The U.S. Department of Agriculture reported Tuesday that the fourth case of bovine spongiform encephalopathy – known more commonly as “mad cow disease” – has been confirmed in a California dairy cow.

"As part of our targeted surveillance system, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service has confirmed the nation's fourth case of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) in a dairy cow from central California,” said USDA Chief Veterinary Officer John Clifford.

Clifford said the animal's carcass is being held under state authority at a rendering facility in California and will be destroyed. It was never presented for slaughter for human consumption, so at no time presented a risk to the food supply or human health. Additionally, milk does not transmit BSE.

Samples from the animal in question were tested at USDA's National Veterinary Services Laboratories in Ames, Iowa.

Confirmatory results using immunohistochemistry and western blot tests confirmed the animal was positive for atypical BSE, a very rare form of the disease not generally associated with an animal consuming infected feed.

California Department of Food and Agriculture Secretary Karen Ross said the detection of the BSE in the cow showed that the surveillance program in place in California and around the country is working.

“Milk and beef remain safe to consume,” she said. “The disease is not transmitted through milk. Because of the strength of the food protection system, the cow did not enter the food or feed supply. There are numerous safeguards in place to prevent BSE from entering the food chain.”

Ross said the atypical BSE designation was an important aspect of the case.

“CDFA veterinarians are working with the USDA to investigate this case and to identify whether additional cows are at risk,” she said. Feed restrictions in place in California and around the country for the last 15 years minimize that risk to the greatest degree possible. We will provide additional information about this case as it becomes available.”

California Department of Public Health Director and Public Health Officer Dr. Ron Chapman said there is no public health threat due to the discovery of BSE in the dairy cow, and his agency is continuing to monitor the situation.

“The food supply in California has not been affected by this discovery, and residents do not need to take any specific precautions,” he said.

Clifford said the United States has had longstanding interlocking safeguards to protect human and animal health against BSE. For public health, those measures include the USDA ban on specified risk materials, or SRMs, from the food supply.

SRMs are parts of the animal that are most likely to contain the BSE agent if it is present in an animal. USDA also bans all nonambulatory (sometimes called "downer") cattle from entering the human food chain.

For animal health, the Food and Drug Administration ban on ruminant material in cattle feed prevents the spread of the disease in the cattle herd.

"Evidence shows that our systems and safeguards to prevent BSE are working, as are similar actions taken by countries around the world,” Clifford said.

In 2011, there were only 29 worldwide cases of BSE, a dramatic decline and 99 percent reduction since the peak in 1992 of 37,311 cases. Clifford attributed that decline to the impact and effectiveness of feed bans as a primary control measure for the disease.

"We are sharing our laboratory results with international animal health reference laboratories in Canada and England, which have official World Animal Health (OIE) reference labs,” Clifford said. “These labs have extensive experience diagnosing atypical BSE and will review our confirmation of this form of the disease. In addition, we will be conducting a comprehensive epidemiological investigation in conjunction with California animal and public health officials and the FDA.”

BSE is a progressive neurological disease among cattle that is always fatal. It belongs to a family of diseases known as transmissible spongiform encephalopathies.

Affected animals may display nervousness or aggression, abnormal posture, difficulty in coordination and rising, decreased milk production, or loss of body weight despite continued appetite.

"This detection in no way affects the United States' BSE status as determined by the OIE,” said Clifford. “The United States has in place all of the elements of a system that OIE has determined ensures that beef and beef products are safe for human consumption: a mammalian feed ban, removal of specified risk materials, and vigorous surveillance. Consequently, this detection should not affect U.S. trade.”

He added, “USDA remains confident in the health of the national herd and the safety of beef and dairy products. As the epidemiological investigation progresses, USDA will continue to communicate findings in a timely and transparent manner.”

UPPER LAKE, Calif. – A crash Monday morning involving two local men resulted in moderate injuries for one and minor injuries for the other, the California Highway Patrol reported.

Asheton Gene Cufaude, 23, and Allan Foster Stirnaman Jr., 52, both of Lucerne, were injured in the crash, which occurred at 8:20 a.m., according to the CHP report.

Cufaude was driving his 1970 Chevrolet truck westbound on Highway 20 west of Scotts Valley Road and Stirnaman was driving eastbound in a company vehicle, a 2009 Chevrolet pickup, the CHP said.

For reasons still under investigation, Cufaude allowed his vehicle to cross over the solid double yellow lines, with the left side of his truck hitting the left side of Stirnaman’s vehicle, the CHP said.

