Tag: California Department of Fish and Wildlife

Sea turtle lays eggs on Southern California beach for first time, wildlife experts believe

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Sea turtle resting on a sandy beach beside incoming waves

A sea turtle has nested on a West Coast beach for what wildlife experts say is the first time in recorded history.  Video captured last Wednesday in Seal Beach shows the moments when a female olive ridley turtle lays eggs in the sand before returning to sea.  “We had a report of a possible injured turtle, and when lifeguards got on scene, they realized the turtle was not injured and in fact, the turtle was nesting,” said Trevor McDonald, the Chief of the Huntington Beach Marine Safety Division. 

Days later, a natural nesting happened again, just miles south in Huntington Beach. Experts say it’s possible that it’s the same turtle, and that there could be hundreds of eggs in each location, which is hundreds of miles north from where usual nesting grounds for turtles are located on the southern end of Baja California.  “The temps where their normal nesting sites may exist may be a little bit too high, being a super strong El Niño,” said Chad Steffen, a certified marine naturalist. “There’s a lot of really, really warm water down there, down in Mexico.” National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and California Department of Fish and Wildlife crews have surrounded the nesting sites in Southern California with protective fencing and big signs to warn the public so they can give the areas plenty of space. 

Chad Steffen, a fisherman and certified marine naturalist, said that the warm waters from the El Niño winter brewing in the Pacific Ocean are bringing unusual sightings to Southern California. “The temps where their normal nesting sites may exist may be a little bit too high, being a super strong El Niño,” Steffen said. “There’s a lot of really, really warm water down there, down in Mexico.” Crews are unsure if or when the eggs could eventually hatch, as it’s a first in the recorded history of California. Still, biologists plan to monitor the nesting sites throughout the incubation period, which can last for up to 60 days.  “It’s federally protected, and it’s something that is exciting for us to be able to be a part of and witness, right? So please, be respectful, stay outside of the caution tape,” McDonald said. 

Source: Sea turtle lays eggs on Southern California beach for first time, wildlife experts believe – CBS Los Angeles

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.
Romans 12:1

2 Timothy 3:12 

Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted Paul was reminding Timothy that following Christ does not guarantee an easy…

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John 15:18–20

“If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love you…

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Galatians 1:6-10

“When truth becomes negotiable, faith becomes vulnerable so know the Gospel, stand on God’s Word, and seek His approval above the world’s applause.” “I am…

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Isaiah 45:2

“I will go before you and level the exalted places, I will break in pieces the doors of bronze and cut through the bars of…

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Between Sacramento and Davis, nearly 250,000 bats take flight each night beneath the Yolo Causeway

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Flock of birds flying over a marsh with mountains at sunset

You may have driven over the Yolo Causeway between West Sacramento and Davis countless times, but there is more than just traffic on the bridge. The NorCal Bat Association says underneath the causeway lives a bat colony with almost a quarter million members. Each evening, they emerge from underneath the bridge and take to the sky in search of insects, including mosquitoes. September is considered prime time for watching the bats emerge around sunset, drawing visitors who gather beneath the causeway with chairs, cameras and plenty of questions.

For visitor Ashley Manges, the experience was an unexpected surprise, as she watched hundreds of tiny silhouettes begin to fill the sky. “It’s gorgeous, isn’t it?” said Corky Quirk, a certified NorCal Bats educator who leads educational programs about the colony. “Those are bats” Quirk said people who have driven across the causeway for years may have mistaken the bats for birds. “But if you are seeing them at sunset, it’s bats,” Quirk said. The colony beneath the causeway is one of the largest urban bat colonies in the region, and the bats play an important role in the ecosystem by consuming insects.

Quirk works with the Yolo Basin Foundation to educate visitors about bats through its bat education and tour programs. The program includes a caravan tour where visitors learn about the animals before watching the colony emerge. Visitors can also see bats that are being rehabilitated by the Yolo Basin Foundation and take part in a question-and-answer presentation. Quirk said the bats’ physical characteristics help them move quickly through the air. “They have a long, narrow wing, a sign of speed,” Quirk said. “And these guys can fly faster than a cheetah can run.” Changing perceptions about bats For Quirk, the tours are about more than watching thousands of bats take flight. “Mostly I hope people learn bats are an important part of the environment and they are not scary animals, no reason to fear them,” Quirk said.

Visitors often turn the experience into an evening outing, bringing chairs and settling in beneath the causeway as they wait for the bats to emerge. The surrounding landscape provides plenty to watch while they wait, but the bats remain the main attraction. “Watching kids play in the dirt and get in touch with the world around them in nature is a great part,” Quirk said. “It is always good to see.” Then, as the sun begins to disappear, the bats start emerging. The Yolo Basin Foundation Bat Caravan tours run through September and have a $17 registration fee. NorCal Bats offers education on bats to schools year-round. Quirk says you should never handle bats and always call for help if you see one on the ground for safety.

Source: Between Sacramento and Davis, nearly 250,000 bats take flight each night beneath the Yolo Causeway – CBS Sacramento

Treasures of wickedness profit nothing, But righteousness delivers from death.
Proverbs 10:2

2 Timothy 3:12 

Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted Paul was reminding Timothy that following Christ does not guarantee an easy life. When we choose…

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John 15:18–20

“If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but…

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Galatians 1:6-10

“When truth becomes negotiable, faith becomes vulnerable so know the Gospel, stand on God’s Word, and seek His approval above the world’s applause.” “I am astonished that you are…

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Isaiah 45:2

“I will go before you and level the exalted places, I will break in pieces the doors of bronze and cut through the bars of iron, This verse reminds…

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Firefighters reunite with dog they rescued from Pasadena house fire

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Two police officers play fetch with a leaping dog in a park

A Pasadena family’s dog reunited with his rescuers, who pulled him out of a house fire that nearly killed him last week. Owner Fernando said he was out of the country when his wife and kids left their 6-year-old sheltie Milo home alone while they ran some errands. They said a delivery person who happened to be passing by not only saw the smoke but also heard their dog barking and called 911.  Moments later, Ring cameras captured Arcadia firefighters breaking the front-side window. Seconds later, Sierra Madre firefighter Jessica Johnson went into the home.

It was the second-year firefighter’s first active house fire call.  “When I got on scene, I just listened to my captain’s orders and went to work,” Johnson said.  Even as the Pasadena Fire Department arrived, no one heard any barking. Using a thermal imaging camera, Johnson navigated around the heavy smoke. She found Milo after reentering the home three times.  “He was in the living room, right behind this window, just under the table,” Johnson said. “I just happened to catch a glimpse of him, went over, grabbed him and pulled him out.” Milo had suffered major smoke inhalation. Johnson handed the unconscious dog to the team standing by with an animal oxygen mask. 

By that time, Fernando’s wife was rushing home, praying to see her dog again. “Please God, make sure Milo is doing OK,” Leti recalled saying. “Because if not, I don’t know what I’m going to do.” Five minutes passed before Milo suddenly rolled over. While he was dirty and dusty, the family was greatful their beloved Milo was alive.  “I just couldn’t believe he’d just gone from the verge of life and death to basically his normal self,” son Fernando Jr. said. 

On Monday morning, Milo reunited with his rescuers, each of whom received a custom smiling Milo shirt. The family will be out of their home for at least a few months, but they’re grateful to be whole after a veterinarian said Milo will fully recover.

