Natomas family dog fatally attacked by loose dog, owner warns neighbors to stay safe

CNN Newsource on February 24, 2026

By Ashley Sharp

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    SACRAMENTO (KOVR) — A Sacramento woman is in mourning after her small dog was viciously attacked by a loose dog just outside their Natomas home on Friday.

The incident was caught on Elizabeth Gifford’s home surveillance camera near Valley Oaks Park.

“It came out of nowhere. Literally came out of nowhere,” Gifford said through tears.

It shows the moment a loose dog she describes as a white pit-bull mix rushes up to her yard as her five-pound Maltese had walked briefly from her garage to greet the neighbor in the yard next door.

“She was like, my soulmate. It was crazy,” Gifford said of her dog, named Giggit.

Inside Gifford’s home now sits an empty dog bed, food bowls that will not be refilled, and a hollow harness: painful reminders that her beloved dog will not be coming home.

Gifford says the attack happened on Friday morning as she was in her garage unloading groceries from the car, her dog at her side.

“Then, next thing you know, I see this dog flying across the street, and then grabs my dog. It happened so fast I didn’t even know what to do with myself,” Gifford said.

On the Ring camera footage, her traumatic screams for help can be heard echoing through the neighborhood as she tries to physically fight the large dog off of Giggit.

“I grabbed the dog, and I was trying to get it to release my little puppy. And then it just, we fought for a bit, and it just went running across the street with her in its mouth,” Gifford said.

Gifford also sustained minor injuries during the incident and was bitten by the dog.

Neighbor Parag Kate saw the dramatic incident unfold.

“I was so scared looking at the scene itself, right?” Parag said.

Neighbor Andrea Morgan heard Gifford’s screams and rushed to her front porch.

“I’m like, what’s wrong? What’s wrong? And then I happened to glance over at the park, and I saw the dog with her dog in its mouth,” said Morgan.

At Valley Oak Park, Gifford and neighbors finally freed Giggit from the dog’s grip and it ultimately ran off.

Even after emergency vet care, Giggit died from severe injuries to her throat and body this weekend.

“She’s gone, you know, now she’s gone. I mean, I could never, ever replace her,” Gifford said through sobs.

Now, the search by both neighbors and Sacramento Animal Care Services is on to find the loose dog and its owner, if it has one.

Gifford hung nearly 50 posters in north Natomas, picturing the responsible dog that she describes as a white pit-bull mix with a black spot on its back and no collar.

A neighbor’s child says he spotted the dog loose again in the park on Sunday.

“He just started running around all the tables over there, and everyone was just looking at the dog. I mean, of course, no leash, no owner, nothing, no collar. And even I was surprised, and I didn’t know what to do that second,” said Soham Kate.

Soham’s father, like many neighbors, is on high alert.

“I told my son, if you see any dog running around like this without leash and owner, first of all, stay away from that dog,” Parag said. “Then if you see any adult, reach out to them, tell them so that they can help to catch that dog and take it back to the owner or police or animal control.”

Through Gifford’s grief, she hopes that this does not happen again to another animal, or even a child.

“I don’t want anyone else to get hurt. That would just break my heart, that I couldn’t do anything about it, and say something and warn people, you know?” Gifford said.

CBS Sacramento checked in with Sacramento Animal Care Services. They have not yet confirmed where their investigation stands, but Gifford said animal control officers called her and told her they are actively patrolling, looking for the loose dog. As of Monday night, she did not have a report that it had been captured.

It is not known where the dog came from, but Gifford says other neighbors report they have spotted this large white dog before over the past year and say they have seen it roaming, acting aggressively toward other animals and people.

Please note: This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting. This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.

Long Beach man opens coffee shop to honor late girlfriend killed in DUI crash and help others heal

CNN Newsource on February 24, 2026

By Rina Nakano

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    LOS ANGELES (KCAL, KCBS) — A Long Beach man has turned tragedy into an opportunity to create community by opening a coffee shop in honor of his late girlfriend, who was killed in a DUI crash three years ago.

