Record photo by Michael McCollum
I recently sat in Judge Roger Ross’s courtroom as the city of Stockton attempted — unsuccessfully — to avoid eviction from its downtown parking garages.
Like many local judges, Ross seemed relentless in his pursuit of an equitable outcome — and sounded like a real friendly guy, too.
I noticed, however, that he needed assistance with a physical disability. It appeared that he did not have the use of his right arm; an assistant stood behind him and helped Ross turn the pages as he went through stacks of documents while court was in session.
Well, here’s the back story.
West Nile Virus is one of those things that sounds so exotic, so far away. It’s a bit jarring now to have seen first-hand the effect of the virus — especially as one who, like Ross, spends a lot of time outdoors and susceptible to mosquitoes.
Apparently Ross didn’t let the disease change his life any more than necessary.
“Sometimes I think, ‘Geez, you know, is another mosquito is going to come get me and finish me off?’” he recently told News 10. ”That could happen. But I’m not going to live in a bubble.”
June is definitely mosquito season, especially for anyone heading to the mountains. Here’s some important prevention information.