Source: Firefighters reunite with dog they rescued from Pasadena house fire – CBS Los Angeles

Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation.
1 Peter 2:2

Come to Me: Finding Rest in Jesus When Life Feels Heavy

You are not defined by the weight you carry. The One who bore the cross now offers His strength in exchange for your weariness. “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28 In this verse Jesus speaks directly to people carrying burdens they cannot carry…

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Maryland State Police intern helps rescue injured bald eagle from roadway

A Maryland State Police intern found himself on an incredible, unexpected assignment this week.  The department posted two photos on social media Friday, showing Centreville Barrack intern Jackson Roach holding a bald eagle.  State police said Roach joined Trooper A. Setter and an off-duty law enforcement officer in removing the injured bird from the area…

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Proverbs 21:23

Whoever keeps his mouth and his tongue keeps himself out of trouble. This verse emphasizes that people who carefully watch what they say will protect themselves from serious trouble. “Guarding your mouth and tongue” means seriously thinking before you speak instead of letting every thought fly out. Angry words, gossip, lies, or careless comments can…

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Slow to Speak: The Secret to Wise Reactions

Talk less, listen more, because wisdom speaks after it understands, not before. If you want stronger relationships and real influence, master this: control your tongue, calm your anger, and lead with quiet strength. Let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger. James 1:19 Offense often comes from rushed reactions. God…

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F-16 fighter jet crashes in residential area in northern Michigan

A U.S. F-16 fighter jet pilot safely ejected before the aircraft crashed in northern Michigan on Thursday afternoon, officials said. The incident occurred in Grand Traverse County when the jet “experienced an incident” during a routine training mission, a spokesperson for the Texas Military Department said. Michael Kroll, spokesperson for the Michigan Department of Military…

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Serving Like Jesus: Redefining Leadership in Faith

Real leadership isn’t about power, it’s about serving like Jesus, even when it costs your pride. If you want to live out authentic Christian faith, start by lowering yourself and lifting others.  Bible Verse: “Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet.” — John 13:14…

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The Power of Surrender: Embracing God’s Will

Jesus teaches us to trust God’s plan, even when it’s painful. Surrendering our will allows God to work in ways we cannot understand.  Bible Verse:“Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done.”— Luke 22:42 In Gethsemane, Jesus faced overwhelming sorrow and pressure, yet He chose…

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Psalm 5:8

Lead me, O Lord, in your righteousness because of my enemies; make your way straight before me. In the verse David is praying in the morning while people who hate him are watching, hoping he will mess up. We can see that he does not first ask God to destroy his enemies. Instead, he asks…

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Firefighters reunite with dog they rescued from Pasadena house fire

A Pasadena family’s dog reunited with his rescuers, who pulled him out of a house fire that nearly killed him last week. Owner Fernando said he was out of the country when his wife and kids left their 6-year-old sheltie Milo home alone while they ran some errands. They said a delivery person who happened…

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3 bear cubs break into man’s San Bernardino County mountain cabin

A man had a close encounter with a trio of bears that broke into his cabin in the San Bernardino County mountains. After hearing his little, old hard-of-hearing dogs barking, Thomas Vander Wende woke up and went outside his cabin at Green Valley Lake. That’s when he came face-to-face with a bear cub crawling down…

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Finding Strength in God’s Presence Amidst Chaos

When taking the next step you are never alone.  Bible Verse:And the Lord who is your leader, he himself will be with thee: he will not leave thee, nor forsake thee: fear not, neither be dismayed. Deuteronomy 31:8 When you are surrounded by all of the chaos, the noise and you never seem like you…

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Police in Algeria Arrest 12 Christians during Worship

Special force police in Algeria raided a worship service at a humanitarian shelter on Sept. 4, arresting all 12 Christians present on suspicion of holding an unauthorized, non-Muslim religious service, sources said. The House of Refuge shelter in L’Ayaida, 36 kilometers (22 miles) east of Oran, serves as a haven and restoration center for vulnerable…

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Mother injured after fighting off coyote that attacked 4-year-old daughter

An Arizona mother is recovering after she was attacked by a coyote that initially went after her 4-year-old daughter, reports AZFamily. Brittany Cardinal of Surprise, Arizona, was left with puncture wounds and lacerations on her face after the attack Sunday afternoon. She told the outlet that, before the attack, she and her daughter were outside…

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Muslim Shoots Christian Woman to Death in Pakistan

A married, 21-year-old Christian woman was shot dead inside her home in Rawalpindi last week by a Muslim neighbor whose advances she had rejected, reflecting an attitude among many Pakistan Muslims that crimes against Christians will go unpunished, sources said. Saba Mehboob, who separated from her husband a year ago, was shot in the forehead…

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Christian Teen Beaten for Protecting Women in Pakistan

A 17-year-old Christian man named Ikhlaq Masih was severely beaten by a mob in Nasrat Colony, a town in Ajnianwala, Sheikhupura, Pakistan, where many Christians reside.  Masih works making pizzas at a restaurant, while his father, Saleem, works at a brick kiln and his mother, Zakriya, is a homemaker. The modest family has limited financial resources…

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Embrace Faith: God’s Help in Life’s Challenges

You don’t have to carry this alone, He is your safe place and your help in every moment of need.  Bible Verse:God is our Refuge and Strength [mighty and impenetrable to temptation], a very present and well-proved help in trouble. Psalm 46:1 God is your refuge when everything feels unstable. When your body is tired…

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Embracing Grace: Overcoming Past Mistakes

You may feel like your past disqualifies you, but God specializes in rewriting broken stories. No failure is stronger than His mercy, and no sin is beyond His reach. “Though formerly I was a blasphemer, persecutor, and insolent opponent. But I received mercy because I had acted ignorantly in unbelief,  and the grace of our…

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Understanding Bible Prophecy: God’s Sovereign Timeline

The God who created time is not controlled by time, He rules over it. Every prophecy fulfilled is proof that history is not random, but written by the hand of a sovereign God. Grandpa’s Wisdom The room was quiet except for the ticking of an old clock on the wall. There was a young man…

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Bear calls rise around Lake Tahoe as California, Nevada take different approaches

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Black bear walking through a pine forest near cabins and a mountain lake

Bear-related calls are on the rise around the Lake Tahoe region, with South Lake Tahoe police reporting 174 calls so far this year, compared with 97 during the same period last year. But because Lake Tahoe spans California and Nevada, how officials respond to bears can look very different depending on which side of the lake you’re on. In Nevada, wildlife officials have a unique tool at their disposal: a four-legged bear chaser named Badger. Badger is a Karelian Bear Dog trained to work alongside Nevada Department of Wildlife biologists. His job is to haze bears that have become too comfortable around people.

The goal isn’t to hurt the bear. Instead, the dogs create a negative association with people and encourage the bear to retreat back into the wild. “Using the dogs versus other tools makes a difference in the amount of time that they stay away from people, how quick they are to retreat from people when they’re encountered again,” said Becca Carniello, a Nevada Department of Wildlife game biologist. Nevada has used Karelian Bear Dogs since 2001, and officials say the dogs can help change how a bear responds the next time it encounters people. California uses a different toolbox. California Department of Fish and Wildlife spokesperson Cort Klopping says officers can use a range of hazing techniques, including yelling, making themselves appear larger, using air horns and other loud noisemakers.

In some cases, wildlife officials also use bean-bag guns or paintball guns. With bear activity increasing around Tahoe, that raises the question: Why not add a dog like Badger to California’s toolbox? Klopping says California has considered the approach but doesn’t see enough added benefit to justify it. “It’s something that has been successful for a lot of different departments in the past. It doesn’t seem like it’s really worth it necessarily for us. It doesn’t give us any more effectiveness than the other hazing techniques that we use to move the bears along,” Klopping said. The states may use different tools, but wildlife officials on both sides agree that hazing is only a temporary solution. “Anything we do with the bear, hazing the bear, it’s only a temporary behavior change.

The permanent solution has to come from people securing their trash,” Carniello said. That puts human behavior at the center of the issue. Unsecured garbage cans, pet food left outside and even a dirty barbecue grill can attract bears — and once a bear learns that people mean an easy meal, it can become increasingly comfortable coming back. “The attractants, you know, that goes for unsecured garbage cans, pet food left outside, even something as simple as not cleaning your grill after you use it,” Klopping said.

So while Nevada’s Badger can chase a bear away and people can haze one when it gets too close, wildlife officials say the best defense is preventing bears from finding a reason to stick around in the first place. For now, the message from wildlife officials remains the same: Different states may have different tools, but keeping bears wild starts with keeping human food and trash out of reach.

Source: Bear calls rise around Lake Tahoe as California, Nevada take different approaches – CBS Sacramento

Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”
Hebrews 13:5

A study of the Mesha Stele

The Mesha Stele, also famously known as the Moabite Stone, is a 3-foot-tall black basalt monument dating back to circa 840 BCE. It is one of the…

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3 bear cubs break into man’s San Bernardino County mountain cabin

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Three black bear cubs standing at an open rustic cabin door

A man had a close encounter with a trio of bears that broke into his cabin in the San Bernardino County mountains. After hearing his little, old hard-of-hearing dogs barking, Thomas Vander Wende woke up and went outside his cabin at Green Valley Lake. That’s when he came face-to-face with a bear cub crawling down a tree in front of his cabin at Green Valley Lake and making wild, throaty moans.   “I saw a silhouette of a bear just above my head,” he said.

“I was bare butt too. So, I didn’t want to hang around and talk to this bear.” Wende ran back inside his home, only to realize that at least two bears had already broken into his home. “We catch the little culprits, the bandits, trying to shimmy down the tree, trying to get away from their crime,” Wende said.  He said his teenage son started screaming that a bear had crawled through his second-floor window. They raided Wende’s loft and were sniffing around their guinea pig enclosure.  Luckily, the cubs were only after the dry food and did not hurt the guinea pigs.  “They did a bear home invasion,” Wende said. “In our home, where we sleep.”

