year to earn the Seal of Excelencia certification, a prestigious honor granted to colleges and universities for their commitment to accelerating Latino student success.
The certification comes from Excelencia in Education, a national authority on promoting Latino student success in higher education.
“Seal of Excelencia certification demonstrates UTA’s measurable impact in changing the face of higher education and in creating an environment where Latino and Latina students thrive,” UT Arlington President Jennifer Cowley said. “We are joining an esteemed group of colleges and universities nationwide that are ensuring America’s future through our steadfast commitment to develop and advance the talents of our students.”
UTA’s commitment to access and inclusion of students from all backgrounds continues to draw national recognition. UTA is one of only 21 U.S. universities to be designated as a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) and categorized as a Carnegie R-1 university. Latinos comprise about 36% of UT Arlington’s undergraduate enrollment and 30% of the overall student population.
In addition to the six newly certified institutions, nine others were recertified. These institutions join 15 other seal-certified institution nationwide that enrolled 13% and graduated 14% of all Latinos in the U.S. for the most recent year.
To earn the seal, institutions must demonstrate alignment across the core areas of data, practice and leadership. From 2017 to 2022, UTA initiated strategic programs, policies and support systems that helped generate increases of:
- 24% in full-time undergraduate Latino student enrollment
- 34% in bachelor’s degrees awarded to Latino students
- 28% in non-federal grant and scholarship support for Latino students
- 24% in full-time Latino faculty
Jennifer Luken-Sutton, director of TRIO Student Support Services, and Carla Amaro-Jimenez, associate professor in the College of Education, led UTA’s team of faculty and staff through the rigorous Seal of application process.
“UTA works diligently to develop campuswide strategies and initiatives that broaden access and cultivate success,” Luken-Sutton said. “This focus has helped us develop as an HSI and resulted in earning recognition as one of the top universities in the nation for intentionally serving Latino students.”
Other faculty and staff who played a key role in coordinating UTA’s seal application were Danielle Klein, director of new student courses; Loretta Pequeño, talent sourcing specialist in the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion; and Julian Rodriguez, broadcast journalism specialist and faculty adviser for UTA’s Hispanic Media Initiative.
Luken-Sutton, Amaro-Jimenez and Eunice Currie, acting vice president for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, accepted the honor on behalf of UT Arlington at ceremonies in Washington, D.C.
“The Seal of Excelencia is a highly respected distinction that recognizes our collective efforts and commitment to intentionally serving all of our students and, in particular, our growing Latino population,” Amaro-Jimenez said. “We are extremely proud and honored to receive the seal on behalf of our students, faculty, staff and community.”
Other institutions receiving the seal this year are Mercy College; San Antonio College; Texas State University; University of Albany, State University of New York; and University of California, Santa Cruz.
“The seal provides a road map for all institutions, led by data, practice and leadership, that does not end with the certification,” said Deborah Santiago, co-founder and CEO of Excelencia. “It supports a path to intentionally making progress in serving Latino students.”
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October 01, 2022 at 04:09AM
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UTA earns national Seal of Excelencia for Latino student success - uta.edu
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