Congress has cut federal funding for public media — a $3.4 million loss for LAist. We count on readers like you to protect our nonprofit newsroom. Become a monthly member and sustain local journalism.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
Hero Camel Sacrifices Life For Family When Killed By Driver On Cell Phone
Sheba the camel enjoyed chill walks. (Photo by rickydvia Shutterstock)
()
A 2,000 pound camel named Sheba, who was a ubiquitous and beloved neighborhood presence, was killed by the driver of a pickup truck this week.
Sheba, a regular presence in Agua Dulce—a rural, horseback riding community northeast of Santa Clarita—was walking with her owner Robin Orefice on Thursday evening along Agua Dulce Road, as they often did, when they saw a Toyota pickup truck speeding towards them, reports the L.A. Times.
Orefice and her son Sam tried to stop the driver by shouting and waving their arms, but to no avail. The truck sped towards them and barreled into Sheba, who had maneuvered in front of her owners, seemingly on purpose, and shielded Orefice and Sam against the silver Toyota Tacoma. The 25-year-old driver of the pickup was speeding, said the California Highway Patrol, and the Santa Clarita Valley Signal reports that the driver was on his cellphone at the time of the collision.
While the truck was significantly damaged by the impact of the crash, Sheba's injuries were comparatively much, much worse; her legs and right shoulder were severe, and Orefice said she was forced to put Sheba out of her misery.
Support for LAist comes from
Sheba was often seen strolling along the dusty dirty roads, or at local fundraising events; she was slated to appear at the Agua Dulce County Fair today. Robin's husband Michael Orefice told the L.A. Times, "Everyone in town knows the camel."
Orefice said she spent years training Sheba, and eventually won her trust and respect—so much so, that she was actually able to ride her. “It’s hard with a camel,” Orefice said. “It takes a lot to build trust, but you just love on them.”
R.I.P., Sheba, the hero camel of Agua Dulce.
As Editor-in-Chief of our newsroom, I’m extremely proud of the work our top-notch journalists are doing here at LAist. We’re doing more hard-hitting watchdog journalism than ever before — powerful reporting on the economy, elections, climate and the homelessness crisis that is making a difference in your lives. At the same time, it’s never been more difficult to maintain a paywall-free, independent news source that informs, inspires, and engages everyone.
Simply put, we cannot do this essential work without your help. Federal funding for public media has been clawed back by Congress and that means LAist has lost $3.4 million in federal funding over the next two years. So we’re asking for your help. LAist has been there for you and we’re asking you to be here for us.
We rely on donations from readers like you to stay independent, which keeps our nonprofit newsroom strong and accountable to you.
No matter where you stand on the political spectrum, press freedom is at the core of keeping our nation free and fair. And as the landscape of free press changes, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust, but the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news from our community.
Please take action today to support your trusted source for local news with a donation that makes sense for your budget.
Thank you for your generous support and believing in independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
Wasteland Weekend is all about souped-up rust buckets, spikey costumes and an ‘ideal apocalypse.’ -
The Shadow the Scientists initiative at UC Santa Cruz strives to demystify astronomical research. -
Some submissions to the Pasadena Humane Society were made by extremely talented artists. The others … tried their best. -
Isolated showers can still hit the L.A. area until Friday as remnants from the tropical storm move out. -
First aspiring spectators must register online, then later in 2026 there will be a series of drawings. -
It's thanks to Tropical Storm Mario, so also be ready for heat and humidity, and possibly thunder and lightning.
Best of LAist