The encounter got Wende’s adrenaline going, but once he lit the bear burglars up with a flashlight, they slowly ambled out of the home while he heard a strange sound in the distance.  Wende believes it was the bear’s mother making some distress calls or scolding them for their mischievous behavior.  “They’re teens. She’s probably having a hard time with them,” he said.  Wende said he’s glad the unusual encounter ended in the best possible way, knowing the potential dangers if the cubs became trapped inside and their mother bear came looking for them.  “They look like they’re in the ‘I’m getting in trouble stage,” Wende said. “Mom’s probably having a hard time keeping track of them.”

Source: 3 bear cubs break into man’s San Bernardino County mountain cabin – CBS Los Angeles

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.
Philemon 1:25

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Climber rescued at California’s Mount Shasta after crawling to shelter overnight

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A Mount Shasta climber was airlifted to a hospital after sliding about 500 feet down the mountain, injuring himself and then crawling through the night to reach shelter. The Siskiyou County Sheriff’s Office said the San Jose man reached the summit around 7:30 p.m. Sept. 10 while climbing the Avalanche Gulch route. His cellphone died soon afterward, and friends reported him missing the next day when they couldn’t reach him. Around 2 p.m., search crews including Mount Shasta climbing rangers, sheriff’s search-and-rescue volunteers and a California Highway Patrol helicopter began looking for him.

Authorities said the climber tried to slide down a snowy or icy slope during his descent but lost control and went about 500 feet down the mountain. Shasta-Trinity National Forest He suffered several significant cuts and injuries to his feet. The swelling became so painful that he took off his boots and kept making his way down Avalanche Gulch, crawling through the night, according to the sheriff’s office. Around 4 p.m. Sept. 11, another hiker found the injured climber inside the Horse Camp Cabin and alerted climbing rangers. Rescuers checked his injuries before a helicopter flew him from Horse Camp to a nearby hospital for treatment. Officials did not release details about the man’s current condition.

The sheriff’s office used the rescue to remind climbers to tell someone their route and expected return time, carry backup navigation tools and leave enough daylight for the descent. Mount Shasta climbers are generally advised to turn around by noon even if they haven’t reached the summit.

Source: Climber rescued at California’s Mount Shasta after crawling to shelter overnight – CBS San Francisco

A man’s gift makes room for him, And brings him before great men.
Proverbs 18:16

Finding Truth and Life in Jesus

In a world filled with competing voices, confusing paths, and endless distractions, Jesus doesn’t simply show us the way He declares, ‘I am the way.’ When everything…

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Berkeley officials sound alarm after 5 bats test positive for rabies

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Bat flying over a residential neighborhood beneath a cloudy dusk sky

Officials in the East Bay city of Berkeley have issued a warning to residents and doctors amid a rising number of bats that have tested positive for rabies. In a letter sent to the Berkeley City Council on Aug. 26, City Manager Paul Buddenhagen’s office said lab tests confirmed five rabies-positive bats were found. The bats were located in West and North Berkeley, both in residential and commercial areas.

“This represents an increase over the historical baseline of zero to two rabies-positive bats per year between 2020 and 2025,” said the city manager’s office. No human rabies cases have been identified in Berkeley, officials said. Separately, Alameda County health officials confirmed a rabies-positive cat in Pleasanton that tested positive on June 29. According to officials, rabies is a serious infection of the nervous system caused by the rabies virus. While rare, the disease is almost always fatal once symptoms appear.

The disease is almost entirely preventable if treated before symptoms begin. City officials offered several tips, including not touching or handling bats, keeping pets’ rabies vaccinations current and preventing bats from entering one’s home by sealing gaps and openings. If one is bitten or scratched by a mammal, officials urge residents to wash the wound with soap and water for 15 minutes and to seek medical attention.

Bites should be reported to the city’s Communicable Disease Prevention & Control Program (510) 981-5292 and Alameda County Vector Control at 510-567-6800. Officials also urged anyone who finds a bat indoors, dead or alive, not to release or dispose of the animal and to immediately contact vector control.

Source: Berkeley officials sound alarm after 5 bats test positive for rabies – CBS San Francisco

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.
Joshua 1:9

Hope in the dark

Pip: A mountain village, a wandering stranger, a mother weaving a basket by the river — Drink of Jesus has been building a world where ancient scripture lands…

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Coyote with extremely swollen face in Studio City rescued by wildlife advocates

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A coyote with an extremely swollen face, seen roaming a San Fernando Valley neighborhood, is now receiving treatment at a wildlife rescue.  When Barbara Perrin’s son recently spotted the coyote in Studio City, he called his mom to come help. “I don’t know how she was surviving for that long,” said Perrin.  She posted about the coyote on social media and quickly found out she had been surviving in this condition for an entire year. Perrin said that neighbors have been trying to help the animal, even naming her Wendy. 

“I had this sweet newspaper boy on the route, and he would text me pictures,” Perrin said. “He would put water for her and little scraps. People really cared about her, which was amazing to see.” Neighbors said the coyote has been roaming their Studio City community with a swollen face for about a year.  Wildlife Care of Southern California Perrin usually rescues cats and dogs with the nonprofit Saving Grace LA, not coyotes. She connected with someone at Wildlife Care of Southern California and learned that the organization had already been tracking Wendy, following leads from worried neighbors since mid-July. 

Southern California Pitbull Rescue also joined the effort by providing some cameras in two locations where the coyote had recently been spotted.  This week, they rescued Wendy. The Wildlife Rescue of Southern California shared updates of Wendy stretched out on some soft blankets after taking her medicine.  “Last I heard, they were letting her settle down and giving her antibiotics and getting a little bit of nourishment and health,” Perrin said.  It’s still unclear how Wendy developed the swelling on her face.

Some neighbors believe she may have been hit by a car. Perrin thinks she could have developed a really bad infection in her face. The community has donated thousands of dollars to Wildlife Care of Southern California for her medical care. “I think Wendy is a testament to so many people caring and wanting to help and reaching out,” Perrin said.

Source: Coyote with extremely swollen face in Studio City rescued by wildlife advocates – CBS Los Angeles

And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.
Hebrews 11:6

The Distraction of Fear

Fear has a way of making tomorrow feel more real than today. But you were never meant to live inside a future that hasn’t happened yet,…

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Too Busy to Hear God

You can be so busy doing things for God that you never stop long enough to hear from God. Sometimes the biggest distraction in your life…

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Who Has Your Attention?

Your attention is one of the most valuable things you own, and everyone wants a piece of it. The question isn’t whether something is getting your…

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Mountain lion cub rescued in Santa Monica Mountains is recovering after having leg amputated

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A mountain lion cub who was rescued in the Santa Monica Mountains after being abandoned by his mother at just three weeks old is recovering well after a life-changing surgery. The cub named Crimson had been receiving treatment at the Oakland Zoo, where veterinarians spent months figuring out how to save one of his hind feet that was missing toes. In a post on Facebook, the zoo said they tried several approaches, but protecting the limb became more difficult as Crimson became larger and more active. They eventually determined that amputation the affected limb would give him the best chance.

The surgery was performed successfully and the zoo says Crimson has “proven to be incredibly resilient.” “Almost immediately after surgery, he returned to the curious, energetic behavior expected of a growing mountain lion cub. Based on his recovery trajectory to date, we are optimistic that he will continue to adapt exceptionally well. While he may experience some limitations in climbing ability or speed, these can be accommodated through thoughtful habitat design and specialized husbandry in an appropriate future home,” the zoo said in its post. New video shows the now 5-month-old cub sprinting around his habitat and appearing to thrive.

Source: Crimson update: Mountain lion cub rescued in Santa Monica Mountains is recovering after having leg amputated – ABC7 Los Angeles

“For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,” says the LORD.
Isaiah 55:8

Finding Strength in God

You don’t have to carry this alone, He is your safe place and your help in every moment of need.  Bible Verse:God is our Refuge and Strength [mighty and impenetrable…

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California scientists build robot to look for great white sharks near beaches

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From a distance, it looks like a kayak or a surfboard. But it’s not a person enjoying an afternoon at the beach — it’s a new high-tech device to look for great white sharks. Researchers at Cal State Long Beach have begun testing what they are calling a “semi-autonomous shark surveillance bot.” The unmanned craft, a prototype that is about 10 feet long and 3 feet wide, hit the water last month in Southern California. The craft can patrol near beaches for up to a week at a time, using acoustic receivers to listen for white sharks in the wild that have been fitted by scientists with tracking tags.