The CHP report said both vehicles ended up going off the south roadway edge.

Stirnaman’s truck contained a 100-gallon auxiliary fuel tank which fell out of the truck bed and onto the dirt embankment. The CHP said the tank was uprighted with the minimal leakage contained.

Northshore Fire Deputy Chief Pat Brown had told Lake County News earlier in the day that firefighters were able to quickly contain the tank, which landed on the shore of Blue Lakes, and no gas went into the water.

The CHP said Cufaude sustained moderate injuries to his left leg and was transported to Sutter Lakeside Hospital.

Stirnaman sustained minor injuries to his back and neck and also was transported to Sutter Lakeside Hospital for care, the CHP said.

Alcohol does not appear to be a factor in the crash, and the CHP said both drivers were wearing their seat belts.

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – This week’s three lovely cats are hoping you’ll add them to your home.

The three cats are all females and 2 years or under in age.

Cats that are adopted from Lake County Animal Care and Control are either neutered or spayed and microchipped before being released to their new owner. License fees do not apply to residents of the cities of Lakeport or Clearlake .

If you're looking for a new companion, visit the shelter. There are many great pets there, hoping you'll choose them.

The following cats at the Lake County Animal Care and Control shelter have been cleared for adoption (other cats pictured on the animal control Web site that are not listed here are still “on hold”).

Black female short hair

This black domestic short hair mix is 1 year old.

She weighs 8 pounds and has been spayed.

Find her in cat room kennel No. 13, ID No. 32378.

‘Tilly’

Tilly is a 10-month-old female domestic short hair mix.

She is a brown tabby, and has not yet been spayed.

She is in cat room kennel No. 126, ID No. 32385.

Gray female tabby

This gray female tabby is 2 years old.

She has a short coat, weighs 7 pounds and has been spayed.

She is in cat room kennel No. 16, ID No. 32431.

Adoptable cats also can be seen at http://www.co.lake.ca.us/Government/Directory/Animal_Care_And_Control/Adopt/Cats_and_Kittens.htm or at www.petfinder.com .

Please note: Cats listed at the shelter's Web page that are said to be “on hold” are not yet cleared for adoption.

To fill out an adoption application online visit http://www.co.lake.ca.us/Government/Directory/Animal_Care_And_Control/Adopt/Dog___Cat_Adoption_Application.htm .

Lake County Animal Care and Control is located at 4949 Helbush in Lakeport, next to the Hill Road Correctional Facility.

Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday. The shelter is open from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and on Saturday from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Visit the shelter online at http://www.co.lake.ca.us/Government/Directory/Animal_Care_And_Control.htm .

For more information call Lake County Animal Care and Control at 707-263-0278.

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – CVS/pharmacy has settled a civil suit with agencies in 45 counties and two cities – Los Angeles and San Diego – over allegations that it failed to properly dispose of hazardous materials.

The company will pay a total of $13.75 million in the suit, with $2 million going toward environmental enforcement and prosecution training, and environmental projects, under the terms of the final judgement signed by Ventura County Superior Court Judge Barbara Lane.

In addition, CVS will be bound by a permanent injunction prohibiting similar future alleged violations of of Business and Professions Code and Health and Safety Code.

Lake County District Attorney Don Anderson confirmed to Lake County News that his office was one of several dozen district attorneys’ offices across the state that took part in the suit, filed by Ventura County District Attorney Gregory Totten.

The suit alleged that over a seven-year period hundreds of California CVS stores, pharmacies and distribution stores – including Long’s Drug Stores that CVS acquired and converted to its brand – violated California laws for handling, storage and disposal of sharps, pharmaceuticals and pharmacy waste.

In addition, CVS is alleged to have failed to properly handle photo waste that contained silver from its film processing labs, hazardous waste generated from spills and customer returns of hazardous products, according to the suit.

Sonoma County District Attorney Jill Ravitch’s office reported that California’s investigation into CVS’ operations followed an investigation by environmental enforcement officials with the state of Connecticut.

Ravitch reported that Ventura County Environmental Health Division inspectors subsequently conducted a compliance review at CVS stores in that county and found evidence of improper storage, handling and disposal of hazardous waste and pharmaceutical waste products.

That led to the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office teaming up with California Department of Toxic Substances Control and other district attorney investigators from around the state to work on the case, according to Ravitch.

Lake County has only one CVS, located on 11th Street in Lakeport. That store converted from a Longs Drug Store to CVS following CVS’ acquisition.

