Second bird tests positive for West Nile virus in Ventura County

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

But, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ.
Ephesians 4:15

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Nearly 90 arrested after dozens of sports cars towed from LA River in Cypress Park

lineup of sports cars on a race track

Nearly 90 people were arrested after dozens of sports cars were towed from the Los Angeles River in the Cypress Park neighborhood on Sunday evening.  LAPD officers said that they, along with personnel from other law enforcement agencies, swarmed the area at around 6 p.m. upon learning of the gathering. Aerial footage from around 7:20 p.m. showed a large gathering of vehicles in the riverbed near San Fernando Road.  Other vehicles were seen being driven from the riverbed in a single-file line, where some were loaded onto tow trucks. CBS LA Drivers who had gathered in the area told CBS LA that they were there for a car meetup, and that just over 100 vehicles were there when LAPD officers unexpectedly arrived to tell them they were trespassing.

“There’s a trespassing sign that’s really small, you can’t read it,” said Alexander Pimienta, one of the many drivers who were in attendance at the gathering. “We weren’t doing anything illegal, we weren’t doing anything stupid. … They towed my motorcycle, they’re towing trucks, they’re towing over 50 cars.”  Other video from the scene showed officers handing out what appeared to be citations or tickets, while some of the drivers were put in handcuffs. On Tuesday, LAPD officials told CBS LA that two people were arrested for felonies while 84 others were arrested for misdemeanors. They had 72 cars impounded on Sunday.

Source: Nearly 90 arrested after dozens of sports cars towed from LA River in Cypress Park – CBS Los Angeles

Who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.
Philippians 2:6-8

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Man killed in shooting at Universal City Park & Ride parking lot

iconic universal studios globe under clear sky

A man was fatally shot in the parking lot near Universal Studios on Sunday morning, according to Los Angeles police.  Officers said that the shooting happened at around 11:20 a.m. near the Universal/Studio City Park & Ride parking lot in the 10800 block of Ventura Boulevard. By the time they arrived at the scene, the suspect had already fled the area.  Arriving first responders found the victim, only described as a man in his 40s, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds.

He was pronounced dead at the scene by Los Angeles Fire Department paramedics, police said. LAPD detectives say that the man was homeless and living at an encampment in the area. LAPD detectives did not provide information on the suspect or motive in the incident as their preliminary investigation got underway. They are unsure if the suspect is also homeless. “Detectives from Robbery Homicide Division Valley Bureau Section are actively canvassing the neighborhood for surveillance video and witnesses,” a news release from LAPD officers said on Monday. 

A Metro spokesperson shared a statement with CBS LA upon request, stating that the shooting was not related to their services and that it only happened in the surrounding area.

Source: Man killed in shooting at Universal CIty Park & Ride parking lot – CBS Los Angeles

A good man deals graciously and lends; He will guide his affairs with discretion.
Psalm 112:5

1 Peter 1:6–7

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80-year-old man stabbed to death in Tarzana neighborhood

close up of barricade tape

An 80-year-old man was stabbed to death in a Tarzana neighborhood Wednesday morning. The Los Angeles Police Department said the deadly stabbing happened at about 9:30 a.m. in the 19200 block of Erwin Street. Officers found the man, who is about 80 years old, outside of a nearby home.  LAPD said the Los Angeles Fire Department took the victim to a local hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.  Officers took a 44-year-old man into custody.  It’s unclear if the pair knew each other. LAPD said the deadly stabbing was an isolated incident. 

Source: 80-year-old man stabbed to death in Tarzana neighborhood – CBS Los Angeles

The young lions lack and suffer hunger; But those who seek the LORD shall not lack any good thing.
Psalm 34:10

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

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

You shall walk in all the ways which the LORD your God has commanded you, that you may live and that it may be well with you, and that you may prolong your days in the land which you shall possess.
Deuteronomy 5:33

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Bat found in Irvine Regional Park tests positive for rabies

fruit bat feeding upside down in jungle

The Orange County Healthcare Agency said a bat found in Irvine Regional Park has tested positive for rabies. Public health officials said the bat was found at the park at 9:30 a.m. on Sunday, May 24. They urged anyone who may have physically contacted the bat or seen someone else touch it to call the Communicable Disease Control Division at (714) 834-8180. Pet owners who believe their animals may have had contact with the bat should contact their veterinarian.  The OC Healthcare Agency said the rabies virus is found in an infected animal’s saliva.

It can be transmitted to people if they are bitten by a rabid animal. Public health staff said rabies can also be transmitted through contamination of the eyes, mouth or an open wound by the infected animal’s saliva; however, these cases are very rare.  OC Healthcare officials said most cases of human rabies in the U.S. have stemmed from bats, which have very small teeth, meaning their bites may go unnoticed. 

Source: Bat found in Irvine Regional Park tests positive for rabies – CBS Los Angeles

By faith Sarah herself also received strength to conceive seed, and she bore a child when she was past the age, because she judged Him faithful who had promised.
Hebrews 11:11

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. Because you have forgotten…

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