It also has cameras, and will soon include a drone for aerial surveillance that can send live 360-degree images back to lifeguards and biologists on the shore. “The idea is that you program it to mow the lawn — just go back and forth — in the ocean,” said Chris Lowe, a professor of marine biology and director of the Shark Lab at CSU Long Beach. “Lifeguards can drive it, or we can drive it from the lab.” Plans also are afoot by scientists at the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute in Moss Landing to fit the craft with equipment that can detect shark DNA in the water, picking up traces of skin, mucous and other waste that leaves clues when the famous apex predators are coming and going through a popular beach area. Shark attacks remain extremely rare.

California has recorded 236 since 1950, including 17 fatalities, according to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. San Diego County has the most incidents with 27, followed by San Mateo County with 22, Santa Barbara with 21, then Marin, Monterey and Humboldt with 19 each, Santa Cruz County with 17, and San Luis Obispo and Sonoma counties with 16 each. Every year, millions of people swim, surf, kayak and dive in the ocean off California. In recent years, drone footage and signals from acoustic tags have shown that sharks regularly swim near people and almost never attack. “Sharks are swimming by surfers and swimmers all the time, and the people don’t know they are there,” Lowe said. “It is happening daily.” Several high-profile deaths in recent years have drawn more attention to the issue, however.

In December, Pebble Beach resident Erica Fox, 55, was killed by a great white shark off Lovers Point in Pacifica, in Monterey County, while swimming in the ocean. Her autopsy report, released by authorities last week, showed she died from a single bite from a shark that Lowe estimates was 16 feet long. In June 2022, another member of Fox’s swimming club, the Kelp Krawlers, Steve Bruemmer, was bitten and seriously injured while swimming in the same area. Two months later, a paddleboarder and his dog were thrown into the water there but escaped unhurt after a shark bit their board from below. Before Fox, the last fatal shark attack in the Monterey Bay area occurred May 9, 2020. Ben Kelly, 26, was surfing about 100 yards offshore at Manresa State Beach, roughly 4 miles south of Aptos in Santa Cruz County, when he was bitten by a 10- to 12-foot great white shark. Authorities said the bite severed an artery in his leg.

He was helped back to the beach but died a short time later. Adult great white sharks mostly eat seals and sea lions. Juveniles eat fish, squid and rays. Researchers think that most bites are accidental; great white sharks mistake people for seals or sea lions. “We don’t smell like food to them, we don’t look like food, and we don’t sound like food. Therefore they nearly always ignore us,” Lowe said. “We are probably getting dozens of encounters a week without bites.” Lowe said he hopes to have the surveillance device finished in two years, in time for the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles, when triathletes will be swimming in Long Beach Harbor, an area that sharks have been known to visit. Along the way, he said, it can help provide scientists more information about where and when sharks are present, and can help the public get a better understanding that the ocean is a wild place and sharks are part of it.

At first, Lowe said, he will use the device off Southern California, in places like Long Beach Harbor, Santa Monica Bay and Huntington Beach. But he said with enough funding, others could be made and used across the state in marine waters in Central and Northern California, as well. “This is not about ‘there’s a shark in the water, let’s pull everybody out,'” Lowe said. “It’s about giving people more information so they can make decisions for themselves.” “It’s an information tool,” he added. “We aren’t trying to scare people. We are trying to inform them so they can make better risk assessments. It’s like when you go to Yellowstone, and there are signs saying stay 150 feet from the bison.” Although Lowe said he believes this is the first time they all have been placed on one craft, many of the tools on the robot have been used by shark researchers for years. Barbara Block, a professor of marine sciences at Stanford University who has done groundbreaking research on great white sharks, tuna and other ocean species for decades, called Lowe’s project “a step forward.”

She said it’s important to remember that juvenile white sharks, which are often found closer to the beach in shallower waters, don’t bite people. Block’s team also uses DNA research to study sharks in the wild. She said while there are benefits, researchers cannot yet identify individual sharks from it, and changing ocean currents can create problems. “It tells you when a shark is present,” she said. “But it comes with lots of caveats. The DNA is in the water, and the water is moving. It takes 72 hours before it degrades. You might be looking at DNA from 3 days ago or today. It’s a challenge for all of us. Did a shark pass today or two days ago? The water moves.” The best way to know in real time if a shark is present is from acoustic tags and from drones, she said. Although hundreds of sharks have been tagged in the wild, many more have not.

Jim Birch, a scientist at the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute who helps lead efforts to design robotic equipment and ocean sensors there, said MBARI recently has used the DNA technology to study algae blooms in Lake Huron and to track ocean species between San Francisco and the Aleutian Islands in Alaska. That information can show over time what plants and animals generally live in certain areas and how they might be shifting due to climate change. The environmental DNA technology, known as “eDNA,” also detects harmful algae blooms, can identify if endangered salmon are present in rivers, and can discover whether invasive species like zebra mussels or quagga mussels are present in lakes, he said. “Visual and acoustic will give you real-time information about sharks,” he said. “The eDNA gives you the more broad biological perspective.” The project also has support from the New York University Center for Robotics, with $300,000 in funding from the Seaver Institute.

The Seaver Institute is a private philanthropic foundation based in Los Angeles. It was founded in 1955 by Frank Roger Seaver, a San Jose native born in 1883, who became a prominent lawyer in Los Angeles, owned an oil drilling equipment company and donated millions to Pomona College, Pepperdine University and other nonprofits. Birch and Lowe said they are early in the shark surveillance robot project but that it has significant promise in the years ahead. “We don’t know enough about white sharks,” Birch said. “There is so much about the ocean we still don’t know. White sharks are fascinating apex predators, but they go away. The ocean is a big place. One of the big drivers is human curiosity. It is also about public safety, so that we can put a sign up at the beach saying, ‘White sharks are here during these months and you decide.'”

Source: California scientists build robot to look for great white sharks near beaches | Jefferson City News Tribune

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.
Galatians 5:22-23

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Roseville bear sighting reported a day after Rocklin alert

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A bear was spotted in Roseville on Wednesday morning, one day after police in neighboring Rocklin issued an alert about a similar sighting. Roseville Fire said the bear was seen near Foothills Boulevard between Blue Oaks Boulevard and Pleasant Grove Boulevard. Roseville police said they received three reports of a bear sighting, all between 2 a.m. and 7 a.m. It remains unclear whether the animal is the same bear reported Tuesday near homes in Rocklin’s Skyline area. Rocklin police notified the California Department of Fish and Wildlife about that sighting. Residents are being urged to keep their distance and call authorities if the bear behaves aggressively or poses an immediate threat.

Roseville police noted that no road closures are in effect at this time. Officials say that this is the time of year when mother bears push out their cubs to be on their own, and that sometimes leads them into unusual places, which can be more of a danger to them instead of the public. “When they spend time in these urban areas, there’s a potential to get hit by cars, the potential to get into an unnatural food source,” said Peter Tira, with Fish and Wildlife. Fish and Wildlife told CBS News Sacramento that there’s no current effort to find and capture the bear, noting that it will likely make its way out of town on its own.  Bear sightings are uncommon in Roseville but not unheard of. In 2013, a young black bear was spotted in several east Roseville yards, including outside a home on Spring Valley Drive. Last fall, a family of three bears was also captured on video near Rocklin as the animals followed the Dry Creek watershed through parts of Placer and Sacramento counties.

Source: Roseville bear sighting reported a day after Rocklin alert – CBS Sacramento

Judge not, that you be not judged.
Matthew 7:1

God’s Here

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Pack of coyotes appears to have taken over West Hollywood condo complex under construction

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coyote on parking lot

A pack of coyotes appears to have taken over an empty condominium complex that is under construction in West Hollywood, sparking safety concerns for residents living nearby. Neighbors believe that as many as six coyotes live in the massive abandoned construction site, capturing nightly photos and videos of the pack.  “It’s kind of interesting to walk out of your apartment and look up and there’s a coyote looking at you,” said Cindy Sorley, who lives nearby.

“The other night when I came home, there were six right around my car.” She’s one of many who are now on high alert because of the creatures, which they first noticed towards the start of the year. Now, they see them daily as they traipse down sidewalks and driveways.  “We see them on the second and third floors, basking in the sun, pretty wild,” said Tyler Lennier, another resident. West Hollywood’s city website notes that there has been an increase in coyote sightings across the city since the start of 2026, but CBS LA was unable to reach someone for comment on the ongoing situation at the condo complex. 