The Lake County District Attorney’s Office will receive $10,000 in civil penalties for violations of Business and Professions Code, and Lake County Environmental Health will receive $5,000 in civil penalties for violations of Health and Safety Code, according to case documents. The agencies also will receive an additional $1,250 to cover their costs in the case.

Sonoma County will receive $84,625; Glenn, $16,250; Mendocino, $21,250; Napa, $32,000; and Yolo, $370,375.

Ventura County will receive the most from the settlement, $1,573,250.

In addition to paying civil penalties to counties’ district attorneys’ offices, environmental health departments and other agencies, CVS has agreed to pay $625,000 to the Craig Thompson Environmental Protection Prosecution Fund; $600,000 to the CUPA Forum Environmental Protection Trust Fund; $400,000 to fund scholarships and attendance for the annual CUPA Conference; $125,000 to the California District Attorneys Association Environmental Project to provide environmental training; $125,000 to the California District Attorneys Association Environmental Circuit Prosecutor Project to provide training consistent with the Environmental Circuit Prosecutor Project; and $125,000 to the Western States Project for training.

The total civil penalties and cost reimbursements for the counties and cities represented in the suit are listed below.

Alameda County – $351,000
Amador County – $16,250
Butte County – $46,750
Calaveras County – $21,250
Contra Costa County – $95,500
El Dorado County – $52,750
Fresno County – $217,000
Glenn County – $16,250
Humboldt County – $61,125
Kern County – $67,500
Kings County – $21,250
Lake County – $16,250
Los Angeles City Attorney’s Office – $47,500
Los Angeles County – $1,452,500
Madera County – $41,750
Marin County – $36,500
Mendocino County – $21,250
Merced County – $31,750
Monterey County – $133,625
Napa County – $32,000
Nevada County – $31,750
Orange County – $266,625
Placer County – $63,750
Riverside County – $498,750
Sacramento County – $352,500
San Bernardino County – $230,500
San Diego City Attorney’s Office – $63,750
San Diego County – $1,507,625
San Francisco County – $37,000
San Joaquin County – $1,572,500
San Luis Obispo County – $114,500
San Mateo County – $100,000
Santa Barbara County – $15,000
Santa Clara County – $211,000
Santa Cruz County – $52,000
Shasta County – $21,250
Solano County – $295,000
Sonoma County – $84,625
Stanislaus County – $63,750
Sutter County – $16,250
Tehama County – $16,250
Trinity County – $16,250
Tulare County – $151,875
Tuolumne County – $16,250
Ventura County – $1,573,250
Yolo County – $370,375
Yuba County – $16,250

Email Elizabeth Larson at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

LAKEPORT, Calif. – Sheriff's officials are attempting to locate a Lake County Jail inmate who walked away from the facility on Monday morning.

Roger Daniel Vigil, 49, of Clearlake, was working outside the facility on the grounds when he walked away at approximately 9 a.m., according to Sgt. John Gregore of the Lake County Sheriff's Office.

Sheriff’s office personnel – including deputies, detectives and a K9 team – continued to search for Vigil early Monday afternoon, according to Gregore.

Vigil, who last September was sought as Clearlake's “most wanted,” was being held on bench warrants and a controlled substance charge, and the District Attorney's Office also had remanded him to custody, according to jail records.

Gregore said Vigil was an inmate worker assigned to minimum custody.

Vigil is described as a Hispanic male adult, 5 feet 7 inches tall and 155 pounds, with a shaved head and brown eyes, according to Gregore.

Gregore said Vigil has a tattoo of Mickey Mouse on his left arm and a tattoo of Jesus on his right arm.  He also has a tattoo of a peacock on his back and another tattoo of a peacock on his right arm.

Vigil was last seen wearing a blue Lake County Jail shirt and blue jeans, Gregore said.

Anyone who may have information regarding this case is encouraged to contact the Lake County Sheriff’s Office Dispatch at 707-263-2690.

KELSEYVILLE, Calif. – Gathering to celebrate and acknowledge the growing success of wines from Lake County, the board of the Lake County Winery Association recently hosted a gathering for their members at Moore Family Winery to thank the many winery owners and supporters.

“The industry here is growing, the economy is slowly improving, and we're good to go,” said Lake County Winery Association (LCWA) board chair Clay Shannon, who operates two tasting rooms in Lake County – Shannon Ridge Vineyards and Vigilance Winery & Vineyards.

