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JOINT TERRORISM TASK FORCE - ARSON REWARD OFFERED

Posted: 28 Apr 2009 12:02 PM PDT

MULTI-AGENCY JOINT TERRORISM TASK FORCE REWARD OFFERED IN LATEST ATTACK TARGETING UCLA PROFESSOR & UPDATE TO OUTSTANDING REWARDS FOR SIMILAR ATTACKS CLAIMED BY ANIMAL RIGHTS EXTREMISTS SINCE 2006

A reward of up to $75,000 is being announced by multiple agencies for information leading to the arrest and conviction of person/s responsible for the suspected arson of a vehicle owned by a UCLA professor on March 7, 2009.

A collective sum of $50,000 was recently approved and added to a previously announced reward of $25,000 offered by UCLA following the March 7th attack.

A short time following the incident, animal rights extremists anonymously claimed responsibility for the attack.

Multiple organizations have been authorized to offer reward money in this case, and in connection with a series of attacks where arson and the use of incendiary devices are suspected. In each case, UCLA professors who conduct biomedical research, which may involve the use of animals, appear to have been targeted by animal rights extremists.

Organizations contributing to the rewards are: University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), the FBI, the ATF and the City of Los Angeles.
The contributions represent the investigative partners in this case, including, the UCLA Police Department, the Los Angeles Police Department, the Los Angeles City Fire Department, the FBI and the ATF; all members of the Joint Terrorism Task Force in Los Angeles. The various incidents are being investigated as acts of domestic terrorism.
Source: ATF - Link

This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

Swine flu: Governor has declared a state of emergency

Posted: 28 Apr 2009 11:49 AM PDT

State of Emergency declared in California
Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has declared a state of emergency that will help California agencies coordinate efforts in response to the outbreak of swine flu.

Schwarzenegger's proclamation in Sacramento on Tuesday sets in motion a series of administrative actions, including ordering all agencies to coordinate with public health officials as needed.

The action also suspends noncompetitive bidding for contracts needed to respond to the outbreak and waives certification requirements for laboratories involved in the testing.

Swine Flu Outbreak by the numbers:

California Case Totals as of (April 27, 2009, 2:30 p.m.): Eleven.
Counties: Imperial 5; Sacramento 1; San Diego County 5

Swine Influenza facts:

Swine influenza (swine flu) is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A influenza viruses. These swine viruses do not usually infect humans. However, sporadic human cases have occurred; between December 2005 and February 2009, 12 cases of human infection with swine influenza were reported in the U.S. Human-to-human transmission of swine flu can occur but is rare.

What can I do to protect myself from getting sick?
There is no vaccine available right now to protect against swine flu. There are everyday actions that can help prevent the spread of germs that cause
respiratory illnesses like influenza. Take these everyday steps to protect your health:

Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
If you get sick with influenza, CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting

For general information about swine influenza: http://www.cdc.gov/flu/swine/key_facts.htm.

Unique swine influenza virus detected in several states in the U.S. and Mexico raises concern for human-to-human transmission -- April 2009. Human cases of novel swine influenza A (H1N1) have been confirmed in several states in the U.S., including California, and Mexico. All cases in the U.S. have recovered, but severe respiratory illness and deaths have been reported in Mexico.

No cases in the U.S. reported recent exposure to pigs. The viruses from the cases are closely related to one another and contain a unique combination of gene segments never seen before.

How many swine flu viruses are there?
Like all influenza viruses, swine flu viruses change constantly. Pigs can be infected by avian influenza and human influenza viruses as well as swine influenza viruses. When influenza viruses from different species infect pigs, the viruses can reassort (i.e. swap genes) and new viruses that are a mix of swine, human and/or avian influenza viruses can emerge. Over the years, different variations of swine flu viruses have emerged. At this time, there are four main influenza type A virus subtypes that have been isolated in pigs: H1N1, H1N2, H3N2, and H3N1. However, most of the recently isolated influenza viruses from pigs have been H1N1 viruses.

Antiviral resistant: The viruses from the first two cases are resistant to the antivirals amantadine and rimantadine, but susceptible to oseltamivir (Tamiflu) and zanamivir (Relenza); susceptibility testing on the remainder of the cases' viruses is pending but is expected to be the same.

Is there a vaccine for swine flu?
Vaccines are available to be given to pigs to prevent swine influenza. There is no vaccine to protect humans from swine flu. The seasonal influenza vaccine will likely help provide partial protection against swine H3N2, but not swine H1N1 viruses.

Further investigation to characterize the virus and the extent of human-human transmission are underway. As this situation is evolving, up-to-date information on the investigation will be posted to http://www.cdc.gov/flu/swine/investigation.htm. For a summary and discussion of the first two cases detected, see the 4/24/09 issue of MMWR, available at http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr.