State wildlife officials say that the trend, which is happening across much of Los Angeles County, can be connected to warmer weather earlier in the year and the thousands of acres of habitat destroyed in the Eaton and Palisades fires in 2025.  Locals say that they believe the influx is also connected to the building, which has now been derelict for years.  “People are avoiding even walking their dogs by that structure, out of fear, obviously,” said Collin Newman. “You shouldn’t have to fear getting out of your car and suddenly be surrounded by, you know, half a dozen wild animals.

There’s just, that’s not the society we live in, so animal control has to really kind of get on their game and do something about it, because no one should feel unsafe.” Overall, neighbors say that they’re hopeful a humane solution can be found, knowing that the ongoing living situation is a risk for humans, pets and the coyotes.  “I mean, they just shouldn’t be here at all, you know?” said Michael Laselva. “If you look at them, they’re fragile. They have no food, no water.” CBS LA also reached out to the construction company on the fences surrounding the property, but did not hear back.

Source: Pack of coyotes appears to have taken over West Hollywood condo complex under construction – CBS Los Angeles

Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.
1 Corinthians 15:58

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Boundary Waters wilderness burning at U.S

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Crestline bear considers office work as video shows it opening the door and shortly leaving

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A bear is captured on video inside the Crestline Village Water District offices, but quickly decides to quit the job before even starting early this morning. The curious bear meandered into the office nestled in the San Bernardino Mountains and made its way into the lobby to check things out. Officer manager Josselyn Quine said that it was in the lobby for about two minutes before heading toward the main office. Standing on its hind legs, the bear stands to open the main office glass door, gets inside, and looks around long enough to realize it doesn’t want to be there.  It pushes the glass door open once again and heads out.   “He came in and left so quickly, so we didn’t feel that we were in danger since he was just cruising through,” Quine wrote in an email. Quine said there was no damage to the property, but there were a few nose prints on the doors to clean. “It was fascinating to see him, and we are fortunate to live in their forest,” Quine wrote. Another office employee said it’s not uncommon to see bears in the area, but it is more uncommon to have one inside the workplace. 

Source: Crestline bear considers office work as video shows it opening the door and shortly leaving – CBS Los Angeles

For whoever finds me finds life, And obtains favor from the LORD.
Proverbs 8:35

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Big Bear bald eagle Jackie rescued by Los Angeles wildlife officials after fight with other eagles

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A member of the beloved Big Bear bald eagle family was rescued by wildlife officials after it was involved in a fight, according to Friends of Big Bear Valley and the Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation.  In a news release, LA County Parks officials said that the San Dimas Raptor Rescue team was dispatched to rescue an eagle at approximately 10:30 p.m. on Saturday. They made the more-than-two-hour trip to Big Bear and located the injured eagle, which was being monitored by San Bernardino County Fire Department personnel from Fire Station 96.  Friends of Big Bear Valley, the local nonprofit wildlife organization behind the famous Big Bear Eagle Nest Cam, says that an adult bald eagle was observed on the ground near Dana Point Park late Friday night near Dana Point Park, where it was also observed the prior day as well. 

“Later, that eagle was seen in a short ground altercation with two other subadult eagles,” FOBBV officials said in a social media post. “Cell phone video confirmed that the adult was able to fend off the other eagles by turning over and using its talons, but was unable to fly away.” A bald eagle swimming through water at Big Bear Lake. County of Los Angeles Department of Parks and Recreation After it was rescued, the eagle was taken to a rehabilitation facility that specializes in eagle care. LA County Parks officials shared a video that showed some steps of the rescue. “The adult eagle that we picked up was sick, very sick,” said a San Dimas Raptor Rescue official.

“There were no physical injuries, so we were able to do a quick assessment; look at her wings and stuff like that. There was nothing obvious, but she was very skinny and underweight.” The bird’s identity was initially unclear at the time of rescue, but FOBBV said that Jackie has not been seen on their 24/7 eagle nest cameras for several days. They said that Jackie, the so-called matriarch of Big Bear’s beloved bald eagle family, is not banded. They also noted that they’re unsure how many other bad eagles could be visiting the area at the time.  Later Sunday, they said that after reviewing photos and videos from the public and the rehabilitation center, the rescued eagle is “likely Jackie.”

“She is in the best place it can be and getting the care she needs,” said FOBBV’s statement. LA County Parks’ release said that they have been in communication with FOBBV regarding the eagle’s rescue and that she is currently being cared for at a facility in Ojai. The bald eagle rescued from Big Bear Lake by Los Angeles County Parks and Recreation San Dimas Raptor Rescue personnel. County of Los Angeles Department of Parks and Recreation Parks officials asked that the public refrain from contacting San Dimas Raptor Rescue for information or updates, as they would be shared by the appropriate organizations. Because bald eagles are a federally protected species, they require specialized rehabilitation permits that are issued by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and while the San Dimas Raptor Rescue can provide critical rescue services, bald eagles must be cared for by facilities that have “specific eagle rehabilitation authorization and expertise.”

On Tuesday morning, the Ojai Raptor Center said Jackie has more energy as she is eating well with assistance and is even picking up food on her own.  Tests showed that Jackie is anemic and has inflammation affecting her kidneys. They are unsure of the underlying issue causing these symptoms. X-rays did not show any fishing hooks, sinkers or other metal objects. The center is working with several specialist veterinarians to determine the best supportive care at this time.   

Source: Big Bear bald eagle Jackie rescued by Los Angeles wildlife officials after fight with other eagles – CBS Los Angeles

There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling.
Ephesians 4:4

Prayer for Boldness; Acts 4:24-31

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Evacuation warnings in place as 50-acre fire burns on Mount Diablo in Contra Costa County

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forest fire and environmental disaster

Evacuation warnings were in place near Mount Diablo as a 50-acre blaze, which fire officials have named the Morgan Fire, broke out in Contra Costa County on Friday afternoon. The Contra Costa County Fire Protection District told CBS News Bay Area that reports of the fire came in just before 3 p.m. The Morgan Fire is burning in the area of Morgan Territory and March Creek Road with fire retardant around roughly 75% of the fire line, the California Department of Forestry and Fire Prevention (Cal Fire) said.

Cal Fire airplanes were seen flying over the area. Footage reviewed by CBS News Bay Area showed helitankers dumping water over the flames, and firefighters have been working to fight back the blaze on the ground. According to PG&E, there have been no outages from the Morgan Fire, but they said they are closely monitoring the situation. There have been no reports yet as of Friday evening as to how this fire started. Evacuation warnings in place Two zones stretching south from the point of the fire are under an evacuation warning, meaning people in those areas should be ready to leave immediately if the conditions worsen.

Those zones are CCC-249 and CCC-250, and they stretch south along the east side of Mount Diablo State Park to the Morgan Regional Preserve. View a live evacuation order map of the Morgan Fire here.

Source: Evacuation warnings in place as 50-acre fire burns on Mount Diablo in Contra Costa County – CBS San Francisco

For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 6:23

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Sacramento County to release more than 2 million mosquitoes in Rosemont to fight invasive species

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Large swarm of flying insects above suburban houses at sunset

Data shows Sacramento County’s Rosemont neighborhood has become a breeding hotspot for a species of mosquito that can carry dangerous diseases. On Tuesday, the skies over the community will be filled with a swarm of more than 140,000 mosquitoes that are being set free. The Sacramento Yolo Mosquito and Vector Control District says it will then be intentionally releasing two million more mosquitoes in the neighborhood over the next 16 weeks. “These mosquitoes are actually a public health threat,” said Luz Maria Robles, with the Sacramento Yolo Mosquito and Vector Control District.

“They have the capability of transmitting debilitating diseases such as Zika, dengue, or chikungunya.”   The insects are all sterile males, which don’t bite people, and when they breed with wild female mosquitoes, the eggs won’t hatch. “We need to have at least 10 sterile male mosquitoes per one wild male to outcompete them,” Maria Robles said. Last year, the district tried this technique in the South Natomas neighborhood for the first time and they say it was successful. “We were able to reduce mosquitoes by about 40%,” Maria Robles said. The district says it has been going door to door in the Rosemont neighborhood with flyers notifying people about the mosquito release. Sue Weaver says she supports the eradication effort. “There’s probably 10 million mosquitoes here, so that will be great,” Weaver said. “That will make a difference.”

The total cost is $136,000 to purchase the mosquitoes from a vendor in Kentucky. But the district is also looking at building its own breeding lab here in Sacramento that could one day produce up to a million sterile mosquitoes a week. “That would significantly reduce the cost,” Maria Robles said. “Right now, that’s something that we’re considering.” Google may also soon be helping to fight the bite. The high-tech company has filed an application with federal regulators asking for permission to release up to 16 million sterile male mosquitoes a year in California.