“We're seeing more new faces in our tasting room,” said LCWA vice-chair Gregory Graham, owner and winemaker of Gregory Graham Wines, “and they're making the trip to be here,” noting that many new visitors are from the surrounding regions – but also from out of state.

After welcoming everyone, Shannon introduced Monica Rosenthal, executive director for the LCWA, who gave an overview of the ongoing efforts by LCWA to promote the wine industry in Lake County.

Through a partnership with the county of Lake Marketing and Economic Development Program and numerous property owners throughout the county, LCWA has installed directional signs around the county to orient visitors to the many tasting rooms located in Lake County.

New signs ready for installation for several new Lake County wine tasting rooms were on display at the event.

Rosenthal highlighted the new marketing tools including the roll-up maps, LCWA umbrella and bistro set, and the attractive winery brochures and wine maps.  

She also reported that LCWA is active in the recently approved Lake County Marketing Tourism Plan, which will leverage the marketing work the LCWA is pursuing.

“All of us can put funds together for a bigger splash,” Rosenthal explained, “instead of each of us going it alone.”

She then spoke about the upcoming ad in Touring & Tasting magazine that will feature Lake County and LCWA members and is the direct result of partnering with the County’s Tourism committee and the Lake County Winegrape Commission.

Shannon Gunier, president of the Lake County Winegrape Commission (LCWC), gave an update on the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Specialty Crop Block Grant they received to market Lake county fruit around the country and in California.

After participation in successful wine events in Texas, Pennsylvania and Virginia, the next series of events the LCWC will participate in are consumer shows like the “Wines with Altitude” event schedule for Sept. 8 on Treasure Island at The Winery SF.

“We're doing more, such as last years successful event on Treasure Island,” said Nick Buttitta, “which was a big step, in addition to the Wine Adventure weekend always held on the last weekend of July and People’s Choice the first Saturday in November. We are going to continue to do more to promote Lake County.”

LCWA Chair Clay Shannon introduced the other board members of LCWA including vice-chair Gregory Graham, owner/winemaker of Gregory Graham wines; treasurer and secretary Adawn Wood, co-owner of Shed Horn Cellars; Steve Tylicki, general manager and viticulturist for Steele Wines; and Nick Buttitta, owner and winemaker of Rosa d'Oro Vineyards.

Shannon then encouraged all members in attendance to participate on LCWA committees as the marketing and events sponsored by LCWA continue to increase.

Membership in the Lake County Winery Association is open to all – wineries, tasting rooms, restaurants, hotels, motels, bed and breakfast inns, resorts, art galleries, gift shops, olive oil producers, individuals, associations and more – with many membership levels.

The LCWA Celebrate Five event was hosted by Moore Family Winery, catered by Ciao Thyme Catering, and wines were provided by Lake County Wineries.  

LCWA thanked the guests in attendance, especially the LCWA partners and sponsors.  

For more information on becoming a member of LCWA or other events, visit www.lakecountywineries.org .

A new report shows a reduced mortality rate for coronary artery bypass graft surgeries performed around the state.

California's Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development (OSHPD) on Monday released the “California Report on Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery, 2009 Hospital Data,” showing that hospital operative mortality declined 34 percent since 2003, the first year of mandated public reporting for the 119 state-licensed hospitals that performed isolated coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery during 2009.

“The findings in this report, especially the continued decline in the mortality rate, reinforce the importance of making our healthcare system more transparent and improving consumer access to information on quality and performance,” said acting OSHPD Director Stephanie Clendenin.

Coronary artery bypass graft surgery takes arteries or veins from elsewhere in a patient’s body and grafts them onto the coronary artery to help relieve angina and improve blood supply.

The surgery can become necessary when arteries are narrowed due to atherosclerosis. A common condition, atherosclerosis results from a buildup on artery walls of substances like fat and cholesterol which create “plaques,” hardened structures that can block arteries, according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine.

The hospitals listed in the report do not include Sutter Lakeside Hospital in Lakeport or St. Helena Hospital Clearlake. However, several other regional hospitals serving Lake County residents are included, including North Bay and Bay Area facilities.

Performance ratings for hospitals are based on three risk-adjusted outcomes: operative mortality, operative stroke and, for the first time, hospital readmission.

Additionally, utilization of the internal mammary artery during CABG surgery is used as a measurement of surgical quality.

Hospital results for risk-adjusted mortality, risk-adjusted hospital readmission and internal mammary artery utilization are based only on 2009 data, while hospital results for risk-adjusted post-operative stroke are based on combined 2008 and 2009 data.

