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Rare parasite strain killed California sea otters, could pose human health risk: Study

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:51:53 GMT

(The Hill) -- An unusually virulent type of toxoplasmosis is killing California sea otters — and may pose an eventual public health threat to other marine animals and to humans, a new study has found.This deadly disease, thus far identified in four stranded otters, comes from a rare strain of the microscopic parasite Toxoplasma gondii, according to the study published Wednesday in Frontiers in Marine Science.While toxoplasmosis is common in sea otters and can be fatal, the authors stressed that this form appears to be especially vicious and capable of swiftly killing healthy adult animals.Because this strain of Toxoplasma has never been detected on California’s coast before, the researchers are assuming that it is a recent arrival.As such, they expressed concerns about potential contamination of the environment and the marine food chain — warning that such circumstances could pose a public health risk. Thus far, however, no infections have been reported in humans...

Easter Basket Gift Ideas For Kids

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:51:53 GMT

As a mom of two, I always wonder what exactly to put in my kids’ Easter baskets. I’m not a big fan of just filling it all up with sugar and candy. I like to find little goodies that they can continue to play with and be excited about. I found some really cool little gift ideas that I would love to share with you all.Here are a few fun toys that all the kids will love in their baskets this holiday!Little Live Pets Surprise Chick Playset ($24.99; 4-8 years old) No need to keep Surprise Chick “cooped” up at home, take it everywhere in the Little Live Pets Surprise Chick House. The playset lets the chicks hop and explore right outside their own front door. The Surprise Chick House playset comes with one of two Surprise Chicks with soft flocked skin and wings themed as either Donut or Cherry Blossom.Treasure X Dino Gold Dino Hunter ($9.99; ages 5+) Prepare to crack into some prehistoric playtime fun and adventure with the all-new Treasure X Dino Gold Dino Hunter with new dinos, a n...

Luis Perez Perez Arrested after Injury Hit-and-Run on Stony Point Road [Santa Rosa, CA]

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:51:53 GMT

Hit-and-Run DUI near College Avenue Resulted in InjuriesSANTA ROSA, CA (March 22, 2023) – Thursday afternoon, Luis Perez Perez was arrested following a hit-and-run crash on Stony Point that left two people injured.The incident happened around 7:08 p.m. at the intersection of Stony Point Road and West College Avenue in Santa Rosa.According to reports, Perez, in a northbound gray Honda van going towards West College Avenue collided with three vehicles stopped in traffic. The impact of the collision left multiple people with injuries.Emergency crews arrived shortly after and treated the injured victims. Medics also transported a man and a pregnant woman to a local hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.Following the crash, Perez exited the van and fled the scene on foot. Police eventually tracked him down. Officials then booked 24-year-old Luis Perez Perez, of Santa Rosa, into Sonoma County Jail. Authorities charged Perez Perez with suspicion of DUI, due to havin...

Harold Brown Pronounced Dead, Lonell Veloz Injured in Car Crash on Racho Vista Boulevard [Palmdale, CA]

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:51:53 GMT

Rollover Accident South of Avenue O Left 32-Year-Old Man DeadPALMDALE, CA (March 22, 2023) – Early Saturday morning, Lonell Veloz sustained injuries after a fatal rollover crash on Racho Vista Boulevard that claimed the life of Harold Brown.The incident happened around 2:19 a.m. along the southbound Antelope Valley Freeway on Racho Vista Boulevard, south of Avenue O.According to the investigators, a 2005 BMW veered off the road and struck a metal guardrail down the dirt embankment.Unfortunately, the vehicle overturned and left the driver with fatal injuries. The first responders declared 32-year-old Harold Brown dead at the scene.Meanwhile, paramedics transported his passenger, 40-year-old Lonell Veloz of Boron, to Antelope Valley Medical Center for moderate injuries.At this time, the circumstances that led up to the car crash remain unclear. Those with additional information about the incident can contact  Officer A. Diaz at the Antelope Valley area CHP Office at 661-948-8541...

Marco Anthony Salgado Roman Killed in Fiery Multi-Car Crash on 34th Street [Phoenix, AZ]

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:51:53 GMT

18-Year-Old Man Fatally Struck in Fiery Multi-Vehicle Accident near McDowell RoadPHOENIX, AZ (March 22, 2023) – Friday night, Marco Anthony Salgado Roman was killed in a fiery multi-car crash on 34th Street.The incident occurred just after 10:00 p.m., near McDowell Road on March 17th.At this time, the events leading up to the collision remain unclear. However, reports indicate that a driver struck multiple vehicles and immediately fled the scene.First responders located multiple vehicles, including a patrol car, engulfed in flames upon arrival. Medical personnel took five people, including two deputies, to a nearby hospital for further treatment.Due to the extent of injuries sustained, medics pronounced 18-year-old Roman dead at the scene.Following preliminary duties, officers were unable to locate the suspect driver. However, the crash is still under investigation and any witnesses are urged to contact the Silent Witness at 480-WITNESS.No words can mend the broken hearts and ...

