Alligators, snakes found at home

THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. — Authorities found alligators and venomous snakes at a Southern California home where animal control officers say a cobra had gotten loose and terrified neighbors.

Los Angeles County officials served search warrants Thursday at a home in Thousand Oaks and a rural property just outside the city.

The Los Angeles Times reports the warrants were requested after a neighbor recently reported seeing a cobra slithering through the area. Animal control public information officer Don Barre says the neighbor drove a car over the snake, killing it.

No arrests were immediately announced. Authorities say the owners have permits but they appear to be in violation of animalkeeping rules.

BLOOD DRIVE

WHEN: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. WHERE: Homewood Suites Hilton, 1955 E. 16th St. GOING ON: The American Red Cross is in critical need of donated blood INFO: To make an appointment, call (800) 733-2767 or visit redcrossblood.org

WATER BOTTLE BOATS

WHEN: 10:30 to 11 a.m. WHERE: Heritage Library, 350 S. 3rd Ave. GOING ON: Kids up to age 12 are invited to recycle common household items into cool boats to race with your friends; all supplies provided on a first-come, firstserved basis while they last; free

LIVING LIBRARY

WHEN: 1 p.m. WHERE: Heritage Library, 350 S. 3rd Ave. GOING ON: Check out a ‘living book’ (a member of the Yuma community) and hear unique stories of diversity and perseverance; free, registration required INFO: To register, call Elia Juarez

HILPERT FUNDRAISER

WHEN: Noon to 5 p.m. WHERE: Fraternal Order of Eagles, 225 S. 1st Ave. GOING ON: A fundraiser for David Hilpert will include grilled chicken dinner with all the trimmings, raffle drawings, live auction, desserts for purchase, DJ Mark Reynolds will play your favorite tunes; monetary donations also accepted COST: $6 a plate INFO: Call Rosalie Mercado at (928) 257-5345 or email romurkydo@ roadrunner.com

FRESHLY DUG ONIONS FUNDRAISER

WHEN: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. today through Friday WHERE: UofA Cooperative Extension Office, 2200 W. 28th St., off Avenue B GOING ON: Yuma 4-H Clubs and UofA Master Gardeners with Moody Garden Club are selling freshly dug onions grown at UofA Research Farm; sales will help fund Trent