Regarding mortality rates, key findings in the report show there were 252 operative deaths among 13,260 isolated non-salvage CABG surgeries, and the operative mortality rate for isolated CABG surgery in California was 1.90 percent, down from 2.24 percent in 2008.

In addition, the report found significant variation – from 0 percent to 13.0 percent – in hospital operative mortality rates after adjusting for patients’ pre-operative health. Despite such variation, 116 of 119 hospitals (97%) performed at a rate that did not differ significantly from the statewide average.

The report showed that only one hospital, Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla, performed statistically significantly “better” than the state average in terms of risk-adjusted operative mortality, while Scripps Mercy Hospital and West Hills Regional Medical Center performed “worse” than the state average.

When it came to post-operative strokes, of the 27,217 patients who underwent isolated CABG surgery, 384 (1.41%) experienced a post-operative stroke, similar to the national rate of 1.4 percent reported by the National Society of Thoracic Surgeons.

There was wide variation in post-operative stroke rates among hospitals after adjusting for patients’ pre-operative health.

Hospital risk-adjusted stroke rates ranged from 0 percent to 8.87 percent, and 114 of 121 hospitals (94%) performed at a rate that did not differ significantly from the statewide average.

For the third report in a row, Alta Bates Summit Medical Center performed statistically “better” than the state average in terms of risk adjusted post-operative stroke rates. Also receiving high marks were St. Joseph’s Medical Center in Stockton and St. Bernardine Medical Center in San Bernardino.

There also were four hospitals that performed “worse” than the state average: Good Samaritan Hospital in San Jose, Bakersfield Memorial Hospital, Providence Tarzana Medical Center in Tarzana and Scripps Memorial Hospital in La Jolla.

As for hospital readmissions, of the 11,823 patients who underwent isolated CABG surgery and were discharged alive, 1,565 (13.2%) experienced a hospital readmission within 30 days of the surgery, the report found.

There was wide variation in the readmission rates among hospitals performing CABG surgery after adjusting for patients’ pre-operative conditions.

Hospital risk-adjusted re-admission rates ranged from 0 percent to 29.77 percent, and 117 of 119 hospitals (98%) performed at a rate that did not differ significantly from the statewide average.

One hospital, Queen of the Valley, performed “better” than the state average on hospital readmission, and one hospital, San Joaquin Community Hospital, performed “worse” than the state average.

The study showed that, overall, UC Davis Medical Center, Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital, St. Helena Hospital, Sutter Medical Center of Santa Rosa, UCSF Medical Center and Queen of the Valley all performed well in all three categories.

UPPER LAKE, Calif. – California Highway Patrol officers and Northshore Fire Protection firefighters spent Monday morning on the scene of a collision involving two pickups near Blue Lakes.

The crash occurred at around 8:15 a.m. on Highway 20 near Scotts Valley Road, according to initial CHP reports.

The collision resulted in major injuries to one of the male drivers, although the initial report did not include names of those involved.

The early reports said two vehicles – a Chevrolet pickup and a Ford pickup – were off the roadway, and power lines were down.

Northshore Fire Deputy Chief Pat Brown said one of the drivers had been able to get out of his vehicle on his own, but the other pickup went off the road and landed against a tree, with firefighters having to work to extricate the male driver.

The man who had to be extricated had a 100-gallon fuel tank in the back of his pickup that was thrown out of the pickup bed by the force of the crash, landing just next to the lake, Brown said.

Brown said firefighters were able to use emergency holding tanks to deal with the fuel tank.

“Nothing actually went into the lake,” he said.

Brown said the crash took place near the site of an April 2009 incident in which a Safeway truck’s load went off the road and into Blue Lakes, as Lake County News has reported.

Email Elizabeth Larson at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – April 22-28 marks National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, a time to honor crime victims and the nation’s progress in advancing their rights.

This year’s theme – “Extending the Vision: Reaching Every Victim” – celebrates the vision behind that progress and the ideal of serving all victims of crime.

Lake County Victim-Witness will observe National Crime Victims’ Rights Week with several special events and programs.

Over the weekend, McGruff the crime dog took part in the Children’s Festival at Library Park in Lakeport; on Tuesday, April 24, Victim-Witness will host an annual noon barbecue for law enforcement and service providers; and on Wednesday, April 25, Middletown Rancheria and Sunrise Special Services will host a training for the District Attorney’s Office, Victim-Witness Division on “From Report Through Court” and the impact of AB 109 on victims of crime at Twin Pine Casino in Middletown.

