Walter Espinoza, 12, of Los Angeles watches a gray whale cavort off Marina del Rey. (Anne Cusack / Los Angeles Times)
The whale has encountered no problems in the channel, from either boaters or onlookers. But some people are concerned that it could be hit by a speeding boat. (Anne Cusack / Los Angeles Times)
The gray whale that seems to have made a home for itself in the Marina del Rey Channel draws an audience. (Anne Cusack / Los Angeles Times)
A gray whale swims close to a boat in the Marina del Rey Channel on Monday. (Anne Cusack / Los Angeles Times)