More California Swine Flu Outbreak information:

The California Department of Public Health - Link

Latest News from the CDC:

Updates on Swine Flu Investigation (CDC)

Swine Flu and You - Questions and Answers (CDC)

Interim Guidance for Swine influenza A (H1N1): Taking Care of a Sick Person in Your Home (CDC)

Swine Influenza Key Facts (CDC)

Swine Flu Video Podcast (CDC)

Swine Influenza in Pigs and People Brochure (CDC, U.S. Department of Agriculture)

Travel Warning: Swine Influenza and Severe Cases of Respiratory Illness in Mexico--Avoid Nonessential Travel to Mexico (CDC)

Datos Importantes Sobre la Influenza Porcina (Gripe Porcina) - Espanol (CDC)

Current Information and Resources From CDPH:

Swine Flu Homepage

Swine Influenza (Flu) Clinical Guidelines

This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

WildFire Season 2009: Burn Permits Required May 1 in SRA

Posted: 28 Apr 2009 11:14 AM PDT

California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection will require burning permits within State Responsibility Areas starting May 1st. Anyone desiring to burn debris can also only do it on permissive burn days, designated safe by CAL FIRE.

Calfire will begin requiring permits for residential burning within state responsibility areas of Amador, El Dorado, Sacramento, Butte, Nevada, Yuba, Lassen, Modoc, Placer, and Plumas counties starting this Friday.

Burn Permits Required May 1, 2009 in State responsibility areas:

Residents must obtain a valid burn permit and burn only on permissive burn days as determined by their local air district. Residents must follow all requirements listed on their burn permit.

Residents protected by CAL FIRE in State Responsibility Areas will be required to have a burn permit beginning Friday, May 1, 2009 if they wish to burn dooryard debris.

Burn permits are available at no charge from all CAL FIRE Fire Rescue Stations and the U.S. Forest Service ranger stations.

Burn pile guidelines that must be followed in order to burn safely and legally:

Burning only can be done during permissive hours.
Burn Hours 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. - out cold at 11:00 a.m.
Only small piles of vegetative waste may be burned. - Limit pile size to 4 feet by 4 feet in diameter.
Burn barrels are no longer allowed.
Before burning call your local air pollution control district in order to find out if it is a permissive burn day

Burn Pile site guidelines:

Provide a 10' area free of flammable materials and vegetation around all burn piles and incinerators. - Clear all flammable material and vegetation within 10 feet of the outer edge of the burn pile. Limit pile size to 4 feet by 4 feet in diameter.
Only dry vegetative material such as leaves, pine needles and tree trimmings can be burned. - Absolutely no household trash or garbage can be burned.
Have a suitable water source available and an adult in attendance. - Have the tools and water necessary to suppress any escape from their burning operation. An adult must be in attendance with a shovel until the fire is put out.
Do not burn on windy days. Pay attention to weather conditions and forecasts. - No burning shall be undertaken unless weather conditions (particularly wind) are such that burning can be done safely.
Do not leave smoldering fires unattended.
Make sure that the fire is out when the control burn is completed.
You must have your signed permit in your possession while you are burning, and you are responsible for maintaining control of your fire at all times. - Permits are good for two years so check your expiration date. Residents must have their copy of the permit accessible when burning, Possession of a permit does not protect you if your burn escapes. You may still be held liable for any suppression costs.
Simple common sense can greatly reduce the chances of the fire escaping. If you don't feel it is safe to conduct a burn, then don't.
The yearly burn ban will be implemented on July 1st, 2009 or sooner if conditions warrant. Permits will then be suspended until the end of declared fire season.

Remember, persons burning are responsible to maintain control of their fire. If a fire escapes your control, you may be held criminally and civilly responsible for all costs associated with the suppression of the fire and the damage that it caused.

More Information: If you need further information about safe burning, please stop by your local fire station or contact CAL FIRE at 889-0111 or visit www.fire.ca.gov.

Prior to burning: Always call your local Air Pollution Control District with jurisdiction over your area, it is your responsibility to check burn day status.

Amador County Air Pollution Control District call (209) 223-6246.
Nevada County telephone number to confirm burn day status, including appropriate hours, at 274-7928.
Butte County Fire Rescue Fire Prevention Bureau at (530) 538-7888 or the U.S. Forest Service Feather River Ranger District at (530) 534-6500.
Lassen County air pollution control district at 251-8110.

Remember defensible space: A minimum of 100-foot clearances around structures is required by local fire agencies and the state of California. The first 30 feet is a good clearance, and the next 70 feet is good for spacing between trees and brush. This is called defensible space by the fire agencies and is necessary to help protect your home in the event of a wildland fire near your property.

Puppy beater Glynn Johnson trial: preliminary hearing is today

Posted: 28 Apr 2009 09:18 AM PDT

The preliminary hearing to start today in a Riverside courtroom regarding animal abuse charges against former Los Angeles County assistant fire chief Glynn Johnson, 54, of Riverside.

A judge is scheduled to begin reviewing evidence this morning in the animal cruelty case against the retired Los Angeles County assistant fire chief who left the department in disgrace shortly after the puppy killing incident.

