Briefs: Two bodies found in Merced Co. home

Published online on Wednesday, Sep. 30, 2009

Merced County sheriff's investigators discovered two bodies Wednesday inside a residence at 440 Mission Ave., although it's still unknown what killed them.

The bodies, found on the floor of the laundry room inside the house, were so badly decomposed that sheriff's investigators haven't been able to identify them, according to Sgt. Jason Goins of the department's Major Crimes Unit.

Regardless, as a precaution, deputies are treating the deaths as a double homicide investigation, Goins said. Sheriff's spokesman Tom MacKenzie said the causes of the deaths won't be known until the Coroner's Office performs an autopsy this week.

The house was occupied by William Cisneros, 82, and his wife, Clara Cisneros, 43, according to family members who gathered outside the residence Wednesday. Investigators have given no indication whether the bodies are those of the couple.

The bodies were discovered after a Merced County Animal Control officer arrived at the home, responding to a call about several emaciated dogs at the property, MacKenzie said.

Health

Kings Co. cancels several flu clinics

Seasonal flu-shot clinics scheduled for today in Kettleman City and Home Garden and next week in Corcoran, Hanford and Armona have been canceled by the Kings County Department of Public Health.

Supplies of seasonal-flu vaccine received from the state distributor had not been maintained at required cold temperatures, Health Department officials said. The clinics will be rescheduled.

Vaccination clinics planned for today in Avenal and Stratford will take place as scheduled.

Also ...

Event aims to help foster-care children

Foster-care children interested in help with high school and beyond are invited to attend a daylong event Saturday at Fresno State.

Fresno County Children and Family Services, in coordination with many other agencies, is hosting four workshops on high-school graduation requirements, pathways to success, going to college and how to pay for it.

A resource fair also will provide opportunities to meet with officials one-on-one about various educational and training needs.

The event will take place from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Satellite Student Union. For more information or for student reservations, call (559) 453-5077 or (559) 265-4003.

Food Bank has two new volunteer shifts

The Community Food Bank has opened two new Saturday volunteer shifts for those who want to help box food for people affected by the drought.

The shifts are from 8 a.m. to noon and from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Community Food Bank distribution center, 3403 E. Central Ave. in Fresno.

For more information, contact HandsOn Central California at (559) 237-3101 or at www.handsoncentralcal.org.

Kerman to dedicate remodeled City Hall

The city of Kerman will dedicate its newly remodeled and expanded City Hall building today, marking the end of a 19-month project.

An open house will begin at 5:15 p.m., followed by a dedication ceremony at 6:15 p.m. City Hall is at 850 S. Madera Ave.

The Kerman Public Financial Authority issued $3.9 million of lease revenue bonds, of which $2.8 million was used for the City Hall expansion, equipment, furnishing, parking lot and related improvements.

Yosemite rockslide does no damage

A small rockslide in Yosemite National Park caused no damage to buildings or injuries to visitors, a park spokesman said.

About 150 tons of rock started falling around 7 a.m. Tuesday and came to rest in a pile far above the housing units for park employees at Curry Village, said ranger Scott Gediman.

VA Medical Center to ban smoking

The VA Medical Center in Fresno will ban smoking except in two designated smoking shelters starting today.

The VA Central California Healthcare System at 2615 E. Clinton Ave. will host a kick-off event at 10 a.m. today to mark the new smoking ban.