Ventura, CA.: The California Office of Spill Prevention and Response — the pollution division of the Department of Fish and Game — is responding to an oil spill or spills of unknown origin along the coast between Santa Barbara and Venice. The source is unknown, but presumed to be related to the recent floods, road washouts, submerged motor vehicles, and mudslides.

Over 500 oiled seabirds, mostly western grebes, have been observed in this area. About 100 have been seen on the shoreline of Ventura Harbor, and another 100 were observed at Port Hueneme. Smaller numbers were counted at Channel Island Harbor and Point Mugu.