Disease dooms crows

Q: Is West Nile virus helping to reduce the population of crows that make a mess around the Yuba Sutter Mall every year? I know they're one of the bird species most susceptible to the disease.

A: Thomas Felter, manager of the mall, said he expects the West Nile virus will reduce the number of unwanted avian visitors this winter by a quarter to a third, possibly even more.

Felter said he's been advised by the Sutter-Yuba Mosquito and Vector Control District that West Nile may take even a greater toll on the crow population in the next few years.

The crows feast on fruit in area orchards. In cooler months they become ”mall rats,“ attracted by heat radiated by the building and parking lots.

”In terms of keeping the area clean and more attractive, we're definitely seeing a benefit from this unfortunate illness. In that regard, it's definitely a benefit to the mall and surrounding businesses,“ said Felter.

Mall management has tried unsuccessfully over the years to drive the crows away.

Q: Does Yuba City have any type of noise ordinance in place that would prohibit these ice cream trucks from driving up and down quiet residential streets with their music blaring? Surely, if I were to mount a bullhorn on the hood of my car and drive around with loud music playing, someone would complain.

A: There's no relief in sight for those who hate hearing incessant, music box-like versions of ”Turkey in the Straw“ or ”Greensleeves.“

”The city does have a noise ordinance. However, it does not apply if the sound is that customarily associated with the conduct of business or routine activities“ during normal business hours, said Police Chief Richard Doscher.

In other words, music from the ice creams trucks is permissible at 3 p.m. but not at midnight, the chief said.