Source: Sacramento County to release more than 2 million mosquitoes in Rosemont to fight invasive species – CBS Sacramento

Therefore whatever you have spoken in the dark will be heard in the light, and what you have spoken in the ear in inner rooms will be proclaimed on the housetops.
Luke 12:3

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McKean Fire southwest of San Jose burns just over 10 acres

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close up of burning flames

Fire crews have stopped the forward progression of the McKean Fire in Santa Clara County Sunday afternoon.  Cal Fire said aviation and ground resources were at the scene of the fire off Alamden Road and Mountain Drive, trying to establish containment lines.   Crews said the fire was burning at a moderate rate, but said the forward progress was stopped at just about 10 acres.  The fire was burning in an area that crews said was in difficult terrain.  No evacuations were issued, but people were urged to avoid the area. 

Source: McKean Fire southwest of San Jose burns just over 10 acres – CBS San Francisco

Costly Sacrifice: The Heart of Worship

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San Jose brush fire burns near homes before progress stopped

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firefighters standing on the grass

A brush fire burned close to homes in San Jose on Friday before firefighters stopped its forward progress. The fire burned in the Communications Hill area of South San Jose near the Sunshine Hill Cross and began at around 11:15 a.m. The San Jose Fire Department said it burned about seven acres close to the Chateau La Salle mobile home park. The fire’s forward progress was stopped at 12:03 p.m., the Fire Department said.  No structures were burned and there were no reports of any injuries. The cause of the fire was not immediately determined.

Source: San Jose brush fire burns near homes before progress stopped – CBS San Francisco

Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord.
Hebrews 12:14

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Second bird tests positive for West Nile virus in Ventura County

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close up of mosquito on human skin

For the second time this year, public health staff said a bird in Ventura County tested positive for West Nile virus. The Ventura County Environmental Health Division announced the discovery on Tuesday after receiving confirmation from the California Department of Public Health. County staff said they expect more positive cases to emerge throughout this year’s mosquito season.  Public health officials said they located both birds in the City of Ventura. The first was found on May 12, and the second was located more than two weeks later, on May 28.  Ventura County staff said they will inspect and treat mosquito breeding sources surrounding the area where they found the infected bird. 

They asked residents to take the following steps to minimize exposure to West Nile virus: 

  • Eliminate all standing water sources from your property.
  • Ensure doors and windows have tight-fitting screens without holes.
  • When outdoors, wear long pants and long-sleeved shirts and limit activity, especially at dawn and dusk.
  • Use an EPA-approved insect repellent containing Picaridin, DEET, Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus (or PMD), or IR3535.

Ventura County Public Health confirmed that there have been no human cases of West Nile virus so far this year.

Source: Second bird tests positive for West Nile virus in Ventura County – CBS Los Angeles

For they did not gain possession of the land by their own sword, Nor did their own arm save them; But it was Your right hand, Your arm, and the light of Your countenance, Because You favored them.
Psalm 44:3

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Wildlife officials track mountain lion through Santa Monica neighborhood

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angry cougar showing teeth

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife tracked a mountain lion through a Santa Monica neighborhood on Friday.  CDFW staff said residents first spotted the mountain lion at 714 14th Street in the morning. State biologists, local animal control officers and law enforcement coordinated to locate it in the neighborhood. After assessing the scene and the animal for several hours, biologists determined that it would be best to capture and collar the mountain lion before relocating it out of the neighborhood.  At around 3:40 p.m., CDFW found the mountain lion and fired several tranquilizer darts at it. They said at least one dart struck the lion, immobilizing it. Once the animal was asleep, biologists examined it to make sure it was healthy. CDFW said scientists were measuring the lion’s morphometrics — its body size and shape — before applying the GPS collar and relocating it to a suitable habitat.  The Santa Monica Police Department urged nearby residents to stay indoors. Authorities have not reported any injuries. 

Source: Wildlife officials track mountain lion through Santa Monica neighborhood – CBS Los Angeles

Therefore by the deeds of the law no flesh will be justified in His sight, for by the law is the knowledge of sin.
Romans 3:20

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Four days of extreme rain and landslides in the Indonesian island of Sumatra have pushed the world’s most endangered great apes even closer to extinction, says a study. Research suggests that 58 of less than 800 critically endangered Tapanuli orangutans, or around 7% of the total species, were killed as a result of the extreme…

Seize Today’s Opportunities for Christ

This moment in history is not meaningless, it is merciful. Every sunrise is another opportunity for salvation and surrender. “ And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.” Matthew 24:14 We currently live one of the most amazing…

City officials consider all options to reduce deer population in Beverly Hills, Michigan

Deterrents, deer hunting or trapping, and even deer birth control are among the options city officials are considering to lower the deer population in Beverly Hills.  “First and foremost problem we have is safety– we’re concerned we’re going to start seeing more car-deer accidents,” said Edward Arnold, the director of public safety for Beverly Hills. …

5 police officers shot dead in cartel-plagued part of Mexico as World Cup kicks off

Five Mexican police officers were shot dead and five others wounded Wednesday in violence-hit Michoacan state on the eve of the World Cup opener in Mexico City, local authorities said. The officers were attacked by unknown assailants in an Indigenous region of the western state, which is plagued by cartel violence, the state government reported.…

Fundraiser for, Karmelo Anthony, teen convicted of Frisco track meet murder, taken down

Convicted killer Karmelo Anthony’s family used fundraiser money for moving and living expenses. Karmelo Anthony will serve his sentence while it appears the fundraising campaign for his family organized by his mother, Kala Hayes, has been taken down. Anthony was convicted of murder and sentenced to 35 years behind bars on Tuesday. He has since…

Tularemia detected in Northern Colorado after dead rabbit discovered in Berthoud

Tularemia has been detected in Northern Colorado after a dead rabbit was discovered in a Berthoud neighborhood. According to Larimer County Department of Health and Environment, the bacteria was identified in a dead rabbit.  Health officials said that because tularemia is natural to Larimer County, it is likely present in other areas throughout the county. …

Seven Jailed over Violent Protests Following Murder of Handcuffed Nowak

A total of seven men have now been sentenced to prison for their roles in the violent protests that broke out in Southampton last week in the wake of the killing of Henry Nowak. Earlier this month, footage was released by the Hampshire Constabulary documenting some of the final moments in the life of 18-year-old…

Second bird tests positive for West Nile virus in Ventura County

For the second time this year, public health staff said a bird in Ventura County tested positive for West Nile virus. The Ventura County Environmental Health Division announced the discovery on Tuesday after receiving confirmation from the California Department of Public Health. County staff said they expect more positive cases to emerge throughout this year’s…

Farage: ‘Beheader’ Shouldn’t Have Ben Here, Legit Protesters Want Change

While condemning a “bad actors” causing trouble, Reform UK leader Nigel Farage said the vast majority of protestors in Belfast have rational concerns and want common-sense change the government is denying them. The United Kingdom is in a quick-moving situation where new outrages of migrant crime, be they callous murders, alleged attempted beheadings, or sexual…

Individuals exposed to rabid fox in Baltimore’s Roland Park

Individuals were exposed to a fox that tested positive for rabies in Baltimore’s Roland Park on Tuesday, according to City Health Department officials.  Two foxes tested positive, and Animal Control believes five others in the area were part of the same den.  Health officials said one of the foxes was picked up near the intersection…

NYC public school splits parents, staff into `separate’ racial groups

A Manhattan public school is treating parents and teachers as “separate” but equal. The P.S. 003 Charrette School in the West Village is hosting a workshop for parents and staffers that separate them into “affinity” groups by race and ethnicity — a move slammed as discriminatory by legal experts. “What Does it Mean to be…

Minnesota is enjoying a “boring” mosquito season thus far. Here’s what’s keeping them under control for now.

