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April 26
1906 - Bobby Batugo, World Champion Mixologist in the 1970s, born in The Philippines [story]
Bobby Batugo


Mexican free-tailed bat | Courtesy Evelyne Vandersande

Mexican free-tailed bat, like those in SCV | Courtesy Evelyne Vandersande

The latest rabid bat to turn up in Los Angeles County was found outside somebody’s home in Santa Clarita. It was still alive. It’s probably dead now.

That brings to 13 the number of rabid bats identified so far this year in the SCV – 40 percent of the total of 32 rabid bats found throughout Los Angeles County in 2013.

Rabies cases have been on the rise the last four years, and county Public Health officials don’t know why. In an “normal” year (statistics have been kept since the 1960s), only 8 to 12 are found countywide.

Considering that the Santa Clarita Valley supports less than 3 percent of the human population, hosting 40 percent of its rabid bats seems disproportionate until you figure that it probably really doesn’t. Much of the north county is forest, and there aren’t a whole lot of people living in the Angeles National Forest to report sick and dying bats.

That’s what public health officials say to do. If you see a bat flying during daytime, or flopping around on the ground, or attacking the dog dish, or dead, call Animal Control. Don’t touch it (duh).

Bats are the most common carriers of rabies, but fewer than 1 percent of bats have rabies.

It’s rare for a rabid bat to bite a human – although it did happen last year when a sick and dying bat fell out of a tree in Acton and landed on a person sitting under the tree and bit him or her in the shoulder. Talk about freaky.

Dogs and cats are more likely to get bitten because they’re theoretically not as smart as humans. Cats bat them around and dogs carry them around in their mouths. It happens every year at least once or twice in Santa Clarita, like in Canyon Country in August when a cat played with a dead rabid bat on a back patio, and in Saugus in July when a dog was seen carrying one around.

That’s why it’s important to keep up on your pet’s vaccinations. If Animal Control officials determine your pet’s shots aren’t current and they suspect Fido or Fifi has been exposed, you can say goodbye for up to six months of quarantine time. Keep current and it’s just 30 days of house arrest.

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1 Comment

  1. Berlina Kredo says:

    Yikes!

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SCV NewsBreak
LOCAL NEWS HEADLINES
Friday, Apr 26, 2024
$4.1 Million Grant Program for Small, Micro Businesses in L.A. County
The Los Angeles County Department of Economic Opportunity and the County Film Office, in partnership with Los Angeles County Board of Supervisor Chair Lindsey P. Horvath and Fifth District Supervisor Kathryn Barger, unveiled a new $4.1 million grant program to provide relief to small and micro businesses affected by both COVID-19 and the 2023 Hollywood double strikes.
Friday, Apr 26, 2024
June 8: Saugus High Instrumental Music Program Rummage Sale
Join the Saugus Instrumental Music Program at Saugus High School for a fun community event. Get ready, Santa Clarita, for an unforgettable morning of shopping, entertainment and support. The Saugus Instrumental Music Program Rummage Sale, where treasures abound and bargains await will be held Saturday, June 8, 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Friday, Apr 26, 2024
May 11: Placerita Canyon Nature Center Open House
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Latest Additions to SCVNews.com
The Los Angeles County Department of Economic Opportunity and the County Film Office, in partnership with Los Angeles County Board of Supervisor Chair Lindsey P. Horvath and Fifth District Supervisor Kathryn Barger, unveiled a new $4.1 million grant program to provide relief to small and micro businesses affected by both COVID-19 and the 2023 Hollywood double strikes.
$4.1 Million Grant Program for Small, Micro Businesses in L.A. County
Join the Saugus Instrumental Music Program at Saugus High School for a fun community event. Get ready, Santa Clarita, for an unforgettable morning of shopping, entertainment and support. The Saugus Instrumental Music Program Rummage Sale, where treasures abound and bargains await will be held Saturday, June 8, 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.
June 8: Saugus High Instrumental Music Program Rummage Sale
The Placerita Canyon Nature Center Associates invite residents of the Santa Clarita Valley to the annual Placerita Canyon Nature Center Open House event to be held Saturday, May 11, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
May 11: Placerita Canyon Nature Center Open House
1906 - Bobby Batugo, World Champion Mixologist in the 1970s, born in The Philippines [story]
Bobby Batugo
Starting Monday, April 29, construction on the South Fork Trail will begin to replace a portion of the lodgepole fencing, the city of Santa Clarita announced.
South Fork Trail Construction to Begin April 29
College of the Canyons dual-sport athlete Sam Regez will continue his career at University of Portland with plans to run on both the cross country and track and field programs.
COC Standout Sam Regez Signs with University of Portland
An entertainment industry initiative to support the voices of California State University, Northridge film and TV students was celebrated with a recent screening of stories they created. 
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How important is Film and Tourism to the Santa Clarita Valley Economy? 
SCVEDC Delves into Santa Clarita Film, Tourism Impact
Earlier this month, a team of biology students at The Master’s University won a distinguished award at one of the oldest intercollegiate research conferences in the country.
TMU Biology Students Earn Recognition at Annual Research Conference
Lisa Zamroz has announced her intent to step down as the head coach of The Master's University's women's basketball team effective July 1, 2024.
TMU Women’s Basketball Coach to Resign
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College of the Canyons student-athletes Gigi Garcia (softball) and Hannes Yngve (men's golf) have been named the COC Athletic Department's Women's and Men's Student-Athletes of the Week for the period running April 15-20.
COC Names Gigi Garcia, Hannes Yngve Athletes of the Week
California Institute of the Arts' Community Weekend kicks off on Friday, April 26 and runs through Sunday, April 28.
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Santa Clarita resident Edina Lemus has been appointed Administrator of the Veterans Home of California in Lancaster by California Gov. Gavin Newsom.
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Bercaw Store
State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond testified today in the Senate Education Committee about the need for results-proven training for all teachers of reading and math.
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The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health cautions residents who are planning to visit the below Los Angeles County beaches to avoid swimming, surfing, and playing in ocean waters:
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Dust off the boots and get ready to holler, because Boots In The Park making its way to back to Santa Clarita, y’all. 
May 10: Boots In the Park Returns to Santa Clarita
State Senator Scott Wilk (R-Santa Clarita) and Supervisor Kathryn Barger honor the memory of those lost 109 years ago in Armenian Genocide. 
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The Salvation Army Santa Clarita Valley Corps is excited to announce the inaugural Donut Day event.
June 7: Salvation Army SCV Announces Inaugural Donut Day Event
The Los Angeles County Animal Care Foundation has approved $370,000 in funding to support the Vet@ThePark program operated by the County of Los Angeles Department of Animal Care and Control.
LAC Animal Care Foundation Provides $370K Grant to Support Vet@ThePark
The California Department of Public Health is encouraging Californians to take part in National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on April 27.
CDPH Urges Californians to Support Prescription Drug Take Back Day
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