The grand opening of Reinne’s Place flagship store on Fourth Street in Long Beach is scheduled for early spring.

Reinne Lim and Tommy Le’s love story began at a coffee shop in the summer of 2021. She was the smart one, studying to be a nurse and he was a part-time barista, dreaming of being an entrepreneur.

“I’m a college dropout, but Reinne always wanted me to pursue what made me happy,” Le said.

At 22 years old, Lim and Le quickly became a couple, but in the morning hours of Oct. 2, 2022, a drunk driver going in the wrong direction on the 55 Freeway hit them head-on.

“She was with me for a couple of seconds, at best,” Le said.

Lim died in her boyfriend’s arms. Le had several broken bones and was in a medically induced coma for two weeks. His body surprisingly healed quickly, but his heart took much longer.

“She was everything to me,” Le said.

Le remembers feeling grief, loss and survivor’s guilt.

“I didn’t want a sob story. I wanted to actually build something because it means a lot to me,” Le said.

While he healed, Le created a business plan for Reinne’s Place, a Filipino-Vietnamese-inspired coffee shop. For three years, he searched for a storefront, but no bank or landlord wanted to take a chance on a broke 23-year-old. But with the help of his friends, who launched a crowdfunding campaign, Le recently got the keys to 3902 East 4th Street, in Long Beach.

“Reinne was looking out for me, and she knew I was ready, and that time was finally here,” Le said.

While it’s under construction, Reinne’s Place is temporarily at Open Gallery, just a few blocks away, but customers don’t seem to mind the wait.

“We move a little bit slower here intentionally, because we want to actually get to know you. That’s how I met Reinne,” Le said.

Drinks are named after her and customers can even write what they call a “Reinne check,” a short note to a loved one who has passed. Her family is in awe of the community’s support.

“My sister loved being the center of attention, light in the room type of thing, and the fact that she’s still doing that somehow is very telling of the person she was,” said Jan Lim, Reinne’s sister.

Le says this whole process has been slow but humbling and he’s never felt alone, thanks to Reinne.

“It’s been the most gratifying feeling to not only share this loss about Reinne with her, as she lives and breathes in this space, but the countless other people who have shared in that with me,” Le said.

A coffee shop born out of loss is now a gathering place for healing, just with a shot of espresso.

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Former martial arts fighter gets 3 life sentences for shooting Colorado neighbors over driveway dispute

CNN Newsource on February 24, 2026

By Logan Smith

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    COLORADO (KCNC) — A Colorado man convicted of shooting four of his neighbors in Westcliffe in November 2023 while a surveyor attempted to measure their property lines was sentenced last week to three life sentences.

Hanme Clark, 47, also received 48-year prison sentence for the attempted murder of the only one of the four who survived the attack.

Clark was sentenced Friday, 18 days after a jury found him guilty on all charges brought against him.

According to court documents, Clark confronted nextdoor neighbor Robert Geers, then 62, on Nov. 20, 2023, as the surveyor began his work. Clark walked from his uphill property and yelled about trespassing, the surveyor later told investigators, and Geers was recording the encounter on his cellphone.

After a brief conversation, Clark shot Geers. The surveyor said he turned and ran to a neighbor’s house and called 911.

Clark then turned his gun on Robert Geers’s wife, 38-year-old Beth Wade Geers, and two neighbors from down the road, James and Patty Daulton, both then 58.

Patty Daulton also called 911. According to court documents, dispatchers reported hearing gunfire in the background of the call.

By the time the first deputies from the Custer County Sheriff’s Office arrived, Patty Daulton was the only shooting victim still alive. She was taken to a hospital in critical condition.

A SWAT team responded to the area. Residents of the wooded rural community were told to stay inside their homes as law enforcement searched for the shooter. They did not find him.

Later, investigators retrieved images recorded during the “numerous” prior responses to the Clark and Geers properties about an ongoing property dispute, and proclaimed Clark the suspect.