Former Chief Johnson is accused of hitting his neighbor's 6-month-old German Shepherd mix with a large 12 pound rock and attempting to break the dogs jaws.

The dog's owners had to put their pet puppy "Karley" to sleep.

Johnson claimed he was acting in self defense when the puppy latched on to his hand after he seized the dog from a neighbor that was trying to take the dog home. He has been accused of beating the puppy repeatably with a 12 pound rock.

During the hearing, which may last for two days, a judge will review evidence and testimony to determine if there is enough evidence for Johnson to stand trial before a jury.

Bail: Glynn Johnson is free on bond and could face up to four years in prison if convicted.

CalFire Tehama County - Drunk Arson suspect arrested

Posted: 28 Apr 2009 08:54 AM PDT

Fight ends in flames

By JULIE ZEEB -DN Staff Writer

PROBERTA - A 42-year old Proberta man was arrested Sunday evening after his duplex caught fire an hour after deputies responded to him making threats about burning down his house during a domestic disturbance.

Jessie Estrella called the Tehama County Sheriff's Department at 8:29 p.m. and told the operator he wanted deputies to take him somewhere because he was fighting with his girlfriend, a release said.

Estrella also told the 911 operator that he would beat up his girlfriend and burn down the house on the 9700 block of Highway 99W if deputies didn't take him somewhere, the release said.

Upon arrival, deputies found an intoxicated Estrella inside his residence and learned the girlfriend left for the evening prior to their arrival.

Estrella was given a mental evaluation, but it was determined he did not meet the criteria to be placed on a mental health hold, the release said. Estrella told deputies there would be no more problems and he wished nothing further.

At 9:49 p.m., a call reporting a structure fire at the same address came into CalFire, which sent a ladder truck, four engines and one water tender.

One side of the duplex was 50 percent engulfed when CalFire arrived on scene, said CalFire Public Information Officer Mickie Jakez.

Neighbors told deputies they believed Estrella was still inside the fully engulfed residence, but that report proved false when he walked up to the residence shouting, What happened to my house?

Estrella became upset and was placed in handcuffs and put into the back seat of a patrol car.

When Estrella's girlfriend arrived she said she had been at a friend's house when Estrella called the friend and left a message in which he said, If you're not home in half an hour, I'm going to burn this place down, the release said.

Estrella was booked into the Tehama County Jail on suspicion of arson.

His bail was set at $25,000. CalFire investigators are still investigating the incident.

Source: Daily News - Link

Breaking News: Orange County Sheriff Michael Carona - 66 months in prison

Posted: 28 Apr 2009 07:55 AM PDT

Former Orange County Sheriff Michael Carona has been sentenced to 66 months in prison after being convicted of one count of witness tampering.

Carona must also pay a $125,000 fine and serve two years of probation after his release.

Carona was indicted on sweeping public corruption charges in October 2007 and stepped down from the nation's fifth-largest sheriff's department three months later.

KVFD: Firehouse burglary - equipment stolen

Posted: 28 Apr 2009 07:05 AM PDT

Theft of Fire/Rescue Equipment From Kirkwood, California

The Alpine County Sheriff's Office is investigating a burglary from the Kirkwood Fire Department.

Deputies report that on January 2nd 2009 unknown persons broke into the Kirkwood Fire Department and stole firefighting and rescue equipment similar to the equipment in this photograph.

The equipment was taken from fire trucks and lockers inside the station. The items are labeled or marked similar to: "Alpine Co EMS" or "KVFD" or "Kirkwood Fire". The value of the equipment is over $20,000.

Please call the Fugitive Watch hot line at 1-800-9-CAUGHT (1-800-922-8448) or text us at 408-355-0999 if you have any information.

Earthquake: 3.0 M central California - San Lucas, CA

Posted: 28 Apr 2009 06:42 AM PDT

Earthquake Details

Magnitude	3.0
Date-Time	Tuesday, April 28, 2009 at 05:12:18 UTC Monday, April 27, 2009 at 10:12:18 PM at epicenter
Location	36.239°N, 120.805°W
Depth	10.5 km (6.5 miles)
Region	CENTRAL CALIFORNIA
Distances	23 km (14 miles) ENE (58°) from San Lucas, CA 23 km (14 miles) SSW (211°) from New Idria, CA 26 km (16 miles) NNE (20°) from San Ardo, CA 29 km (18 miles) E (84°) from King City, CA 69 km (43 miles) N (350°) from Paso Robles, CA 156 km (97 miles) SE (141°) from San Jose City Hall, CA
Location Uncertainty	horizontal +/- 0.2 km (0.1 miles); depth +/- 1.2 km (0.7 miles)
Parameters	NST=101, Nph=101, Dmin=14 km, Rmss=0.12 sec, Gp= 72°, M-type=local magnitude (ML), Version=2
Source	California Integrated Seismic Net: USGS Caltech CGS UCB UCSD UNR
Event ID	nc51220615