The vision that launched the victims’ rights movement emerged more than 30 years ago. Then, as now, crime victims endured physical and emotional wounds, costly financial burdens, an often hostile criminal justice system and an alarming public tendency to blame them for the crimes against them.

Victims often were excluded from courtrooms, disrespected by officials and afforded few rights.

They began organizing to confront these challenges and to promote fair, compassionate and respectful responses to victims of crime.

Since the 1980s, the nation has made dramatic progress in securing rights, protections and services for victims of crime.

Every state has enacted victims’ rights laws and 32 states have constitutional victims’ rights amendments.

All states have victim compensation funds, and more than 10,000 victim service agencies have been established throughout the country.

The Office for Victims of Crime, U.S. Department of Justice, supports a range of programs for crime victims, and seeks to extend those services to those who are underserved.

Yet there is still so much to do, according to advocates.

Victims’ rights are not universal and are often not enforced. Only a fraction of victims receive crime victim compensation, which is usually limited to victims of violent crime.

More than 50 percent of crimes are not reported and fewer than 20 percent of victims receive needed services.

The victim services system is fragmented and uncoordinated, and agencies are struggling to keep their doors open in the face of budget cuts.

Yet victim advocates have not lost their resolve.

“Our commitment to ‘extend the vision’ and ‘reach every victim’ will overcome every challenge that confronts us now,” said Joye E. Frost, acting director, Office for Victims of Crime, U.S. Department of Justice. “The vision, determination, and passion for justice that inspired our history will help us transform the future for every victim of crime.”

Each community can encourage its members to participate in the week’s events and find ways to help victims of crime.

For additional information about National Crime Victims’ Rights Week and how to help victims in your community, please contact Lake County Victim-Witness at 707-262-4282, or visit their Facebook page at Victim/Witness Division of the Lake County District Attorney’s Office.

For more ideas on how to volunteer, visit the Office for Victims of Crime Web site, www.crimevictims.gov .

MENDOCINO COUNTY, Calif. – Three Oakland men are being investigated for their alleged involvement in an early morning home invasion robbery and assault in Fort Bragg over the weekend.

William Taylor, 24; Jelani Kelly, 27, and Robert Miller, 41, were taken into custody within hours of the incident, according to Capt. Kurt Smallcomb of the Mendocino County Sheriff's Office.

Smallcomb said at approximately 7:10 a.m. on Sunday, April 22, the Mendocino County Sheriff's Communications Center received a 911 telephone call from a Fort Bragg resident advising that her neighbor needed assistance as he had been hurt during a possible robbery.

Mendocino County Sheriff's deputies responded to the location on Boice Lane and located the victim, 29-year-old Daniel Alonso.

Alonso told deputies that he was asleep inside his residence early that morning when two suspects busted into his residence via the front door, Smallcomb said. The two suspects then allegedly started beating on Alonso with a crowbar and stabbed him with a knife.

Smallcomb said Alonso believed the suspects were trying to remove his marijuana from the residence. He had approximately 51 small plants inside his home.

The two suspects – later identified as Kelly and Taylor, who Alonso said he had met previously – then fled the residence and left the location driving a red SUV, Smallcomb said.

Medical personnel transported Alonso to an out-of-county hospital for treatment of stab wounds and blunt force injuries to his upper torso, according to Smallcomb.

Smallcomb said deputies conducted further follow up investigation and confirmed the identities of the suspects. A be on the look out was placed for the suspect vehicle and communicated to southern law enforcement entities.

At approximately 9:30 a.m. that same day Cloverdale Police officers conducted a traffic stop on the suspect vehicle, a red Lincoln Navigator, at Highway 101 near the Highway 128 intersection, Smallcomb said. Inside the vehicle were both suspects along with a Robert Miller.

Both Taylor and Kelly were booked into the Mendocino County Jail for robbery and assault with a deadly weapon, Smallcomb said. Kelly also had a misdemeanor warrant for his arrest.  

Smallcomb said Taylor's bail was set at $250,000 and Kelly's at $265,000. Miller was arrested for a violation of parole, and is being held without bail.

Mendocino County Sheriff's detectives are continuing to conduct further investigation into the incident.  It is unknown what items, if any, the suspects removed from the residence, Smallcomb said.

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – With the arrival of warm spring weather, Lake County Animal Care & Control is reminding community members not to leave pets in vehicles.