Clark and his wife were caught the following day by New Mexico State Police near Albuquerque. Clark’s wife was initially arrested with him but the criminal case against her was dismissed.

Several arguments had occurred over the course of the year since Geers and his wife, Beth Wade Geers, then 38, had purchased their property on Rocky Ridge Road, Robert Geers’ brother told CBS Colorado. Carl Geers said his brother was preparing for retirement and purchased the mountain property without speaking to the neighbor next door, Clark. The dispute over an easement developed quickly, Carl Geers explained. His brother grew particularly concerned after receiving a death threat from Clark.

Carl Geers said his brother was advised by members of the sheriff’s office to arm himself and record all interactions with Clark. In fact, Robert Geers was wearing a handgun at the time of the shooting.

“My brother moved up there, and the prior owner didn’t bother to tell him what was going on,” Carl Geers said. “He walked into a hornets nest.”

“It’s horrible. It sucks,” Carl Geers continued. “I lost my older brother. I was going to teach him to fly fish up there.”

Carl Geers said a small triangle of land crossed into one edge of his brother’s driveway, which was also an access road to several other homes deeper into the neighborhood. Clark had previously cut a hole through his brother’s fence. His brother was prepared to erect that fence again — to “pound posts” with the help of the Daultons — as soon as the new survey was completed that day.

“But (Clark) didn’t let that survey finish,” Carl Geers said.

Clark, his wife and their business had filed a civil lawsuit in 2020 against the previous owners of the Geers property. They sought correction to the easement between the properties, and claimed the previous owners of the Geers property were aggressive, intimidating, threatening to the sufferers of PTSD being treated at their business, and prejudiced against his wife who is Native American.

The lawsuit was dismissed last year after the shooting, per online court records.

Around that same time, Patty Daulton, the lone survivor, filed her own wrongful death lawsuit against the Clarks and their business.

Earlier this month, another lawsuit was filed on behalf of a former Custer County Sheriff’s deputy, Jason Solbato. A March 2025 article from the local Westcliffe newspaper, the Wet Mountain Tribune, claims Solbato was one of the first deputies to respond to complaint about Clark before the fatal shootings occurred. Solbato was arrested in March 2024 following an investigation by the 11th Judicial District Attorney’s Office, then led by DA Linda Stanley.

Per the Tribune’s report, the case against Solbato was dismissed once it reached a courtroom. But by that time, the sheriff’s office had fired him.

The lawsuit filed this month in Custer County on Solbato’s behalf names Custer County’s sheriff and undersheriff as defendants.

Contacted by CBS Colorado, Solbato declined to comment and directed questions to his attorney. His attorney never responded to CBS Colorado’s inquiries.

Stanley, meanwhile, was removed last year from her position as district attorney following a state review of her handling of the failed Barry Morphew prosecution.

Clark and his wife acquired their Rocky Ridge Road property in 2019 when it was deeded to their business. Clark previously lived in Denver, trained at a Denver martial arts gym, and fought on the undercard in a 2007 MMA event at the 1stBank Center in Broomfield. Clark won by submission in the first round. An online source shows Clark has a 1-0 record as an amateur.

Meanwhile, Carl Geers said he will always mourn his brother’s absence. He suggests prospective property owners investigate potential conflicts in rural areas. If any, seek resolutions through peaceful means like mediation.

“They could’ve made arrangement,” Carl Geers said. “My brother was not unreasonable.”

Please note: This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting. This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.

Coyote caught on video chasing 3-year-old boy outside of Pasadena home

CNN Newsource on February 24, 2026

By Leanne Suter

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    PASADENA, Calif. (KABC) — Frightening surveillance video from a home in Pasadena shows a coyote chasing a toddler through the front gate of his home.

A scream and call for Mom can be heard as the video shows 3-year-old Salvo Bessemer’s close call with the large coyote.

Once the toddler is off camera, a loud scream is heard, and the coyote runs away.

