Jacob’s Journal – Weekly News Rewind (08/16-08/22)

Jacob’s Journal – Weekly News Rewind (08/16-08/22)

Raging Wildfires Linked to Thousands of COVID-19 Cases and Hundreds of Deaths in 2020, Study Says

Tuesday, August 17 (USA Today) – Hundreds of thousands of people and billions of dollars in insured losses have resulted from the record-setting 2020 wildfire season. In addition, researchers at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found a connection between high levels of fine particulate air pollution (PM2.5) and the number of COVID-19 cases and deaths in 92 counties. They found high levels correlated with an 11.7% increase in cases and an 8.4% increase in deaths. In California, the biggest increase in cases was seen in Sonoma County, site of the Glass Fire (65.3% case increase), while Whitman County, Washington, the site of the Babb-Malden Fire, saw a 71.6% increase.

Across three states studied, 19,700 COVID-19 cases and 750 deaths were attributed to increases in PM2.5 related to wildfires. High levels of PM2.5 have also been connected to asthma, respiratory illness, and premature death. Health experts expressed concern that wildfires can continue to increase coronavirus cases, in addition to smoke weakening the body’s defenses. They’re urging residents to stay indoors and wear N95 masks to protect themselves against COVID-19 and wildfire smoke.

Driver Killed in Multi-Vehicle Crash On I-80 [Solano County, CA]

Wednesday, August 18 (L.A. Weekly) – A fatal multi-vehicle crash on I-80 Wednesday morning claimed the life of one person. Investigators are looking into the collision that occurred just before 5:00 a.m. on the eastbound side of the highway. According to the California Highway Patrol, an eastbound Toyota crossed the center median near the 505 interchange, and then entered the roadway again, colliding with a Hyundai. Multiple vehicles struck the Toyota, causing the driver to be ejected. The driver was declared dead at the scene by first responders. The crash is still under investigation by Solano County authorities.

Placer County’s Reckless COVID Politics Threatens Health and Safety of Roseville Students

Wednesday, August 18 (The Sacramento Bee) – In an opinion article published this week, writer Hannah Holzer noted how parents in the Roseville Joint Union High School District (RJUHSD) are more concerned with political ideologies than the risk of COVID-19, especially the highly contagious delta variant. Statewide, public school students are required to wear masks indoors. And in RJUHSD, students are placed in independent study if they don’t wear face coverings. Placer County, which leans conservative, is where a coalition of restaurants sued Governor Gavin Newsome over health requirements, while protesters outside government buildings held signs with myths about masks.

An English teacher at Woodcreek High School recently promoted COVID, vaccine, and mask conspiracies, while members of the school board have said children wearing masks isn’t safe (findings show that they are in fact safe). Holzer went on to say that science shows people get infected when unvaccinated and unmasked, and that the people responsible for children are supporting policies that defy basic health and safety measures. Recently, two children died in Fresno, one in Tulare, and six in Los Angeles County.

California Enacted a Groundwater Law 7 Years Ago. But Wells Are Still Drying Up — and the Threat Is Spreading

Thursday, August 19 (Cal Matters) – In 2014, the California Legislature enacted new laws (including the Sustainable Management Groundwater Act) to stop over-pumping, but groundwater levels continue to fall. Drinking water wells have been failing. Over Memorial Day Weekend, Kelly O’Brien’s well gave out after the water turned rusty with sediment, and then others around her failed too. O’Brien’s Facebook Group for owners of dry wells has grown to over 665 members. After two dry years, reports of dry wells are worsening and about 2,700 wells across the state are projected to go dry this year. Northern California has been hit the hardest, especially Tehama and Glenn Counties.

The altering of flow from rivers across the state and the use of groundwater by public water systems doesn’t help the situation. Groundwater makes up 40% to 60% of the state’s water supply. As crop growers tap into more underground supplies, household water shortages could increase. But while there have been attempts to regulate groundwater statewide, a statewide mandate may be two decades away.

Meanwhile, over 3,100 household water shortages were reported to the state between January 2014 and July 2021. In Glenn County, 84% of ranked wells reached low historic levels in July. According to the Water Foundation, current plans in the San Joaquin Valley could cause up to 12,000 drinking water wells to go dry by 2040, and up to 127,000 people could lose access to drinking water.