Even though the very warm weather hasn't been around for very long – just starting last week – Lake County Animal Care and Control Director Bill Davidson said the problem of dogs being locked in hot cars already has surfaced for the season.

Animal experts say that on hot days parked vehicles can become so hot – even with the windows open – that they can lead to fatal heat stroke for pets.

Not only is the practice dangerous for animals, it's against the law for their owners.

In 2006 the state Legislature approved SB 1806, which makes it illegal to leave an animal confined “in any unattended motor vehicle under conditions that endanger the health or well-being of an animal due to heat, cold, lack of adequate ventilation, or lack of food or water, or other circumstances that could reasonably be expected to cause suffering, disability, or death to the animal.”

In cases where the animal isn't injured, a first conviction is punishable by a fine not to exceed $100 per animal, according to the law's language.

If the animal suffers great bodily injury, the person found responsible can be ordered to pay a fine of up to $500, face up to six months' imprisonment in a county jail or both. Subsequent violations, regardless of injury to the animal, would result in the same maximum punishment.

If you're going on errands and would need to leave your pet in the car, it's suggested that instead you leave your pet at home where they can stay cool.

Signs of overheating in pets include excessive panting or difficulty breathing, drooling, mild weakness, stupor and even collapse.

If you spot an animal locked in a hot car, call 911.

Email Elizabeth Larson at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

My heart always skips a beat when I see mounds of rosy golden mangoes piled high at the market. If they’re ripe enough to emit a sweet, tropical smell, my knees get weak.
 
They were on sale the other day, no doubt because they were ready for immediate consumption and not likely to last much longer on the shelves.
 
This, of course, is a perfect scenario for an avid mango fan like me, and I was happy to relieve the market of a hefty armload of the perfectly ripe fruit.
 
Inside the smooth skin that covers each weighty oval, bright orangey gold flesh drips with succulent flavor: part juicy peach, part tropical sunset.
 
Can you tell I love them?
 
Mangoes are native to India, but have spread to grow in tropical and subtropical regions around the world. Mexico is currently one of the biggest exporters of mangoes.
 
They’ve been cultivated for about 4,000 years and are said to be one of the world’s most popular fruits.
 
Mangoes are the national fruit of India, Pakistan, and the Philippines, and Bangladesh has chosen the tree on which they grow as its national tree.
 
Mangoes are distant relatives of pistachios and cashews, and they contain the same rash-inducing chemical found in poison sumac and poison ivy.
 
While not as common as reactions from the aforementioned plants, susceptible people may get contact dermatitis from the skin, sap, leaves or stems of mangoes.

In fact, during their primary ripening season, mangoes are the most common source of plant dermatitis in Hawaii.
 
Mangoes are beloved in cuisines around the world, particularly in India and Southeast Asia.
 
Mangoes are made into pickles, curries and chutneys. Green mangoes are often used in salads, sometimes with fish sauce, vinegar or hot sauce.
 
Dried mango is used in granola, trail mix and fruit bars, and sweet spears of it are sold in bulk at many markets.
 
Juices, smoothies, and ice creams are made with mango, and mangoes mixed with condensed milk are a favorite topping for shaved ice in the Philippines and elsewhere in Asia.
 
Perhaps you’ve tried coconut sticky rice with mango at a Thai restaurant at the end of a meal? In my opinion, the fresh mango in this dessert is a perfect vibrant foil to the gooey sweetness of the rice.
 
Mangoes may be used in recipes in place of peaches, such as in cold summer soups or warm cobblers.
 
A ripe mango should give a bit when touched, similar to a peach. While many mangoes turn from green to shades of gold, orange, or rosy red as they ripen, some types can be ripe while green.
 
If mangoes are not ripe when purchased, they should ripen at home if left at room temperature. This may take up to a week, but if you’re in a hurry, placing them in a paper bag hastens the process.
 
When mangoes are ripe, store them in the fridge to avoid their becoming overly ripened.
 
Once your mango is perfectly ripe and ready to eat, there’s the problem of how to best remove the flesh.
 
I recommend using a sharp knife to cut lengthwise as close to the middle as possible, avoiding the hard, white, flat pit within.
 
Do this on both sides, and then cut around the pit to get that last circle of flesh off.
 
At this point, you can scrape the flesh from the skin with a spoon if using for a smoothie or eating out of hand.
 
Otherwise, score the flesh in a crosshatch pattern. Flip the skin inside out to expose cubes of mango ready for cutting from the skin.
 