“Sal went out the gate like he always does before me. Then I heard a scream, and Sal came running back. He grabbed onto my legs, then I screamed because I saw a big, giant coyote,” the boy’s mother, Aida Svelto, said.

It happened in the middle of the afternoon on Monday on Tamarac Drive in Pasadena.

The video shows the toddler headed for the car when he stops in his tracks and races back inside. The coyote can be seen following right behind him through the family’s front gate.

“She texted me. She’s like, ‘A coyote just chased Sal,’ and I was like, ‘How?’ I checked the cameras. I was flabbergasted,” the boy’s father, Leonard Bessemer, said.

Salvo was not hurt in the encounter.

Seeing coyotes is nothing new in their hilly neighborhood, but the family says they’ve never seen an animal come that close.

“We have seen them, but they typically just stay on the street. I really didn’t feel nervous. Now I’m nervous,” Svelto said. “This one was bigger and scarier, and I just really didn’t think that he would go after a kid. It’s one thing to see them go after a chihuahua or rabbit or whatever, but he’s pretty big, so it was scary.”

Coyotes are a common part of life in Southern California, and experts say this time of year, the animals are especially active and inquisitive.

“It’s mating season, so they are out there at all times of the day. We’re going to be seeing them. We have seen them more in the last few weeks,” said Kevin McManus with Pasadena Humane. “Just be extra cautious. Keep an eye on your kids. Keep an eye on your pets.”

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1st flights from violence-ravaged Puerto Vallarta land at SFO after cartel leader’s death

CNN Newsource on February 24, 2026

By Tim Johns

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    SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) — There was relief at the arrivals hall of San Francisco International Airport as one of the first flights from Puerto Vallarta back to the Bay Area landed Monday night.

“A lot of people’s flights were canceled yesterday and folks that were canceled yesterday were hearing that they might not be able to get out until Thursday or even into the weekend,” said traveler Doug Leighton.

Many people ABC7 Eyewitness News spoke with say much of Puerto Vallarta is still reeling after violence erupted following the killing of a prominent Mexican drug cartel leader.

San Francisco resident Josef Pipoly said he was on vacation just outside Puerto Vallarta when he and his friends heard the news.

While eating at a restaurant, Pipoly says the manager suddenly rushed up to their table.

“Says ‘we can’t serve you. You have to leave. Leave right now.’ We said, ‘Why?’ ‘The cartel’s coming,'” said Pipoly.

Pipoly says he saw members of the cartel putting up road blocks around the city, as well as smoke and flames from burning cars.

An experience he says felt surreal and, at times, downright scary.

“For me, I’m a diabetic. And so I had enough insulin for a couple days, but I’m like if this lasts a couple more days,” said Pipoly.

The fallout has been quick.

Cruise lines are canceling stops in Puerto Vallarta. Travel experts say this is a sign that shows the damage happening to Mexico’s tourism economy.

“Already we’re seeing deals that we weren’t seeing before in part because demand has dropped,” said The Points Guy’s Clint Henderson. “So you can see an instant reaction in travel bookings looking ahead.”

Pipoly says he still has friends in the city waiting to come home.

But for all the fear tourists have, he says it’s also important to recognize the experience of people living there.

“What really became real was when I saw the fear in their eyes and on their faces,” he said. “It’s a subtle reminder that this is the life that they live.”

Please note: This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting. This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.

Violins find new life through community art project

CNN Newsource on February 24, 2026

By Kimberly Esquivias

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    IDAHO FALLS (eastidahonews.com) — Twenty-five unplayable violins have been transformed into works of art as a part of the Painted Violin Project, a collaboration between the Idaho State Civic Symphony and the Pocatello Arts Center.

The project invited artists of all skill levels across the community to create something beautiful with whichever media the artists choose, ranging from acrylics, oils, gold foil, and mixed media. Each violin is joined by a card explaining the artist’s theme, inspiration and personal background.

