Pacific Marine Mammal Center Opens Satellite In Huntington Beach

LAGUNA BEACH, CA — Pacific Marine Mammal Center debuted its first-ever satellite facility at Huntington Beach's oceanfront shopping center Pacific City. A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held Friday.

For 50 years, the Mammal Center has educated the public of south Orange County while aiding ailing seals and sea lions along the coast. Now, they are expanding their reach for not just education but fund-raising. The new Mammal Center's kiosk will sell both center-related and Huntington Beach tourism-focused merchandise and other coastal commodities and serve as an educational outreach tool. One month of sales would cover the cost of fully rehabilitating one marine mammal patient, ranging from $2,500 to $3,500, a spokesperson says.

“Pacific City is absolutely dedicated to the interests of marine life, and since 25 percent of rescues come from Huntington Beach, we wanted to do our part to help drive awareness of the hazards facing these incredible marine mammals,” says Jennifer Williams Marketing Director for the shopping center. “We invite the community to explore the gifts and information the PMMC will have available through the kiosk, which will be located on the first level near lululemon each weekend throughout the summer.”

In 1971, the marine mammal center began when two lifeguards and a veterinarian started rehabilitating injured and ailing seals and sea lions in their bathtub. In their 50th year, the mammal center has blossomed into not only a substantial marine mammal rehabilitation center but a leading organization for research and ocean conservation.

"We wouldn't be where we are today without the members of our community. A special thank you to the Pacific City management team and especially Jen Williams, member of the PMMC Ocean Club, for getting the conversation started about a partnership with Pacific City," said Debbie Finster, VP of Philanthropy at PMMC. "Because of the shopping center’s generosity, the kiosk space is 100% donated and all proceeds will go toward the mission at PMMC."

The ribbon-cutting event was attended by members of the Pacific City management team, including Jeff Miyaoka, Jen Williams and Christine Cacho; Assemblywoman Cottie Petrie Norris, who recently named PMMC “non-profit of the year”; Austin Mejiawho was representing the office of Congresswoman Michelle Steel (CA-48); John Villa, Chair-Elect and interim CEO for the Huntington Beach Chamber of Commerce; Glenn Gray, PMMC board member; and members of the PMMC newly formed Ocean Club.

Assemblywoman Cottie Petrie-Norris discussed the new satellite building's grand opening.

“I was delighted to join the Pacific Marine Mammal Center for the grand opening of their new educational kiosk at Pacific City,” Petrie-Norris said. “As PMMC celebrates its 50th anniversary, it is wonderful to see them grow their mission saving the marine life of Southern California. Thank you to the entire team at PMMC for inspiring people all across Orange County to protect our beautiful coastline.”