News & Notes

Fire brings pot grow in home to light

A fire blamed on faulty wiring led to the discovery of a home marijuana growing operation and an arrest. Modesto Regional Fire Authority firefighters responded to a home in the 1300 block of Markham Avenue shortly before 10 p.m. Friday, said Battalion Chief Cecil Ridge. Firefighters put out a small fire that damaged the ceiling of a downstairs bedroom, he said. The fire was blamed on makeshift electrical connections in the room and bedrooms above, which had extensive rigging to power lights and fans for growing marijuana, Ridge said. The Turlock Irrigation District was called in to cut off power to the smoking wires. Narcotics officers arrested Elda Valenzuela, 53, on a felony charge of cultivation of marijuana after finding about 100 plants growing, according to Modesto Police Department records.

NO INJURIES IN PLANE CRASH IN MERCED

No one was injured when the landing gear failed on an incoming plane to the Merced Regional Airport, according to authorities.

It was a minor accident, said Battalion Chief Shawn Henry of the city of Merced Fire Department. The plane sustained damage to its underside, he said. Fire crews were called to the airport about 6:20 p.m., and the airport closed, according to the departments Facebook page. Initial reports indicated the pilot had been injured. No other information was available.

St. Stanislaus marks 100th anniversary

St. Stanislaus Catholic Church marked a century of worship and community history with a service in the original church on J Street in Modesto. Page B2

CDC: Valley fever hit state hard this year

Californias Central Valley has been hit heavily by coccidioidomycosis, or Valley fever, in the past year, The Sacramento Bee reported. The disease is caused by Coccidioides fungus or cocci found in the soil of warm, dry regions with low annual rainfall, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Digging, agricultural production and high winds pick up the fungal spores from the soil and carry them to where humans can inhale them and become ill. Valley fever cannot be transmitted person to person.

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