The repurposed violins debuted Feb. 6, allowing the community to view and vote on their favorite project.

The violins’ designs vary. One resembles delicate blue and white fine China patterns. Another features a swan surrounded by autumn leaves. One of the instruments has a dragon whose fire extends to the tailpiece.

The artists range from high school students, teachers and Idaho State University students.

Elissa Novy, a representative from the Idaho State Civic Symphony, said the projects align closely to the mission of the organization.

“We offer music and music education to everyone in the community, from young guys to senior citizens,” Novy said. “This is an extension of our mission, to foster a lifelong love of the arts and of music in the community.”

The violins are open for bidding, with proceeds going directly to education outreach programs for music. Funds that are raised will support scholarships for the Idaho State Civic Symphony Youth Orchestra, a group that is composed of advanced student musicians as well as instructional efforts in the middle and high schools throughout the area.

Novy said the response from the participating artists has been overwhelmingly positive.

“Every artist I talked to when I picked up the violins said, ‘This was a lot of fun. I want to do this again. Let me know when you do this again,’” she said.

The Painted Violin Project also highlights collaboration within the local arts community. Paige Weber, representing the art center, said partnerships like this strengthen both organizations.

“I love that we are doing a partnership, because it gets us in front of new people and it makes us stronger for sure,” Weber said.

The violins will next travel to Gate City Coffee for the March 6 First Friday Art Walk. The final auction will be held in conjunction with the Pops Concert on March 20.

Special guest artist Bad Snacks will perform with the symphony during the concert.

“Art is enriching for people’s lives. Whether they’re a viewer or participant, it offers community.” Weber said.

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Sheriff John Allen explains what happened when deputy died during traffic stop

CNN Newsource on February 24, 2026

By Vincent Rodriguez

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    ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KOAT) — Bernalillo County Sheriff John Allen held an emotional press conference early Tuesday morning following the death of a deputy during a traffic stop on Interstate 40 near Albuquerque.

Sheriff Allen identified the deputy as Sgt. Michael Schlattman.

Schlattman was conducting a traffic stop on I-40 when a semi-truck hit the rear of his patrol unit and pinned him underneath.

Sheriff Allen says Schlattman died at the scene.

Please note: This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting. This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.

Tracy father of young triplets abducted and found dead. He was not the intended target, sheriff says

CNN Newsource on February 24, 2026

By Nijzel Dotson; Jonathan Ayestas; Lee Anne Denyer

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    NAPA COUNTY, Calif. (KCRA) — Days after a Tracy father of three was abducted and later found dead, the San Joaquin County sheriff on Monday revealed that the man was not the intended target in the kidnapping and homicide.

Sheriff Patrick Withrow said surveillance video shows Avtar Singh of Tracy being forced into a white SUV near the Gurdwara Gur Nanak Parkash temple along West Grant Line Road at 2:30 p.m. on Feb. 17. Withrow said it appeared that Singh did try to resist but was overpowered by the three abductors.

“This was not a random act,” Withrow said. “They were targeted after another individual for a specific reason and we’re hoping that reason comes to the light.”

Singh was reported missing Tuesday at 8:52 p.m. Temple leaders told KCRA 3 that Singh’s wife realized her husband was gone after finding their three small children alone when she returned from work.

“The kids were alone. God’s blessing. They were safe, but they were alone,” said Deep Singh, temple secretary and spokesperson.

Deputies from the Napa County Sheriff’s Office found a body Friday afternoon near Lake Berryessa, about a two-hour drive from Tracy. Officials later identified the body as Singh’s.

“This is a this is a tragedy, but an ongoing investigation,” Withrow said.

Withrow told KCRA 3’s Melanie Wingo that investigators could not release any information related to the abductors or a possible motive, but shared that Singh was not their intended target.

“Our detectives are working tirelessly to investigate this case and identify those responsible for this terrible act,” the sheriff’s office said in a news release.

Singh worked at the Sikh temple as a volunteer where he also lived on the grounds with his wife and three young triplets.

