July 2, 2025 The Best Source of News, Culture, Lifestyle for Culver City, Mar Vista, Del Rey, Palms and West Los Angeles

Deadly Snake bite in the LA Hills

Dear Editor,

At the end of April, I was bitten by what we think was the Mojave Rattlesnake, the most deadly rattlesnake in North America and not usually found outside of the Mojave Desert. I was bitten in Franklin Canyon, an urban park in the hills above Los Angeles. I am your average recreational hiker. I was hiking alone and was struck twice by this extremely venomous rattlesnake. I faced the real probability of dying alone by the side of the road.

After an unbelievably timely rescue by two hikers, I was rushed to Cedars Sinai’s ER and given a 5% chance of surviving. After almost 3 weeks in the ICU and an unbelievable medical odyssey full of twists and turns, and minute-by-minute uncertainty, I beat the odds and am now at home in one piece. My story is unusual and appealing in that I put a face to “OMG that could happen to me.†I hope that my story can help educate and spread awareness of the very real danger of not only the usual rattlesnake suspects, but also these super venomous snakes that share our backyards and urban parks. Until I was bitten, I was completely unaware that these types of deadly snakes were out there. I feel more can be done to protect the innocent public who visit these parks daily.

Mine is an inspiring story of personal survival against death defying odds. I hold the record of receiving the largest amount of anti-venom ever given a snake bite victim. Most people are given 3-4 vials, and in rare cases, 30-40 vials. I received 116 vials! It is a fascinating journey of unprecedented medical treatment by teams of world-class doctors in unchartered waters, who unquestionably saved my life. And, as in all stories of survival, it is an affirmation of the amazing power of hope, love and friendship.
It is my hope that out of my extreme experience an increased emphasis can be placed in educating and protecting our public in our parks, where urban and wild life interface.

Best,
Lorraine Johnson
ljonsson@earthlink.net

in News
Related Posts

(Video) Jikoni, the AfriCali PopUp from celebrated cookbook author Kiano Moju Has Been Extended Until July 3 at Citizen Public Market

July 1, 2025

July 1, 2025

Bold Flavors and Spice Merge with Crisp, Chewy Chapati. Delicious With a Caring Chef and Staff. Jikoni, the AfriCali PopUp...

Pentagon Orders Troop Drawdown in LA: 150 National Guard Members Reassigned to Wildfire Duty

July 1, 2025

July 1, 2025

Federal Forces Begin Partial Withdrawal From Protest Response as California Leaders Push Back U.S. Northern Command announced Tuesday that 150...

California Highway Patrol Deploys for Independence Day Enforcement Surge

July 1, 2025

July 1, 2025

All Available Officers to Hit California Highways for Holiday Weekend As Californians gear up for Fourth of July festivities, the...

Court Postpones Arraignment for Driver in Malibu Crash That Killed Four Students

July 1, 2025

July 1, 2025

Fraser Michael Bohm Faces Murder Charges in Fatal PCH Wreck  The arraignment for Fraser Michael Bohm, the 23-year-old man accused...

(Video) Los Angeles County Supervisor from the 2nd district, Holly J. Mitchel, Gives a Powerful Speech

June 30, 2025

June 30, 2025

Supervisor Mitchell Called on Residents to take action at the rally for Ambrocio “Enrique” Lozano in Culver City.

Top Military Commander Urges Return of Troops Deployed to ICE Protest Response

June 30, 2025

June 30, 2025

General Requests 200 National Guard Soldiers Be Returned to California Wildfire Unit The senior U.S. military officer overseeing federal forces...

Second Victim Killed Alongside LAPD Sergeant in Brentwood 405 Crash Identified

June 30, 2025

June 30, 2025

Authorities Confirm Garcia, 34, Died at the Scene, GoFundMe Launched  Authorities have identified the civilian who was killed alongside a...

The Westside Lights Up for July 4: Fireworks, Drone Shows, and Parades Return Across West Los Angeles

June 30, 2025

June 30, 2025

From Marina Del Rey’s Fireworks to Culver City’s 1980s-Themed Drone Show, Get Ready to Celebrate From fireworks over Marina del...

California Judge Rules FAIR Plan’s Smoke Damage Policy Unlawful

June 29, 2025

June 29, 2025

Court Says Wildfire Insurance Program Illegally Denied Claims Legal protections for California homeowners took a step forward this week after...

(Video) Culver City Residents and City and County Leaders Rally for Disappeared Ice Cream Man Ambrocio “Enrique” Lozano

June 29, 2025

June 29, 2025

US Representative for California’s 37th Congressional District, Sydney Kamlager-Dove Speaks About What is happening to the disappeared.

Historic Sawtelle Nursery Site Could Become 40-Unit Townhome Complex

June 29, 2025

June 29, 2025

Sawtelle Continues to Change as Nursery Site Faces Redevelopment Plans have been submitted to redevelop a nursery site, F.K. Nursery,...

Drake Slashes Price on Beverly Hills Estate to $79 Million Amid Market Slowdown

June 29, 2025

June 29, 2025

Price Cut Adds to a Broader Retreat From His Los Angeles Real Estate Holdings. Musician Drake has reduced the price...

Iranian Pastor in West L.A. Speaks as Church Rocked by Immigration Raids 

June 28, 2025

June 28, 2025

Five Detained as Fear Spreads Through Persian Christian Faith Community  Fear has spread through a West Los Angeles congregation after...

Overdose Deaths Drop 22% in Los Angeles County, Marking Largest Decline on Record

June 28, 2025

June 28, 2025

Fentanyl Fatalities Fell 37% as County Ramps up Funding for Prevention, Treatment Drug overdose deaths in Los Angeles County declined...

Cinespia Brings Fireworks and Fan Favorites to Hollywood Forever This July

June 27, 2025

June 27, 2025

Watch Top Gun, La La Land, and More Under the Stars at Hollywood Forever Cinespia, Los Angeles’ iconic outdoor movie...