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Hordes of bright blue, jellyfish-like sea creatures are washing up on beaches across California.

As of Monday, thousands of the critters — called velella velella or by-the-wind sailors — have been sighted along the California coastline since the start of March, according to iNaturalist, an online platform for sharing biodiversity information.

What are the mysterious critters? Are they harmful to humans or pets?

Here’s what to know:

Although the transparent blue blobs resemble jellyfish, velella velella aren’t actually jellies, according to the National Park Service.

They’re hydrozoans — a species related to jellyfish, anemones and corals, the park service said.

The invertebrate, oval-shaped creatures typically measure 3 to 4 inches long, and have translucent, triangular sails.

The marine animals use their stinging tentacles to prey on plankton and “float freely far out on the open ocean’s surface,” Cayucos photographer Danna Dykstra Coy said in an April 10 Facebook post. “Unlike jellyfish, which drift and swim in ocean currents, velella are at the mercy of the wind.”

Storms and strong winds can knock by-the-wind sailors onto beaches, where “they often are stranded on beaches in great numbers,” the U.S. National Park Service said.

Tiny, electric-blue blobs have been spotted on beaches across the Golden State, with sightings recorded as far north as Humboldt County and as south as San Diego County, according to iNaturalist.

On the Central Coast, Morro Bay Harbor Patrol officer Jeremiah Jacobs said, strong northwest winds blow by-the-wind sailors into Morro Bay every spring.

Dykstra Coy reported spotting the critters on the beach by Cayucos Pier in early April.

“Their appearance usually means spring is on the way!” she said in her post.

In an April 10 post, Reddit user Aloysius1955 wrote that Hendry’s Beach in Santa Barbara was “covered” with the jellyfish-like organisms.

“I was just up in Monterey whale watching and we saw literally tens of thousands of these out in the bay,” Reddit user Rip_Dirtbag commented on the post. “They form like little islands together in the ocean and it’s a sight to behold.”

The “bizarre blue sea creatures” have also been spotted around the San Francisco Bay Area and on sandy stretches of shoreline in La Jolla, Pacific Beach and Coronado, The Mercury News and San Diego television station KSWB-TV previously reported.

By-the-wind sailors most frequently turn up on California beaches during the spring or early summer months, the National Park Service said.

“As the velella dries out on the beach, it becomes brittle and transparent, looking like a cellophane candy wrapper,” before fully decomposing, the park service said.

Velella velella have several blue tentacles that they use to sting their food, but they rarely pose a risk to humans, according to the National Park Service.

If you touch one, however, you should wash your hands before touching your mouth or eyes, Jacobs said.

Dog owners should make sure that their pets don’t chomp on the dried-out jellies.

The poisonous sea creatures won’t permanently damage dogs who eat them, but they can cause nasty side effects, The Bee reported in 2024.

By-the-wind sailors’ small stingers can upset a dog’s mouth and stomach if consumed, according to previous reporting from The Sacramento Bee.

If you think your dog has bitten or ingested a velella, you need to act quickly, giving your dog “ice-cold water for a stinging mouth” and bland foods for an upset stomach, Dr. Brieana Sarvis, hospital director of San Diego Humane Society’s Escondido Campus, told ABC 10 in 2024.

If your dog is vomiting continuously, take your pet to the vet as soon as possible, The Bee reported.

Sacramento, CA (April 14, 2025) – A tragic accident early Saturday morning claimed the life of a pedestrian who was struck by a vehicle on southbound Business 80 near the American River, according to the California Highway Patrol.

The incident occurred during the early hours of the morning when an Audi A6, traveling in the No. 3 southbound lane, encountered a pedestrian in the roadway. Despite the driver’s attempt to swerve and avoid impact, the vehicle was unable to evade the pedestrian, resulting in a fatal collision.

Emergency medical services responded quickly to the scene, but the pedestrian was pronounced dead at the site of the crash. The identity of the victim has not been released pending family notification. The driver of the Audi remained on scene and cooperated with authorities during the investigation.

Traffic along the southbound lanes of Business 80 was disrupted for several hours while CHP officers conducted a thorough investigation and cleared the area. Officials have not yet determined why the pedestrian was in the roadway, and the incident remains under active investigation.

We extend our deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of the individual who lost their life in this tragic event.