If you’ve noticed fewer mosquitoes so far this year, you’re not imagining it.  “Boring year so far,” said Alex Carlson, public affairs manager with the Metropolitan Mosquito Control District. He says dry conditions have prevented many of the floodwater mosquitoes that typically dominate Minnesota summers from hatching. “The end of the winter had a very…

Find Strength in God’s Grace Today

You may not have strength for tomorrow, but God promises enough grace for today. One step at a time, He will carry you forward. “But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not…

Faith And Scripture; Podcast Episode 3

Pip: If you have ever wondered whether your brain and your soul could both use the same workout, Drink of Jesus may have found the overlap. Mara: This episode covers two territories: why consistent Bible reading matters — spiritually and, it turns out, neurologically — and what it looks like when faith is tested by…

House passes pro-union bill after 20 Republicans defy party, in latest move to bypass GOP leadership

Washington — House Democrats, with the help of several Republicans, bypassed GOP leadership on Tuesday to force a successful vote on legislation that would accelerate negotiations on newly-formed unions’ first collective bargaining agreements.  The legislation, titled the Faster Labor Contracts Act, was introduced in September by Democratic Rep. Donald Norcross of New Jersey. It passed…

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Bird tests positive for West Nile Virus in Ventura County, according to health officials

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close up of mosquito biting human skin

Ventura County health officials on Tuesday confirmed that a local bird tested positive for West Nile Virus earlier in May.  In a news release shared by the Ventura County Environmental Health Division, officials said they received confirmation from the California Department of Public Health that a bird collected on May 12 from Ventura had tested positive for the virus.  “WNV is established in Ventura County and additional WNV positives are expected,” the release said. “This is the first detection of WNV activity this year in Ventura County.” To date, there have been no human cases of the virus reported. 

As part of the investigation, health officials said they would monitor for mosquito breeding sites in the area where the bird was collected and provide treatment if evidence of breeding was found.  In order to limit exposure to West Nile Virus, health officials offered several pieces of advice, including: eliminating standing water on property making sure that doors and windows have tight-fitted screens without holes wearing long pants and long-sleeved shirts when outdoors, especially at dawn and dusk use Environmental Protection Agency-approved insect repellent containing Picaridin, DEET, Oil of lemon eucalyptus or IR3535.

West Nile Virus can affect humans and animals, like horses, the agency said. Earlier in May, officials advised the public that rising temperatures paired with increased rainfall would lead to peak mosquito season. They warned of the Aedes aegypti mosquito, otherwise known as an “ankle biter” mosquito, which is aggressive during the daytime and nighttime and can transmit viruses like dengue, Zika, Chikungunya and yellow fever.  Officials said that anyone wishing to report mosquitoes or breeding sources in Ventura County should call the mosquito complaint hotline at 805-658-4310. 

Source: Bird tests positive for West Nile Virus in Ventura County, according to health officials – CBS Los Angeles

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.
Galatians 5:22-23

1 Peter 1:6–7

In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though…

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1 Timothy 1:13-15

Though formerly I was a blasphemer, persecutor, and insolent opponent. But I received mercy because I had acted ignorantly in unbelief, and the grace of our Lord overflowed for me with the faith and love…

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Psalm 1:1–3

Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers;  but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and…

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James 1:14–15

But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown…

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Galatians 6:7

Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. This reminds us that our choices have consequences. God is not fooled by…

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Dead gray whale found in water off San Leandro

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rocks on ocean shore

Officials in San Leandro are urging residents to avoid a portion of the Bay Trail after a dead gray whale washed ashore. On Thursday, the city said the whale was found along the shoreline south of Marina Park. Experts said the whale is an adult male, measuring about 12 meters (39.3 feet) in length. In a video posted on the city’s social media, the city said it is coordinating with regional and federal marine wildlife agencies on the response. The California Academy of Sciences and the National Marine Fisheries Service will conduct a necropsy to determine the whale’s cause of death and support ongoing research into the West Coast’s declining gray whale populations.

Source: Dead gray whale found in water off San Leandro – CBS San Francisco

And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.
Galatians 6:9

Proverbs 13:20

Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm. This reminds us that the people we spend time with have a powerful influence on our…

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1 Corinthians 15:33

Do not be deceived: “Bad company ruins good morals. We can see here that Paul gives a powerful warning: the people and influences we allow into our lives can shape our character,…

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Ephesians 4:29

Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. This…

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Proverbs 18:21

Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits. This verse reminds us that our words carry tremendous power. That what…

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Proverbs 23:7

For he is like one who is inwardly calculating. “Eat and drink!” he says to you, but his heart is not with you. This verse reminds us that our thoughts shape our…

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Matthew 6:22

“The eye is the lamp of the body. So, if your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light, In this verse Jesus teaches that what we focus…

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Luke 6:45

The good person out of the good treasure of his heart produces good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure produces evil, for out of the abundance of the heart his…

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Christian Persecution June 2 – May 28, 2026

Christian persecution published between May 28 and June 4, 2026. These come primarily from specialized monitoring organizations like International Christian Concern (ICC) and Global Christian Relief. No large-scale violent incidents (e.g.,…

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The tale of a Ford, a nest, and a Robin

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american robin in lush green grass

A Ford dealership in Kansas can’t let a customer take home an already-bought F-250 Super Duty, and the reason is for the birds—quite literallySee, Olathe Ford of Olathe, Kansas, which posted its conundrum to Facebook, is dealing with an unusual circumstance: a robin has decided to make a nest and lay its eggs on the tire of an F-250. Turns out, those enormous tires and mighty wheel gap make a nice spot for a bird to raise its four babies. After noticing the nest, the dealership writes that it learned robins and their active nests are federally protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918. In other words, the dealer can’t legally relocate the nest.

Source: Federally Protected Robin’s Nest Delays Ford F-250 Super Duty Sale in Kansas

God Sees Your Unseen Efforts

God has not overlooked a single act of your faithfulness, not one prayer, not one quiet sacrifice. Even when no one else sees, He remembers, and your labor in love…

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Bain Fire burns over 1,400 acres, injures 4 in Southern California; evacuation orders issued

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fire of forest

A fire that originated in the Santa Ana River bed in Riverside County on Tuesday morning has injured multiple people and prompted evacuations, authorities said. According to Cal Fire, the blaze, dubbed the Bain Fire, started sometime before 11:30 a.m. near Bain Street and Limonite Avenue in the Mira Loma neighborhood of Jurupa Valley. The fire burned at least 250 acres as of 2:15 p.m. and was “burning in heavy fuels with a moderate rate of spread,” Cal Fire said.  As of 3:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Cal Fire said that the fire had consumed 1,456 acres and that containment was at 25%.

Firefighters also said that some structures had been burned, but that they weren’t able to confirm if they were outbuildings or other primary buildings.  “Air and ground resources will remain on scene overnight, working diligently to build containment lines around the perimeter of the fire. Air resources will also be assigned throughout the evening, dropping water and retardant,” Cal Fire officials said in their final evening update on Tuesday. A total of 100 personnel were assigned to the fire, as well as two helicopters and 22 engines, along with assistance from Cal Fire San Bernardino and San Diego crews and the Ontario and Riverside Fire departments.

Source: Bain Fire burns over 1,400 acres, injures 4 in Southern California; evacuation orders issued – CBS Los Angeles

A House Divided

Division within the church is one of the enemy’s greatest tools because it weakens unity, damages witness, and distracts believers from the mission of Christ. I personally believe that all…

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Ecclesiastes 3:1

For everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven: In the Book of Ecclesiastes verse 3:1, we’re reminded that life moves in seasons, every moment…

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Primary Elections; May 19, 2026

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Armored elephant with rider attacking armored rhino amidst medieval soldiers
State Primaries May 19,2026

Today, Tuesday, May 19, 2026, is a major primary election day in six states: Alabama, Georgia, Idaho, Kentucky, Oregon, and Pennsylvania. These are mostly partisan primaries (Democratic and Republican) to select nominees for the November 3, 2026, general election. Races include U.S. Senate, U.S. House, governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general, secretary of state, state legislature, and some local/judicial offices. Some states (Alabama and Georgia) may hold runoffs on June 16 if no candidate gets a majority.

npr.orgPolls are open today (typically 7 a.m.–7/8 p.m. local time, varying by state). Check your state’s election website or apps like Ballotpedia/Vote411 for your exact ballot, polling place, and deadlines (e.g., many states already passed voter registration cutoffs).Here’s a breakdown of the states voting today and the key races + notable candidates (focused on contested statewide and high-profile federal races; full candidate lists are available on state SOS sites or Ballotpedia). Many races feature Trump endorsements, incumbent challenges, or open seats. npr.org +1

Alabama

  • Governor (open seat; term-limited Gov. Kay Ivey, R):
    Republican primary: U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville (leading), Ken McFeeters, Will Santivasci.
    Democratic primary: Doug Jones (former U.S. Sen.), Yolanda Flowers (2022 nominee), Will Boyd, Ja’Mel Brown, others. ballotpedia.org
  • U.S. Senate (open; Tuberville running for governor):
    Crowded Republican primary (e.g., U.S. Rep. Barry Moore, Jared Hudson [polling lead], AG Steve Marshall, others). Democratic candidates also running. algop.org
  • Some U.S. House districts (note: primaries in Districts 1, 2, 6, and 7 postponed to August due to redistricting).

