Sunday, 28 June 2026, 7:09
The investigation into Miranda's Rescue began in April when the sheriff's office received "credible information" about alleged animal abuse, animal cruelty, fraud and conspiracy at the rescue. Investigators executed a first search warrant on May 1 and conducted interviews with other rescues and witnesses.
Sheriff William Honsal commented on the investigation, stating, "This investigation is just getting started. There is a tremendous amount of data to process, witnesses to interview, and evidence to examine." The rescue sits on 50 acres in Fortuna, a town with about 12,500 residents.
USA TODAY has reached out to the rescue for comment.
Source: yahoo.com
The new article does not contain any unique facts beyond what is already covered in the existing article and its updates. The information about the dog bodies, decomposition, skulls, bones, shooting, and unaccounted animals is all previously reported.
The context district and city are not part of the factual content of the event.
Source: patch.com
Investigators recovered 117 intact canine remains, 21 canine skulls, and hundreds of additional bones during a second search of the property. Seventy dogs were X-rayed at the scene, and many showed evidence of bullet fragments.
USDA veterinarians and forensic specialists examined 70 of the dogs and preliminarily determined many died from gunshot wounds; the remaining 47 were collected as evidence but not examined on site due to time constraints. Additional canine remains in another area were too decomposed to excavate and were left in place.
About 900 dogs have been sent to the rescue since January 2025, but adoption records have only been found for around 100, leaving over 700 animals unaccounted for. An initial search warrant affidavit alleges the rescue accepted dogs for hundreds or thousands of dollars per dog from shelters across California under the promise of care and rehoming, but some were instead killed to make room for more animals.
Berkeley and Oakland were among several Bay Area shelters that sent hundreds of dogs to the rescue before cutting ties. The rescue has acknowledged euthanizing some animals due to serious behavioral issues or terminal medical conditions.
Legal experts noted that euthanizing an animal by a bullet is not illegal in California, but proving animal cruelty without eyewitnesses or video evidence is challenging.
Source: abc7news.com
Investigators uncovered 117 dead dogs at Miranda’s Rescue, a “no-kill” sanctuary outside Fortuna, California. Many of the canine remains had evidence of gunshots, with 70 of the bodies X-rayed and appearing to contain bullet fragments.
The organization accepted hundreds of dogs each year from shelters across the San Francisco Bay Area in return for hundreds of thousands of dollars in funding. The Humboldt County sheriff’s office announced on Friday that investigators had completed their excavation of the property, acting under a search warrant for evidence related to animal cruelty and fraud.
Crews dug through areas where dogs were believed buried in mass graves, recovering 117 intact canine remains from two dig sites, plus 21 canine skulls, hundreds of bones, and six loose microchips from another location. Investigators used ground-penetrating radar before excavation.
Most of the dogs had microchips, and analysts are working to identify them. Inside a barn, investigators located an area believed to be where dogs were likely killed, along with more than 600 dog collars.
A statement posted June 18 on the sanctuary’s website by founder Shannon Miranda addressed two incidents involving dogs with behavioral problems that threatened employees, volunteers, and other animals, and asked people to withhold judgment. The investigation was launched after a neighbor admitted entering the property without permission in April and digging up what they believed were buried dogs.
Authorities have not filed criminal charges. The sheriff’s office said the evidence review process will require significant time, and if sufficient evidence supports violations of animal cruelty, fraud, or other laws, the case will be submitted for prosecution.
Source: theguardian.com
A tragic incident unfolded in Northern California this week when a 12-year-old boy drowned while trying to escape from aggressive dogs. The boy, whose identity has not been released, was reportedly chased by a pack of dogs into a body of water, where he succumbed to the currents.
Emergency responders arrived at the scene but were unable to revive him. The incident has raised concerns about loose and dangerous animals in the area, prompting local authorities to investigate the circumstances surrounding the attack.
The dogs involved have been taken into custody by animal control, and officials are urging residents to remain vigilant. This heartbreaking event adds to a series of recent local news items, including a man who became trapped in a toilet while retrieving his glasses and a resident who was required to sign a kindness pledge.
The community is mourning the loss of the young boy, and support services have been made available to those affected.
Source: northcoastjournal.com
Source: goldrushcam.com
California Governor Gavin Newsom, alongside Senate President pro Tempore Monique Limón and Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas, announced a three-party agreement on the state's 2026-27 budget on Friday, June 28, 2026, in Sacramento. The balanced spending plan includes zero deficit for the current fiscal year and the next, marking a significant achievement amid ongoing economic uncertainty and political challenges from the Trump administration, which has withheld state funding.
The budget preserves California's strong fiscal foundation by maintaining reserves and responsible budgeting practices while continuing strategic investments in key areas.
The agreement funds small business tax cuts, free school meals, free summer school, universal pre-school, and childcare slots. It also includes historic investments in students with disabilities, healthcare affordability, cutting red tape to build more housing, a disaster rebuilding fund, and safeguarding and speeding up elections.
Governor Newsom emphasized that a balanced budget is not an end in itself but a means to deliver for Californians, supporting working families, creating more opportunity, and building safer, healthier communities. The budget protects vulnerable communities from what Newsom described as Trump's cruel assaults on the state, ensuring California remains the engine of America's economy and a place where everyone has the opportunity to succeed.
