Whale Tale

With all due respect to your Page 3 graphic “Whale-Watching for Landlubbers” (Nov. 16, Just the Facts), the very best spot for whale-watching from shore is in L.A.’s own backyard: Point Vicente Interpretive Center in Rancho Palos Verdes ([310] 377-5370).

From the viewing deck there, more than a dozen species of whales and dolphins, four species of seals and sea lions and an occasional sea otter can be seen, most with the naked eye. I know this from experience because I’m a volunteer with the organization.

Visitors to the Interpretive Center don’t have to rely on their own eyes to sight these ocean-dwelling mammals. Starting in December and running into May, the volunteer whale spotters keep a dawn-to-dusk, seven-days-a-week vigil, scanning the sea for marine mammals. They are very generous in sharing their sightings.

HUGH RYONO

Fullerton