Outfest Fusion Envisions Abundance for QTBIPOC Creators

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:51:53 GMT

Celebrating its 20th anniversary,  Outfest Fusion QTBIPOC (Queer, Trans, Black, Indigenous and People of Color) Film Festival is presented by IMDb this year, and that is notable. IMDb is remains a vital resource for information about the entertainment industry, after all. As the industry strives to do right by marginalized groups in terms of representation and opportunities, Fusion’s profile continues to grow as its message of inclusive celebration is amplified. Running March 24 – mid April, with in-person and online events, the event aims to highlight under-represented creative voices with screenings, workshops and networking. It all kicks off with an Opening Night Gala honoring filmmaker Elegance Bratton (A24’s The Inspection) with the Fusion Achievement Award, recognizing “significant contribution to LGBTQ+ visibility in stories, arts and media.”As always, Fusion’s programming runs the gamut thematically with the common thread of queer and BIPOC story-telling. This year selected ...

Bay Area storm: Falling tree kills man in Oakland

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:51:53 GMT

OAKLAND — A man believed to be homeless was killed Tuesday afternoon when a tree fell on a tent he was in near Lake Merritt, authorities said.The Alameda County Coroner’s Office is in the process of confirming the man’s identity. His relatives will be notified before his name is released to the public.The tree fell on the tent the man was in about 4:23 p.m. Tuesday in the 500 block of Bellevue Avenue near the Rotary Nature Center, authorities said. He was pronounced dead at the scene.No other details were immediately available.A surprisingly strong storm, featuring wind gusts that approached 90 mph, caused scores of trees to fall throughout the Bay Area on Tuesday. Falling trees killed one person in Portola Valley and another in Rossmoor.

East San Jose shooting leaves person with life-threatening injuries

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:51:53 GMT

A Wednesday morning shooting in East San Jose left one person with life-threatening injuries, according to authorities.The San Jose Police Department received reports of a shooting at 3:36 a.m. on the 800 block of South Jackson Avenue. An update on the victim’s condition was not available Wednesday morning.Investigators were still working to determine the circumstances of the shooting and a possible motive. Police did not announce arrests or release any suspect information.Units are currently investigating a shooting incident in the 800 block of S. Jackson Ave. Officers arrived on scene and located one victim with life-threatening injuries. pic.twitter.com/KsCd9m0xOD— San José Police Media Relations (@SJPD_PIO) March 22, 2023This is a developing story. Check back for updates.

Missing Placer County man was killed over DUI grudge, prosecutor says

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:51:53 GMT

A Northern California man who disappeared five years ago was killed because of a long-simmering grudge over a DUI crash, the Sacramento County prosecutor said.Raymond Wright. (Family photo via Rocklin Police Department) Raymond Wright’s body has never been found, but a jury last week convicted two men of first-degree murder, said a press release Monday from the district attorney’s office.One of the defendants, Robert Manor, had been injured along with his wife in a 2011 car crash. The other driver, Wright, was found guilty of driving under the influence and completed his sentence and probation. Manor “held a grudge” for years, the DA’s account said, and “put his plan for revenge into motion in 2018.”On Jan. 11, 2018, Wright — then 55, and the divorced father of three — was last heard from shortly before leaving the Rio Linda workshop he used for his contracting business. Two days later, his concerned brother went to Wright&#...

Two lanes cracked, retainer wall sliding on I-580 near Altamont Pass

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:51:53 GMT

California Department of Transportation workers continued to wait for a break in the stormy weather Wednesday so they could repair a damaged lane and retaining wall on the Altamont Pass.The two far right lanes on eastbound Interstate 580 east of North Flynn Road continued to be closed after a crack in the lanes emerged Monday. Signage is in place clearly marking the area, according to Caltrans spokesperson Janis Mara.Workers are hoping to re-stripe the freeway once the rain clears and get one lane back, Mara said.The erosion to the area worsened on Tuesday, and authorities are concerned a lane could slide down an embankment along with the retaining wall.Motorists were urged to avoid the area.Related ArticlesTransportation | You can keep car plugged in and idle at Tesla charging station, but it’ll cost you: Roadshow Transportation | Amtrak train disabled after tree falls onto tracks near Port Costa Transportation | More Highway 87 crit...