If you’re a “show me” person and learn best by seeing, there are scores of step-by-step instructions using photos or videos on the Internet. I’ve listed one such link at the end of the column.
 
As to nutrition, mangoes are full of it.
 
They’re rich in dietary fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidant compounds.
 
A one-cup serving provides 100 percent of our vitamin C requirement and 35 percent of vitamin A, both important antioxidants. They’re full of more than 20 other nutrients, including potassium, vitamin E and vitamin B-6.
 
Scientific studies have shown them to be beneficial in a number of areas, including protection against colon, breast, leukemia and prostate cancers.
 
Today’s recipe is a tropical quinoa salad inspired by a friend’s sweet concoction of avocado, mango and sweetened condensed milk.
 
Mine is not intended to be a tropical dessert, as hers was; rather, it’s a healthy and nutritious side dish.
 
Its grain-like base, quinoa, is high in protein – a full 18 percent – and the protein it offers is complete, unlike many plant foods.
 
Lime, cilantro, peanut oil and mint combine to give the salad a tropical taste and island feel.
 
While I use two types of quinoa in the salad for color contrast, feel free to use the type, or combination of types, you like best.
 
Two other recipes are offered in addition to my salad: a mango chutney that’s fabulous with fish or chicken, and a healthy, tasty mango smoothie, perfect for breakfast on a warm spring morning.
 
And before I go, did you know that Indian paisley patterns were originally inspired by the shape of mangoes? I sure hope that doesn’t make you salivate the next time you spy vintage clothing from the 1960s. I can’t guarantee that I won’t.
 
Tropical quinoa salad with mango

¼ cup red quinoa
¼ cup traditional quinoa
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup water (for cooking quinoa)
Juice and zest of one lime
Juice and zest of ½ orange
2 tablespoons peanut oil
1 small clove garlic, crushed with a pinch of salt
¼ teaspoon cumin
2 scallions, thinly sliced, whites and greens
About 2 tablespoons each of chopped fresh cilantro and mint
½ mango, diced
½ cup diced pineapple (optional)
½ avocado, diced
¼ cup toasted almonds, chopped (or toasted slivered almonds)
 
Combine quinoa, salt, and water in pot and bring water to a boil. Cover pot and simmer until all water is absorbed into quinoa and grain becomes tender, about 10 to 15 minutes. Remove from heat and transfer quinoa to a large serving bowl to cool.
 
Combine juices, zest, oil, garlic, and cumin in small bowl. Mix well and pour over quinoa while it is still a bit warm.
 
Add scallions, mint, cilantro, mango, pineapple and avocado to salad. Toss to mix well.
 
Just before serving, add almonds to salad. (This helps them stay crunchy.)
 
If making ahead of time, salad will keep well in fridge several hours. If making the night before, dress quinoa, but add fruit and herbs the next day.
 
This recipe makes enough for at least four.
 
Recipe by Esther Oertel.

Mango salsa

1 cup diced fresh mango
1/3 cup roasted red peppers, drained and diced
1/3 cup diced red onion
1 jalapeño pepper, seeded, minced
2 tablespoons fresh mint, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
 
Combine all ingredients and chill. Serve with grilled fish or chicken.

This recipe is courtesy of about.com and makes 1 ½ cups of salsa.
 
Mango, orange and ginger smoothie

1 cup orange juice
½ large mango
1 ¼ teaspoons ginger juice (see note below)
4 ice cubes
Optional: ½ ripe banana (about 2 ounces peeled banana)
Combine the orange juice, mango, ginger juice and ice cubes in a blender.
 
Blend until frothy and smooth. If you want a thicker drink, add the banana. Serve right away for the best flavor.
 
Note: To make the ginger juice, grate about 2 teaspoons ginger. Place on a piece of cheesecloth. Gather together the edges of the cheesecloth, hold over a bowl and twist to squeeze out the juice. Ginger combines very well with mango and contributes a host of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory phytochemicals. (Esther’s note: You can add a smaller quantity of grated ginger directly to the blender in lieu of its juice.)
 
This recipe makes one large or two small servings and is courtesy of the New York Times at www.nytimes.com .
 
Check out this site for instructions on how to cut a mango: http://www.mango.org/how-cut-mango .

Esther Oertel, a freelance writer, cooking teacher, and speaker, is passionate about local produce and all foods in the vegetable kingdom. She welcomes your questions and comments and may be reached at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .