ROBINSON RANCHERIA — One big animal was found during the search of a dumpster at Robinson Rancheria on Friday — a stuffed animal.
Lake County Waste Solutions arrived at Robinson Rancheria at 11 a.m. as scheduled by Stephanie Rodriguez, Housing Director for Robinson, to empty out a dumpster reported to contain dead animals earlier in the week.
The dumpster was emptied onto tribal property and not the landfill or the transfer station as a courtesy to Bruce McCraken, managing operator of Lake County Waste Solutions.
A large stuffed animal fish, similar to an animated character in the children”s movie, “Finding Nemo,” was located in the trash.
Allegations reported by resident Evelyn “Louise” Crandell to Lake County Sheriff”s Office (LCSO) Capt. Chris Macedo Wednesday alleged “at least seven cats” were dead in the dumpster.
Former residents who said they had to leave pets behind when evicted, did not make allegations, according to Rodriguez. The former residents of that specific address have not claimed to be missing any pets since vacating.
Rodriguez spoke Thursday with representatives of the Lake County Environmental Health Department, the Lake County Health Department and McCracken, in an effort to coordinate the manner in which the container could be emptied to demonstrate Crandell”s accusations were unfounded. Tribal Law Enforcement reserve officer Frank Gudmundson, representing Robinson”s Tribal EPA Department and Anthony Duncan were on scene to witness the search. Robinson”s Tribal Administrator, Candace Lowe, videotaped the search of the dumpster.
Rodriguez photographed and supervised a tribal maintenance team who were tasked with spreading out the garbage, opening tied bags and then reloading the dumpster. No animals of any kind were found.
