Friends — there’s major movement in the agencies and organizations shaping the future of Catalina’s mule deer. This is one of those moments where public attention really matters. Here’s what’s happening:
1. Leadership Change at California Department Fish and Wildlife (CDFW)
The CDFW is under new interim leadership. Chuck Bonham has stepped down as CDFW Director, and Valerie Termini has been appointed Interim Director. Termini was identified as the Conservancy’s main CDFW contact in an early version of the plan (p. 22). Termini’s early involvement raises urgent questions about recusal policies, internal firewalls, and how public input will be handled under this interim leadership. We’re watching closely.
What you can do right now: Keep sharing this petition and be ready — we’ll post specific, targeted actions for contacting decision-makers.
2. Leadership Change at the Catalina Island Conservancy
The Conservancy has also announced a top-level change. Whitney Latorre has stepped down as President & CEO, and David Solomon has been appointed Interim President & CEO. We’ve heard unconfirmed reports that this leadership change may be connected to the Conservancy’s efforts to obtain authorization for the deer eradication plan. We cannot independently confirm that. What we can confirm is that Ms. Latorre is no longer with the Conservancy and David Solomon has been appointed Interim President & CEO.
Who is David Solomon? Based on publicly available information he does not appear to have a background in science, wildlife management, or conservation. Solomon’s professional background appears to be in real estate investments and wine and spirits distribution (Young’s Holdings). For transparency and context, see two news reports linked below that discuss campaign contributions by Solomon and the questions raised in that reporting. We are not alleging wrongdoing. We’re sharing because the public deserves transparency, especially when powerful institutions are pushing irreversible decisions.
https://lapublicpress.org/2024/11/kevin-de-leon-campaign-donation-corruption-ethics/
https://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-federal-investigation-20181221-story.html
3. Documentary Premiere Announcement: Killing Catalina — THIS Monday, January 26, 2026 (FREE)
This is VERY BIG NEWS from our friends at Howl for Wildlife:
We’re premiering Killing Catalina this Monday January 26th. After nearly two years of filming, research, and hard conversations, we’re finally ready to share this story.
📍 Parish Hall @ St. Catherine’s Church - 800 Beacon St, Avalon, CA 90704
🕔 Two showings: 5:00 PM & 7:00 PM
🎟️ Free screening. Seating is first come, first served.
🎬 Film: Killing Catalina — A Howl For Wildlife documentary
This film follows what started in 2023 as a shocking proposal to eradicate Catalina’s mule deer—and what we uncovered along the way. Population estimates. A hunting program said to have “failed.” Fire risk claims. Conservation, politics, and a century of history colliding on one island.
This isn’t a hunting film. It’s not an anti-conservation film. It’s a film about asking better questions before making irreversible decisions. If you care about wildlife, science-based management, or just believe transparency matters—this story is for you.
Bring a friend. Stay for the discussion. Please feel free to share widely.
For our mainland supporters who can't make the premier in Avalon on Monday, stay tuned. We'll post information about how and when you can view this incredible film as soon as we have it.
As always, thank you so much for your continued support! Please know that every single post, email, comment, and conversation about this issue makes a difference.