Cats & Comics Rescue, a downtown Upland shop that relies on the sale of comic books and collectibles to support the care of dozens of rescue cats, is recovering from a break-in that occurred early Friday morning. Surveillance footage shows a suspect shattering the front entrance around 5 a.m. and heading directly for the store’s display cases, taking rare comic books, Pokémon cards and other items before fleeing. 

Jeremy Guerra, the shop’s owner, said the financial loss is substantial. While the full scope of the theft is still being assessed, he estimated that the value of stolen comics alone exceeds $5,000. The impact, he said, extends beyond merchandise. The sales of those items help fund the rescue operation located within the same space, covering medical care, food and other essentials for cats awaiting adoption. The shop is currently caring for 22 cats.

“The reason why we do cats and comics is because the cat rescue doesn’t survive alone,” Guerra said. “This is the big part, it’s the comics and card sales, that’s what keeps us alive.”

The shop allows visitors to spend time with the animals for a $5 fee, and all cats are available for adoption at an additional cost that includes vaccinations, spay or neuter services and deworming. The space doubles as a comic store and an animal sanctuary, offering a space where customers can both browse and connect with the cats waiting to be adopted.

After news of the break-in spread, community members began offering support. A mother and daughter arrived with donations of cat food and cash, contributions Guerra described as deeply moving. “When people bring in donations, it does get me teary-eyed, for sure,” he said.

Despite the setback, Guerra said the community’s response has affirmed the shop’s mission. Those who wish to contribute can donate online or provide items such as cat food.

Cats & Comics Rescue remains open daily at 136 E. 9th St. from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Information about supporting the rescue or adopting a cat is available through the shop’s official website.

Jillian Smukler’s reporting contributed to this article.

Officials in California are urging people not to forage for wild mushrooms after a rise in poisoning cases caused at least one death.

The California Poison Control System has identified 21 cases of amatoxin poisoning clustered in northern California, likely resulting from death cap mushrooms, the state’s department of public health said.

The poisoning resulted in severe liver damage in several people, including children, and at least one of the patients may need a liver transplant, the department said.

Death cap mushrooms can easily be mistaken for safe, edible mushrooms because of their similar taste, smell, and appearance.

The confirmed cases happened between mid-November and early December, a rainy season in the region that creates ideal conditions for the deadly variety to grow, mostly near oaks and hardwood trees like pine trees, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) said.

Though the cases are mostly in the Monterey and San Francisco Bay area of Northern California, the risk is statewide, the department warned.

“Death cap mushrooms contain potentially deadly toxins that can lead to liver failure,” Dr Erica Pan, CDPH Director and State Public Health Officer, said in a statement. “Because the death cap can easily be mistaken for edible safe mushrooms, we advise the public not to forage for wild mushrooms at all during this high-risk season.”

The death cap mushroom is never safe to eat, even if it is boiled, dried, frozen or cooked.

Eating the deadly mushrooms can cause watery diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and dehydration within six to 24 hours – and although symptoms may initially wane, severe or fatal liver damage can still occur up to eight days later.

“Only people with extensive training and experience should eat wild mushrooms that they have picked themselves,” Dr Edward Moreno, County of Monterey Health Officer, said in a statement.

SAN FRANCISCO — California officials are warning foragers after an outbreak of poisoning linked to wild mushrooms that has killed one adult and caused severe liver damage in several patients, including children.

The state poison control system has identified 21 cases of amatoxin poisoning, likely caused by death cap mushrooms, the health department said Friday. The toxic wild mushrooms are often mistaken for edible ones because of their appearance and taste.

“Death cap mushrooms contain potentially deadly toxins that can lead to liver failure,” Erica Pan, director of the California Department of Public Health, said in a statement. “Because the death cap can easily be mistaken for edible safe mushrooms, we advise the public not to forage for wild mushrooms at all during this high-risk season.”

One adult has died and several patients have required intensive care, including at least one who might need a liver transplant.

Officials advise against wild mushroom foraging

Wet weather fuels the growth of death cap mushrooms, and officials warn against any wild mushroom foraging to avoid confusion. Residents in central California’s Monterey County became ill after eating mushrooms found in a local park, according to county health officials. Another cluster of cases were in the San Francisco Bay Area, but state health officials warned that the risk is everywhere.

There were more than 4,500 cases of exposure to unidentified mushrooms logged at America’s Poison Centers in 2023, according to their National Poison Data System annual report. Roughly half were in young children, who experts warn may pick and eat a mushroom while playing outside.

California’s poison control system sees hundreds of cases of wild mushroom poisonings each year. The death cap mushroom and the “destroying angel” mushroom look and taste similar to edible mushrooms, so experts warn that a mushroom’s color is not a reliable way of detecting its toxicity. And whether it is eaten raw or cooked does not matter.

Symptom improvement is not an all-clear

People can have stomach cramping, nausea, diarrhea or vomiting within 24 hours after ingesting a toxic mushroom. Though gastrointestinal symptoms may improve, health officials warn that patients can still develop serious complications, including liver damage, that surface later.

People looking for guidance on diagnosing or treating mushroom poisoning can contact the poison control hotline at 1-800-222-1222.