Georgia

  • Governor (open seat; term-limited Gov. Brian Kemp, R):
    Republican primary (likely runoff): Lt. Gov. Burt Jones (Trump-backed), billionaire Rick Jackson (self-funding heavily), others including Brad Raffensperger.
    Democratic primary: Keisha Lance Bottoms (former Atlanta mayor), others. x.com
  • U.S. Senate (incumbent Dem. Jon Ossoff):
    Republican primary (to challenge Ossoff; likely runoff; highly competitive): U.S. Reps. Earl “Buddy” Carter and Mike Collins, Derek Dooley (Kemp-backed), others. ballotpedia.org
  • Other: Lt. Governor, Attorney General, Secretary of State, and State Supreme Court races.

Idaho

  • Governor (incumbent Gov. Brad Little, R, seeking re-election):
    Republican primary: Brad Little, Sean Crystal, Mark Fitzpatrick, Ethan Giles, others.
    Democratic primary: Maxine Durand, Jill Kirkham, Terri Pickens, Chanelle Torrez. ballotpedia.org
  • All 105 state legislative seats up; U.S. House and other statewide offices (Lt. Gov., AG, Secretary of State).

Kentucky

  • U.S. House, District 4 (high-profile Trump test):
    Republican primary: Incumbent Rep. Thomas Massie vs. Ed Gallrein (dairy farmer/ex-Navy SEAL; Trump-endorsed challenger). ballotpedia.org
  • U.S. Senate (open seat; longtime Sen. Mitch McConnell retiring):
    Crowded Democratic primary to try to flip the seat (no Democrat has won it in 25+ years). fox19.com
  • Other congressional and statewide races.

Oregon

  • Governor (incumbent Gov. Tina Kotek, D, facing challenges):
    Democratic primary (closed primary system—only registered Democrats vote).
    Other races and ballot measures (including proposed gas taxes). npr.org

Pennsylvania

  • Multiple competitive U.S. House races (key to House control; several Republican-held toss-ups).
    Notable Democratic primaries (e.g., PA-3, involving debates over Gaza and progressive vs. moderate positioning). npr.org
  • State legislative and other local races (no major gubernatorial/Senate primaries this cycle).

These primaries are drawing national attention for testing party dynamics, Trump’s influence in the GOP, and battleground implications (especially Georgia’s Senate/gubernatorial races). For the most up-to-date candidate lists, results (as they come in), or your specific ballot, visit your state’s Secretary of State website, Ballotpedia.org, or 270toWin.com. Voting info is also at Vote411.org or your county election office.

Source: Grok.com

A man’s gift makes room for him, And brings him before great men.
Proverbs 18:16

Hosea 4:6

My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected knowledge, I will also reject you, that you may be no priest to me.…

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Santa Rosa Island Fire burns more than 10,000 acres in Channel Islands National Park

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fire at night

A brush fire burning on Santa Rosa Island has burned more than 10,000 acres in the Channel Islands National Park, according to the U.S. National Park Service.  The blaze was reported on Friday afternoon at around 4:20 p.m. between Ford Point and South Point on the southern side of Santa Rosa Island, firefighters said.  Within three hours of ignition, Cal Fire officials, who were assisting the National Park Service with tracking the size of the blaze, said that more than 1,200 acres had burned. On Saturday night, the fire was mapped at 5,690 acres and by 4:31 p.m. Sunday, they said it was 10,0029 acres and 0% contained. 

The cause of the fire remains under investigation. At least 70 firefighters and park rangers were battling the flames, according to NPS officials, who also said that there are no visitors on the island and that flames are being fueled by dense vegetation and strong winds blowing in the area.  The National Weather Service issued a Gale Warning for the area, which is expected to remain in place until at least 3 a.m. on Monday.  Two historic structures, Johnson’s Lee Equipment Shed and Wreck Line Camp Cabin, were destroyed by the fire, which NPS officials said was a “full-suppression human-caused wildfire.” They further noted that the status of the historic South Point Lighthouse is unknown as fire continued to burn nearby on Sunday afternoon.  On Friday, the U.S. Coast Guard officials said that they rescued a 67-year-old man from shore.  Santa Rosa Island is one of five islands located off the Southern California coast in the Pacific Ocean.

Source: Santa Rosa Island Fire burns more than 10,000 acres in Channel Islands National Park – CBS Los Angeles

One thing I have desired of the LORD, That will I seek: That I may dwell in the house of the LORD All the days of my life, To behold the beauty of the LORD, And to inquire in His temple.
Psalm 27:4

The News Part 2

Dear Heavenly Father, as I enter this day please give me the words that I need to share who you are and help me present your…

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Bear sighting reported at UC Davis campus

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a black bear in the wild

A young bear appears to be roaming the UC Davis campus Friday morning, prompting an alert from school officials. In a WarnMe notification sent out just after midnight, UC Davis police said they were investigating reports of a bear sighting on campus. Videos posted to social media show a juvenile bear walking around the western edge of campus. UC Davis police are urging anyone who sees the bear not to approach it and to call authorities instead. While rare, it would not be the first time in recent memory that a bear has been spotted near UC Davis.

Source: Bear sighting reported at UC Davis campus – CBS Sacramento

A man’s heart plans his way, But the LORD directs his steps.
Proverbs 16:9

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Mountain lion sighting reported in Davis, residents urged to be on alert

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close up of a puma peeking from rocks

Davis residents are being urged to be on alert after a possible mountain lion was spotted on the outskirts of town. According to the Davis Police Department, the sighting was reported Wednesday evening near Kestrel Place and the nearby bike path in the North Davis area. While mountain lions are known to usually try and avoid human contact, Davis residents are being urged to stay alert – especially during evening and early morning hours. Residents are also being urged to keep their children and pets close by. Police say the sighting was reported to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.

Source: Mountain lion sighting reported in Davis, residents urged to be on alert – CBS Sacramento

Owe no one anything except to love one another, for he who loves another has fulfilled the law.
Romans 13:8

Primary Elections; May 19, 2026

Today, Tuesday, May 19, 2026, is a major primary election day in six states: Alabama, Georgia, Idaho, Kentucky, Oregon, and Pennsylvania. These are mostly partisan primaries (Democratic and Republican)…

Keep reading

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Sonoma County community uses sheep to reduce wildfire risk

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flock of sheep in tranquil autumn landscape

With California’s fire season just around the corner, cutting down the tall dry grass is going to be a priority over the next few weeks. In the North Bay, tractors have been commonly used, but now grazing is gaining popularity. While many contract out grazing services, one woman has been trying to encourage homeowners to take matters into their own hands. Welcome to the Hunters Lane community grazing cooperative. A flock of a dozen sheep chows down on grass and goes from one home to another. While grazing has been around for a long time, Sarah Keiser took this to a whole new level after the 2017 wildfires.

“I just walked around the neighborhood, knocked on doors and said, ‘Hey, do you want the sheep?’ ” Keiser said. “Essentially, the vision came from what was a burden to them was a resource to me. Through sharing the flock, we both benefited from it.” Now, there are about 12 community grazing cooperatives in Sonoma County. Bo Laurent reached out to Keiser, hoping to get a few sheep to graze her property in 2020. She didn’t know she was about to be talked into becoming a part of the community grazing cooperative. “I don’t want to be tied down all the time,” Laurent said. “I’m getting older, and I like to travel. I have to go out places and I just don’t want to have those constant tasks I have to take care of. She said no, no, you’re going to share them with your neighbors. It’s going to grow. I’m going to come over and tell you all about it.”

Source: Sonoma County community uses sheep to reduce wildfire risk – CBS San Francisco

For every house is built by someone, but He who built all things is God.
Hebrews 3:4

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Brush fire outside Dodger Stadium snarls traffic on 110 Freeway

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los angeles cityscape with dodger stadium at sunset

A brush fire near the 110 Freeway just outside Dodger Stadium caused “excessive delays into the downtown area” of Los Angeles, according to authorities. The Los Angeles Fire Department said the blaze was reported around 5:44 p.m. Saturday. It’s not yet clear what caused the fire, but it broke out near the southbound lanes of the 110 near Stadium Way. At 7:04 p.m., the LAFD said forward progress was stopped and responding crews were in the “mop up” phase. Between one and two acres burned. No injuries were reported or structures threatened. The LAFD said road and freeway closures were expected to take place, causing excessive traffic. As of 6:40 p.m. it’s not yet clear what, if any, closures have taken place.

Source: Brush fire outside Dodger Stadium snarls traffic on 110 Freeway – CBS Los Angeles

He has shown you, O man, what is good; And what does the LORD require of you But to do justly, To love mercy, And to walk humbly with your God?
Micah 6:8

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