Scientists are trying to determine why California sea lions are
contracting a potentially lethal infection.
The Marine Mammal Center in Sausalito has seen more than 100
California sea lions with leptospirosis, a bacterial infection that
attacks the kidneys.
Researchers study why sea lions are sick
SAUSALITO
Scientists are trying to determine why California sea lions are contracting a potentially lethal infection.
The Marine Mammal Center in Sausalito has seen more than 100 California sea lions with leptospirosis, a bacterial infection that attacks the kidneys.
Cases of the disease are seen every year, with huge breakouts every four to five years.
The study will focus on factors contributing to these cycles of disease to help scientists understand how it spreads and what the risks are to sea lions and other animals.
People and animals can become infected with leptospirosis though contact with contaminated urine, water or soil. If left untreated, it can lead to kidney damage, meningitis, liver failure and respiratory distress.
Fire burns near Mount Baldy east of LA
UPLAND
San Bernardino County fire officials say a wildfire has erupted near Mount Baldy above the city of Upland but no homes are threatened.
Authorities say 50 to 100 acres of brush have burned in north San Antonio Heights at the base of the mountain since the blaze erupted at midafternoon Thursday. Helicopters have made water and fire retardant drops.
Winds are said to be light and breezy.
The fire is burning about 40 miles northeast of Los Angeles.
Alleged gang members indicted after sweep
SAN FRANCISCO
Federal prosecutors in San Francisco have indicted 29 people with alleged connections to the notorious street gang MS-13.
U.S. Attorney for Northern California Joseph Russoniello unsealed the 52-count indictment Thursday.
Prosecutors say the defendants were involved in drug and firearms trafficking, attempted murder, robbery, assault and other violent crimes. Twenty-two of those arrested were indicted on federal racketeering.
The indictment comes a day after officials announced arrests from federal raids in San Francisco, Richmond and South San Francisco.
MS-13 is also known as Mara Salvatrucha and has roots in El Salvador.
Calif. lottery revenue drops by $260M
SACRAMENTO
Scrimping Californians apparently have decided there are safer bets than the state lottery.
The California Lottery reports that revenue dropped 8 percent, or $260 million for the fiscal year that ended June 30. That means $106 million less for public schools this year.
It also could spell trouble for Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger’s plan to sell bonds based on future lottery revenue to balance the state budget.
The governor is betting that beefed-up marketing and higher prize payouts will attract more players, making the lottery attractive to investment firms.
Lawmakers approved his lottery plan, which is key to balancing the state budget. The governor projects selling the bonds will bring in $5 billion next year.
It still requires voter approval in a special election. Democratic State Sen. Dean Florez says the latest revenue numbers may make it a tougher sell.
Charges dismissed against ex-city manager
PLACENTIA
An appeals court has dismissed conflict-of-interest charges against Placentia’s former city administrator involving the city’s troubled rail projects.
The decision from a Fourth Circuit Court of Appeal judge overturns a Superior Court ruling.
The judge says Bob D’Amato had no financial interest in the decisions about OnTrac, the city agency that was supposed to build projects to relieve traffic congestion.
The agency spent $50 million on consultants and construction, but only built one underpass.
D’Amato’s friend Chris Becker, the former public works manager and executive director of OnTrac, is still facing conflict-of-interest charges. D’Amato was accused of steering two contracts to Becker’s firm while knowing he had a financial interest in the contracts.
Ron Brower, D’Amato’s attorney, says his client was “speechless” when told of the decision.
A spokeswoman for the district attorney did not return calls for comment Wednesday evening.
