New pesticide rules stoke West Nile fears

BURLINGAME (AP) — A new federal regulation that bans the use of mosquito-abatement pesticides near protected waterways is stoking fears of a severe West Nile season in California because of the unseasonably warm weather.

A federal order went into effect Nov. 1 governing the spraying of mosquito pesticides under the Clean Water Act.

The rule would bar seasonal fogging by vector control agencies near waterways deemed impaired by the federal government.

Officials say mosquitoes have risen early from their hibernation, and worry that a late rain could provide a West Nile breeding ground.

"We could definitely see an increase in the number of human cases of West Nile virus," Dr. Steve Schutz, scientific program manager of the Contra Costa Mosquito & Vector Control, said.

Eight people died in the state in 2011 from West Nile out of 155 cases reported, according to the California Department of Public Health.

Suspect in teen mom's stabbing death found dead

OAKLAND (AP) — The man suspected of stabbing to death the teen mother of their child has been found dead at the Port of Oakland.

Alameda County coroner's investigators say the death of 19-year-old Henry Leon is being investigated as suicide by hanging.

The San Francisco Chronicle (http://bit.ly/w6az32) says Leon's body was found at the port Saturday afternoon.

Police say the Oakland man is the suspect in the Friday night stabbing death of 15-year-old Myrna Umanzor in San Leandro.

Lt. Jeff Tudor says Leon and the victim are the parents of a 9-month-old child.