The announcement was made in Sacramento, the state capital, highlighting the collaborative effort between the governor and legislative leaders to maintain fiscal stability while addressing critical needs. The budget's focus on education, healthcare, housing, and disaster preparedness reflects California's commitment to long-term growth and resilience, even as external pressures threaten to destabilize the state's finances.
The agreement demonstrates responsible choices that protect fiscal strength while continuing to invest in what matters most to Californians.
Source: goldrushcam.com
Source: chicoer.com
Source: chicoer.com
Source: chicoer.com
CHICO — The line wrapped around the building Saturday and extra tables and chairs were set up in the parking lot as people ate at Nobby’s to support the families of the two men killed and the girl injured in the Chico library shooting. For those who missed out on the Nobby’s fundraiser, the Cheese Steak Shop at 995 Nord Ave.
is donating its proceeds from sales today. In addition, both Tbar locations — at 250 Vallombrosa Ave., Suite 200, and 555 Flying V St.
— are donating profits from Monday and Tuesday’s sales. Donations can also be made directly through the North Valley Community Foundation.
Extra outdoor dining was set up in the parking lot on Saturday, June 27, 2026, at Nobby's in Chico, California. The burger restaurant held a fundraiser with proceeds going to the families of the people killed and injured in the shooting at the Chico library on Monday.
The community response has been overwhelming, with residents turning out in large numbers to show their support and solidarity with the victims and their families.
Source: chicoer.com
Source: cbsnews.com
A 15-year-old boy has been arrested in connection with a fatal stabbing that occurred Friday evening outside a Target store in Tracy, according to police. The incident took place around 6:30 p.m.
in the 2800 block of Naglee Road, where multiple callers reported that someone had been stabbed in front of the retail store.
Officers responding to the scene were alerted that the suspect was attempting to flee, but bystanders intervened to prevent his escape. Upon arrival, police located an 18-year-old stabbing victim and the 15-year-old suspect.
The victim was rushed to a hospital but later died from his injuries.
Authorities believe the two individuals knew each other. The investigation into the killing remains ongoing, and the 15-year-old suspect has been taken into custody.
The San Joaquin County District Attorney's office will determine charges.
The stabbing has shaken the local community, as the incident occurred in a busy shopping area during the evening. Tracy police are urging anyone with additional information to come forward.
Source: cbsnews.com
Source: latimes.com
Source: latimes.com
Source: latimes.com
Source: latimes.com
Source: latimes.com
A Canadian man who traveled from British Columbia to Monterey County, California, with the intent to kill a woman he met through online gaming was sentenced Thursday to two consecutive life terms for attempted murder.
Devin Wolfgang Vanderhoef, 26, of North Vancouver, British Columbia, met a woman from Salinas, California, through online gaming. According to prosecutors, he became obsessed with her over the course of a year.
In November 2024, Vanderhoef flew to Monterey County, where he purchased knives, handcuffs, and duct tape, and surveilled the victim's home and workplace.
Posing as an Amazon delivery driver, Vanderhoef approached the victim's home on the night of the attack. When the female victim's boyfriend answered the door, Vanderhoef forced his way inside and stabbed the boyfriend.
Both victims managed to flee outside as the attack continued. The boyfriend was able to disarm Vanderhoef and stab him, but Vanderhoef then tackled the female victim and choked her until she could not breathe.
Vanderhoef confessed that he had been planning the attack for more than a month before flying to California, stating that his plan was to 'actually kill someone.' He traveled with a friend, Darius Avery White, who was arrested while sitting on a flight back to Canada. White testified against Vanderhoef, pleaded guilty to assault charges, and was sentenced in April.
In addition to the two consecutive life sentences, Vanderhoef was sentenced to five consecutive years for inflicting bodily injury and using a weapon during the commission of a crime. He was convicted after a jury trial in February.
Monterey County Sheriff Tina Nieto stated, 'We hope this case serves as a powerful reminder that online interactions can carry real world consequences, and we encourage parents and community members to remain engaged, informed, and proactive in protecting themselves and their children.'
Source: latimes.com
Source: lbpost.com
Source: lbpost.com
Source: lbpost.com
Source: lbpost.com
Source: lbpost.com
The first human case of West Nile virus in California this year has been confirmed in Long Beach, according to an announcement by city officials on Friday. The individual was hospitalized with a neuroinvasive form of the illness and is now recovering at home, the city said in a statement.
West Nile virus is transmitted through the bite of an infected Culex mosquito. While most people infected with the virus experience no symptoms, less than 1% of patients develop neuroinvasive disease, which can manifest as meningitis, encephalitis, or acute flaccid myelitis, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
People over the age of 50 or those with chronic health conditions are at higher risk for severe illness. Health officials urge anyone experiencing severe symptoms to seek immediate medical care.
There is currently no vaccine or specific treatment for West Nile virus.
The risk of West Nile virus increases during hot weather, typically between June and October. Although mosquitoes have tested positive for the virus elsewhere in California, this is the first symptomatic case in the state this year.
Long Beach officials noted that no West Nile virus-positive mosquitoes have been detected within the city limits.
To reduce the risk of infection, health officials recommend taking precautions against mosquito bites. These include applying insect repellent with EPA-registered active ingredients such as DEET, picaridin, IR3535, or lemon eucalyptus before going outdoors.
Wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants during dawn and dusk, when West Nile-carrying mosquitoes are most active, is also advised.
Residents of Los Angeles County, particularly those in Long Beach, should remain vigilant as the summer heat increases mosquito activity and the potential for virus transmission.
Source: lbpost.com