California Becomes 1st State to Require Proof of COVID Vaccination or Negative Test for Indoor Events Over 1,000 People

Wednesday, August 18 (KTLA 5) – Starting September 20, California will require proof of vaccination or a negative coronavirus test for anyone attending an indoor gathering of 1,000 or more people, officials announced Wednesday. It is the first requirement of its kind in the nation and applies to concerts, sports games, and parades. The guidelines call for a negative test taken within 72 hours of the event; the testing requirement includes children under 12 and others who can’t get a vaccine. For vaccinated individuals, a vaccine card, photo of it, QR code, or other form of proof will be required. Also, the requirements apply to outdoor gatherings of 10,000 people or more, and will remain in place until at least November 1.

On Tuesday, over 14,300 new infections and 90 deaths were reported statewide, with case rates among unvaccinated people 500% higher, according to the California Department of Public Health. As of Wednesday, 79% of eligible Californians had been vaccinated. Other statewide vaccine mandates include California’s roughly 2.2 million health care workers to get vaccinated to keep their jobs, and teachers must be vaccinated or be tested weekly. All Los Angeles city employees must get vaccinated, unless they qualify for an exemption, while Goldenvoice, the company behind Coachella and StageCoach, announced last week it would require proof of vaccination for concert attendees and event staff.

Fresno, CA – Two Killed in Head-on Crash on Hwy 180 Near James Rd

Tuesday, August 17 (Torem & Associates) – On Monday, two people lost their lives in a head-on crash in Fresno County. Officials said the wreck occurred at around 6:30 a.m., while sources indicated it happened on Highway 180 near James Road. A 21-year-old man was driving eastbound in a Honda Odyssey, while the driver of a Ford swerved, overcorrected, and collided head-on with the Odyssey. The impact forced both vehicles off the road. The driver of a Dodge pickup truck behind the Odyssey swerved to avoid the crash, causing his vehicle to overturn. The drivers of the Ford and Honda were pronounced dead at the scene, police said, while three people in the Honda suffered moderate injuries and were taken to Community Regional Medical Center. The driver of the Dodge was also taken to the hospital with moderate injuries.

Brooklyn Nets vs. Los Angeles Lakers to Highlight NBA’s Christmas Day Schedule

Tuesday, August 17 (ESPN.com) – The NBA Christmas Day schedule was announced on ESPN’s The Jump on Tuesday afternoon. It includes the Milwaukee Bucks hosting the Boston Celtics, a showdown between the Brooklyn Nets and Los Angeles Lakers, and the Atlanta Hawks’ Trae Young at Madison Square Garden. The schedule also includes a face-off between the Phoenix Suns and Golden State Warriors as well as the Dallas Mavericks and Utah Jazz that caps off the night. The NBA season kicks off on October 19 in Milwaukee. ESPN.com released the opening week schedule as well, starting with ESPN’s opening slate of games on Wednesday, October 20.

California Law Requires Organic Waste Collection to Reduce Climate Change

Tuesday, August 17 (NYC Food Policy) – California State Bill 1383 targets short-lived climate pollutants in organic waste, including methane/carbon dioxide emissions from dairy and livestock and waste that goes to landfills, where they become a source of greenhouse gases. The law takes effect in 2022, when residents and businesses will be required to recycle organic waste and jurisdictions must provide the appropriate collection services. It also establishes regulations for one-, two-, or three-container collection systems with requirements regarding container colors and proper labeling. Sorted waste will then be sent to facilities for processing into compost or biofuel. Curbside collection requirements for residents, schools, businesses, and state agencies are also set. Passed into law on January 1, 2016, the policy is based on goals that include reducing organic waste by 50% from 2014 levels by the end of 2020, and 75% by the end of 2025.

NBA World Reacts to Latest Isaiah Thomas News

Wednesday, August 18 (The Spun) – Isaiah Thomas, Mike James, and Darren Collison are being considered for addition to the Los Angeles Lakers, according to reports by NBA insider Chris Haynes. Thomas was recently seen working out with LeBron James and Russell Westbrook, two starts of the Lakers. The two-time All-Star’s comeback has prompted mixed reactions among fans. Failing to earn a second contract with the New Orleans Pelicans, Thomas played just three games in the 2020-21 season, but he dropped 81 points in a recent Pro-Am league game. If he were added to the Lakers, he’d join a roster of players over 30 who signed to the team this off-season.

Lakers’ Biggest Winners and Losers from 2021 NBA Free Agency

Thursday, August 19 (Bleacher Report) – The Los Angeles Lakers struck a deal with Russell Westbrook, but also made many changes to their roster during the 2021 NBA off-season. They signed Carmelo Anthony, who has 27,000 career points and is a potential Hall of Famer. While Dennis Schroder was left with a contract with the Boston Celtics, Talen Horton-Tucker struck a $32 million contract after being the 46^th pick of the 2019 draft. He could be an important addition with the departures of Alex Caruso, Kyle Kuzma, and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope.