Milder Flu Strain May Be Keeping State Numbers Down
Other possible explanations for how this flu season is unfolding include theories that the available vaccine is a good match for the circulating flu strains, the virus may not be spreading rapidly because of unusually warm weather and the outbreak might not have peaked yet. Meanwhile, The San Diego Union Tribune reports on how a couple is facing Alzheimer's together.
Los Angeles Times:
A Milder 'B' Strain Might Be Keeping California's Flu Numbers Low
Though more people in California have been falling sick with the flu in the past few weeks, the season so far is proving milder than in recent years. Experts suggest several reasons: the available vaccine is a good match for the flu strains going around, the virus may not be spreading rapidly because of unusually warm weather, and the outbreak might not have peaked yet. (Karlamangla, 2/19)
The San Diego Union Tribune:
Alzheimer's No Barrier For Inseparable Couple
Every morning after breakfast, 90-year-old Chuck Steffen leaves his apartment to drive to the gym for a swim and workout, followed by a few errands. Then by lunchtime, he’s home again inside the secure walls of the memory-care wing at Aegis of Shadowridge. Chuck doesn’t have Alzheimer’s but his wife of 64 years, Mary Alice, does. And rather than put her in a center and visit each day, the retired dermatologist sold their home on Fire Mountain in Oceanside three years ago and moved in with her. He laments that the small and spare two-bedroom unit at the care center is a big step down from the large home and gardens they once shared, but for Chuck, living apart was unthinkable. (Kragen, 2/19)
Meanwhile, on the subject of environmental health -
Capital Public Radio:
Study: California Agency Fails To Regulate Pesticide Mixtures
A new study from UCLA says the California Department of Pesticide Regulation should do more to protect people from exposure to multiple pesticides. (Quinton, 2/18)
KERO:
Cal-State Bakersfield Strives To Conserve Water
Cal-State Bakersfield is one of the largest water consumers in Bakersfield, with almost 12,000 sprinkler heads across the entire property. Today, 23ABC's Meteorologist Mike Boyce spoke with the Associate Vice President of Facilities, Patrick Jacobs, to find out how they're utilizing drought-tolerant landscaping. A $250,000 grant from the California State University system, CSUB is creating "demonstration gardens", which is 3 separate sites totalling about 1 acre of land. Jacobs tells 23ABC, it is expected that water usage will be reduced from about 850,000 gallons of water per acre annually, down to about 200,000 gallons. (Boyce, 2/19)
The Bakersfield Californian:
Pipeline Operator Fined Over Arvin Gas Leak
A state regulator has fined Petro Capital Resources $75,000 over a gas pipeline leak that forced about three dozen people from their homes for more than eight months, it was announced Friday. The Division of Oil, Gas and Geothermal Resources found the pipeline operator “failed to test, operate and/or maintain oilfield production facilities in accordance with good oil field practice” and it raised “significant potential for harm” to people and property. (Bedell and Cox, 1/19)
And on the challenges of regulating medical marijuana dispensaries -
The Bakersfield Californian:
Regulating Pot Shops A Game Of Whac-A-Mole
The number of medical marijuana dispensaries open in Bakersfield and unincorporated Kern County has ballooned to around 70 despite their longtime illegality, leaving officials scrambling to catch up. The problem is exacerbated by the nature of the businesses, which sometimes attract criminals who have robbed, tortured, threatened and killed employees. (Burger, 2/20)