A groundbreaking discovery has been made in Oceanside, where a 40-million-year-old fossil was unearthed during a city infrastructure project. According to Oceanside News, the fossilized remains of a large, hoofed mammal were found approximately 12 feet below the surface. The find, which includes several limb bones and numerous fragments, was made by Dr. Joseph El Adli and his team during routine monitoring of the excavation site.
The fossils were discovered in the Santiago Formation, a sedimentary rock sequence that dates back to the Eocene Epoch. Experts estimate the fossils to be between 40 and 45 million years old, falling within the Uintan North American Land Mammal Age. Dr. El Adli suggests that the bones could belong to either the Brontotheriidae family, known as "thunder beasts," or the Amynodontidae family, referred to as "swamp rhinos." The next steps involve careful extraction and preservation of the fossils for further study.
Meanwhile, in Coronado, preparations are underway for a slurry seal project aimed at maintaining roads in Coronado Village and the Coronado Cays. As reported by Coronado News, the work began on September 15 with localized pavement repairs and is scheduled to continue with slurry sealing during the week of September 28. Residents should anticipate temporary traffic and parking disruptions as the project progresses.
In Chula Vista, the city is calling for volunteers to participate in the 23rd Annual Beautify Chula Vista Day, set for October 24. The event, organized in collaboration with the South Bay Sustainable Communities Network, aims to engage over 400 volunteers in a city-wide cleanup effort. As noted by Chula Vista City News, last year's event saw more than 500 participants removing litter, painting over graffiti, and restoring local neighborhoods. Volunteers are encouraged to register online and will meet at the Otay Recreation Center to receive supplies and instructions.
These local initiatives highlight the community's dedication to preserving its natural history, maintaining infrastructure, and enhancing the environment through volunteer efforts.