Pedestrian Fatalities in Sacramento

Pedestrian fatalities remain an urgent public safety issue in cities like Sacramento, where major freeways and urban roads intersect with pedestrian-accessible areas. The crash on Business 80 this weekend underscores the vulnerability of those on foot, especially in areas not designated for pedestrian access.

Early morning hours often present the most dangerous conditions for pedestrians, with limited visibility, fewer drivers expecting foot traffic, and increased speeds. In this case, the driver of the Audi A6 attempted evasive action but was unable to avoid the collision, suggesting minimal time to react once the pedestrian entered the lane.

Sacramento has seen an uptick in pedestrian-involved fatalities over recent years, prompting renewed efforts for improved signage, lighting, and public awareness. However, freeway corridors like Business 80 remain high-risk areas due to their speed limits and lack of pedestrian infrastructure.

For families affected by such tragedies, the aftermath can be overwhelming—emotionally and legally. Questions often arise about what led to the pedestrian’s presence on the roadway, driver accountability, and what support is available for surviving loved ones. Navigating these circumstances requires compassion, clarity, and timely access to the right resources.

If your family has suffered the loss of a loved one in a pedestrian accident, Local Accident Reports can help you connect with professionals who understand the complexities of these cases. We offer compassionate, informed support to help you explore your legal options and begin the healing process. Contact us today for the guidance you need in this difficult time.

South Sacramento, CA (April 16, 2025) – A pedestrian was involved in a traffic collision Tuesday evening in the parking lot area of Walmart located at 6051 Florin Road in South Sacramento.

According to the California Highway Patrol, the incident was first reported at approximately 6:28 p.m. as a vehicle versus pedestrian crash. Initial emergency logs classified the collision as requiring medical response (1179 – Traffic Collision with Injuries) and indicated that an ambulance was en route (1141). The event initially shifted classification to “No Injury,” but was later reconfirmed as involving injuries.

The collision reportedly occurred near the southeast corner of the Walmart parking lot, a high-traffic area often congested with pedestrian and vehicle movement during evening hours. Fire personnel responded to the scene, though communication with the reporting party was limited, and they ultimately disconnected from the call after speaking with fire officials.

The identity of the pedestrian and their condition have not been publicly disclosed. It remains unclear whether the driver remained at the scene or whether any charges are being considered. The California Highway Patrol is continuing to investigate the cause of the incident.

Our thoughts are with the injured individual, and we hope for their full recovery.

Pedestrian Collisions in Sacramento County

Pedestrian collisions in commercial zones—such as parking lots of large retailers like Walmart—are unfortunately all too common. These environments often have complex traffic flows, limited visibility, and large numbers of people on foot, increasing the risk of accidents, particularly during high-traffic evening hours.

In Tuesday’s incident on Florin Road, the shifting nature of emergency classifications suggests some initial confusion or limited details at the time of the call. However, the fact that medical units were dispatched underscores the seriousness with which responders approached the scene.

Parking lot pedestrian incidents can result in a range of injuries—from minor bruises to serious trauma—depending on vehicle speed and point of impact. Many victims experience delayed symptoms or require follow-up care, which makes early medical evaluation critical even when injuries appear mild.

Drivers must exercise heightened caution in parking areas by reducing speed, avoiding distractions, and yielding to pedestrians. Likewise, pedestrians are urged to remain alert, especially in large and busy lots where drivers may not always have clear lines of sight.

If you or someone you care about has been injured in a pedestrian accident, it’s important to take action quickly to ensure both proper medical treatment and access to your legal rights.

Local Accident Reports is here to support pedestrian accident victims and their families in the Sacramento area and beyond. Whether you need help navigating insurance issues, locating medical services, or exploring legal options, our team can guide you toward meaningful next steps. Reach out today to begin your recovery journey with trusted resources and clear information.

SACRAMENTO — Governor Gavin Newsom launched a new campaign welcoming and encouraging Canadians to come to California for vacations after new statistics show a sudden drop in Canadian tourism in the Golden State.

Newsom reports that Canadian tourism statewide is down 12% compared to a year ago.

In a new social media campaign, the governor is asking the nation's neighbors from the north to reconsider visiting California.

"The Golden State and Canada have always shared so much in common. Sure, you-know-who is trying to stir things up back in DC, but don't let that ruin your beach plans," Newsom said in a video posted to social media. "California, it's the ultimate playground — 2,000 miles from Washington and a world away in mindset."