“He was very sincere and hard working,” said Deep Singh. “For 23 years, his main role was the head cook at our gurudwara, at the temple, but he was not only a cook, he was a multi-tasking person.”

Deep Singh shared the temple had recently celebrated the homecoming of the couple’s triplets after their premature birth and extended hospital stay.

“When they got here, it was a big gathering. It was a big celebration. He was happy, mom was happy, and the community was happy,” he said. “We’re not gonna be able to repair her loss.”

A cause of death had not yet been released as of Monday evening, but Withrow said the county’s medical examiner has completed an autopsy.

The case is being investigated as a homicide.

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Survivors rescued buried skiers after the Tahoe-area deadly avalanche

CNN Newsource on February 24, 2026

By Andres Valle

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    NEVADA COUNTY, Calif. (KCRA) — Three survivors of the deadly avalanche near Castle Peak used their avalanche safety gear to rescue fellow skiers buried in the snow, the Sierra Avalanche Center said in an update on Monday.

Nearly a week after the avalanche claimed the lives of nine backcountry skiers, new details have emerged about the moments following the disaster.

The Sierra Avalanche Center has been visiting the site daily to gather observations and learn more about what happened.

Wendy Antibus, the education manager for the center, shared that the slide hit 12 skiers, while three others used their avalanche safety gear, including shovels, to dig out three of their companions.

“There were three people who, at the time of the avalanche, helped rescue their companions and helped dig out their companions,” Antibus said.

Six members of the group of 15 survived, while nine died.

Antibus emphasized the importance of being trained and equipped for backcountry travel.

“That’s some new information, and that is like part of being trained to go out in avalanche terrain is having the equipment, the avalanche transceiver, shovel, and probe, and being trained to rescue your partners in case there is an avalanche that happens,” Antibus said.

The center released a new photo showing the site of the football-field-sized avalanche, where a bald spot is visible from where the tree line once stood.

Antibus warned that the danger of avalanches remains present for backcountry explorers.

“Whether you’re snowmobiling or you’re backcountry skiing, like no matter what you do, if you’re going into the winter backcountry mountains, like you should have that avalanche transceiver shovel, probe, and having a cellphone or satellite device is also like, great as a communication tool,” she said.

While the center plays a vital role in the investigation, it is also part of a grieving community.

Antibus said, “I don’t think that speculation and laying blame before we know any details is helpful to those people. I think just supporting our community through this process, because a lot of people have lost people that they care about.”

The center expects high avalanche danger on Tuesday due to rain in the forecast, which will add weight to the top layer of snow and make it less stable.

They encourage people to check daily updates on avalanche risk and backcountry conditions before heading out.

The Nevada County Sheriff’s Office is continuing its investigation into the tragic event.

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Salinas woman stuck in Mexico amid cartel violence as travelers scramble to rebook flights

CNN Newsource on February 24, 2026

By Jacquelyn Quinones

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    GUADALAJARA, Jal. (KSBW) — America Travel Agency in Salinas is receiving a high volume of calls from customers canceling trips to Mexico and those already in Mexico trying to return to the U.S. due to violence breaking out throughout the country.

Specifically, people cannot get to the airport or their destination because the roads are blocked, and they are faced with the danger that lies ahead.

The travel agency is working with airlines to ensure that people get what they need.

“I received a letter from the airlines saying that we can reschedule or refund them,” the agency said.

Maria De Jesus Munoz of Salinas was supposed to come home Monday, but is pushed back because of what’s going on. “Yesterday was really bad, we didn’t go out when we were on our way to Guadalajara, we had to return,” Munoz said.

Munoz says she hasn’t left her home since, and although things seem calmer, she isn’t taking any chances. She suggests others do the same.

“Right now, I don’t recommend for anyone to travel because this is going to extend for a period of time,” she said.

People are being advised to stay in a safe place and stay put for the time being as airlines work with those impacted.

Please note: This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting. This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.