Thomas Panos runs Omega Travel Service out of Vancouver. He said his clients don't want to vacation in California.

"What has happened over the course of the past three months is something that I've never seen before," Panos said.

He said Newsom's new tourism campaign holds "zero" weight.

"The unfortunate reality is Governor Gavin Newsom has no ability to change what is going on in Washington, and that is where the problem lies," he said.

Panos said Canadian tourism to the U.S. will get worse before it gets better, pointing to the recent tariffs and political posturing by the Trump administration as factors in the changing relationship between the two countries.

Canadians are looking to Mexico, Europe and Asia as alternatives for vacations, he added.

Sacramento International Airport has one daily flight from Vancouver.

On Tuesday, it delivered Vancouver's Susan Clavey to visit with her daughter. Clavey traveled to the U.S. despite a dramatic shift in relations between the two countries that has her friends boycotting the country.

"Nobody wants to talk about it," Clavey said.

Her daughter, Leslie Clavey, was at the arrival gate to pick her Mom up.

"Her other daughter lives in Canada and will not come, absolutely will not come," Leslie Clavey said.

Those planning to attend a rally featuring Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., in Northern California Tuesday evening should plan ahead for parking, event organizers say.

Between 10,000 and 15,000 people are expected to attend the Sacramento-area stop of Sanders’ ‘Fighting Oligarchy’ tour, which will take place at Folsom Lake College’s athletic track, located at 10 College Parkway in Folsom. Doors open at 3:30 p.m. and speeches begin at 6 p.m.

Recent rallies in Los Angeles and Salt Lake City, Utah have drawn crowds of tens of thousands. The Northern California event was moved from Auburn to Folsom Lake College to accommodate a larger crowd, according to organizers.

“Parking is going to be challenging,” said Kristy Hart, Communications and Public Information Officer for Folsom Lake College. “People should expect to do a little bit of walking to get into the venue.”

Parking on the Folsom Lake College campus will be limited and organizers recommend taking public transit, carpooling or ridesharing if possible.

Everett Kelley, president of the American Federation of Government Employees, which represents more than 800,000 federal workers, will join Sanders and Ocasio-Cortez at the event.

Local musicians dogpatch and The Philharmonik will play beginning at 4:30 p.m. Tickets are not required but an RSVP is recommended.

No bags, backpacks, signs or firearms will be allowed in.

The event will be held outdoors and attendees are encouraged to bring their own chairs and blankets.

Outside food and beverages will also not be permitted, though free water will be provided. Six food trucks will also be onsite for food purchases, Hart said.

Free parking will be available at Folsom Lake College on a first come, first served basis.

Hart predicts that on-campus parking will fill up by 3 p.m., before doors open.

Street parking will also be available within walking distance. Attendees can park in nearby neighborhoods and shopping centers.

“A lot of our partners are really being open to letting people park and walk in, so wear comfortable shoes,” Hart said.

Folsom Lake College is accessible by Sacramento Regional Transit and El Dorado Transit, as well as paratransit for both agencies.

Attendees can take RT’s Gold Line to the Iron Point or Historic Folsom Light Rail stations, which both have bus service to Folsom Lake College. Both stations also have Park-and-Ride lots.

“We are asking attendees to ride to Historic Folsom instead of Iron Point to catch bus route 10 to the college, and we will be providing extended service hours for the bus route 10 as well to make sure everyone who takes transit gets back to light rail,” RT Vice President for Communications and Partnerships Devra Selenis said in an email.

Bus route 10 will operate expanded service, running about every 20 minutes beginning at 2:30 p.m., Selenis said. The last bus of the evening will depart Folsom Lake College at 9:33 p.m. Light rail service runs until 11:30 p.m.

SacRT fares can be purchased online or at fare kiosks at all light rail stations.

El Dorado Transit’s 50 Express bus line runs weekdays from 6 a.m. until 7 p.m. A stop at Folsom Lake College will be closed Tuesday due to the event, according to the agency. As an alternative, riders will use the Broadstone Parkway at Palladio Parkway bus stop.

This story was originally published April 15, 2025 at 6:00 AM.

The Sacramento Bee

916-326-5507

Nicole Nixon covers California politics for The Sacramento Bee. Previously, she spent nearly a decade reporting for public radio stations in Sacramento and her hometown of Salt Lake City.