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Stanford monitors wastewater for COVID-19 and simian pox genetic markers

Peninsula 360 Press

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2022.08.05

Stanford monitors wastewater for COVID-19 and simian pox genetic markers

Investigadores de la Universidad de Stanford y la Universidad de Emory han lanzado una iniciativa a nivel nacional para monitorear la viruela símica, la COVID-19 y otras enfermedades infecciosas en las comunidades mediante la medición del material genético viral en las aguas residuales.

El esfuerzo buscará también proporcionar a los funcionarios de salud y al público datos gratuitos y de alta calidad, que son fundamentales para informar la toma de decisiones de salud pública.

La iniciativa ya está produciendo datos, incluidas las primeras detecciones de ADN de viruela símica en aguas residuales en los Estados Unidos, destacó la universidad en un comunicado.

This new Stanford-led effort, called WastewaterSCAN, amplía significativamente el acceso al enfoque analítico y los informes públicos desarrollados por los científicos y 11 comunidades del norte de California a través de Sewer Coronavirus Alert Network ‒SCAN‒ que se lanzó en noviembre de 2020.

Comenzando con el virus SARS- CoV-2 que causa la COVID-19, SCAN ha brindado información frecuente que es comparable a lo largo del tiempo y de un lugar a otro sobre los niveles comunitarios de la enfermedad, sus variantes, viruela símica, influenza A y virus respiratorio sincitial ‒RSV, por sus siglas en inglés‒ para ayudar a dar forma a las respuestas de salud pública a esas infecciones.

Los científicos que lideran WastewaterSCAN fueron los primeros en reportar detecciones de marcadores genéticos del virus de la viruela símica en aguas residuales en Estados Unidos, que hasta el momento son las únicas detecciones reportadas del monitoreo de aguas residuales.

Comenzaron a realizar pruebas de ADN viral de la viruela del símica en las 11 ubicaciones en el norte de California el 19 de junio, tuvieron las dos primeras detecciones positivas en plantas que prestan servicios en partes de San Francisco al día siguiente y encontraron ADN viral de la viruela de símica en las aguas residuales de 10 sitios.

A partir de hoy, 38 plantas de tratamiento en ocho estados están recibiendo los resultados de la viruela símica de WastewaterSCAN y SCAN, además de los resultados del virus SARS-CoV-2 que causa la COVID-19 y sus variantes BA.4 y BA.5, influenza A y RSV.

En total, el equipo ha detectado ADN de viruela símica en aguas residuales en 22 lugares.

«Debido a que se basa en la población y no está sesgado por el acceso a las pruebas clínicas, las aguas residuales nos ayudan a comprender las tendencias de las enfermedades infecciosas en una comunidad. Hemos visto lo valioso que puede ser esto a medida que han cambiado las prácticas de prueba individuales para el SARS-CoV-2», dijo Alexandria Boehm, profesora de ingeniería civil y ambiental en Stanford.

«El material genético de los patógenos que monitoreamos se ha documentado en excreciones de personas infectadas que terminan en el sistema de tratamiento de aguas residuales», puntualizó.

Los científicos de Stanford y Emory están trabajando con Verily Life Sciences, que colabora para optimizar métodos de alto rendimiento, probar muestras y producir datos en su laboratorio, y con funcionarios locales de aguas residuales y salud pública para producir datos procesables sobre COVID-19 y otros patógenos Comunidades en California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Kentucky, Michigan y Texas están participando hasta el momento.

«Necesitamos repensar nuestro paradigma para rastrear enfermedades infecciosas y anticipar nuevas amenazas», subrayó Marlene Wolfe, profesora asistente de salud ambiental en la Universidad de Emory y co-investigadora principal de WastewaterSCAN.

«Tomamos la misma muestra de sólidos de aguas residuales que ya estamos recolectando ‒es menos de medio gramo que representa hasta millones de personas en una comunidad‒ y hacemos una prueba ligeramente diferente para la siguiente variante o el siguiente patógeno».

Bradley White, científico principal de los esfuerzos de salud pública de Verily, incluidas las pruebas de aguas residuales, dijo que proporcionar resultados rápidos de las muestras es fundamental para ayudar a los funcionarios de salud pública a comprender la propagación comunitaria de estos virus, lo que permite una mitigación y un tratamiento más efectivos.

WastewaterSCAN también se está asociando con la Liga Nacional de Ciudades para apoyar a una cohorte de 50 de sus ciudades miembro mientras implementan el monitoreo de aguas residuales y trabajan para mejorar la salud pública en función de sus resultados.

«Como vimos durante la pandemia de COVID-19, los líderes comunitarios desempeñan un papel de vital importancia en la gestión proactiva de las crisis de salud, y esta emergencia de salud pública no es diferente», explicó el director ejecutivo y director ejecutivo de NLC, Clarence Anthony.

Las plantas de aguas residuales en las comunidades participantes toman muestras tres veces por semana y reciben materiales para enviar los contenedores al laboratorio de Verily para su análisis, incluida la detección de material genético viral con tecnología basada en PCR.

Los resultados están disponibles en un sitio web público within 48 hours after the arrival of the samples.

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Monarch Butterfly is officially in danger of extinction

Pamela Cruz

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2022.08.05

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Monarch Butterfly is officially in danger of extinction

The migratory monarch butterfly - Danaus plexippus plexippus - known for its spectacular annual journey of up to 4,000 kilometers across the Americas, has entered the Red List of the International Union for Conservation of Nature ‒IUCN‒ of Threatened Species in the category "In Danger", threatened by the destruction of its habitat and climate change.

The IUCN Red List currently includes 147,517 species, of which 41,459 are threatened with extinction.

“The updated Red List highlights the fragility of nature’s wonders, such as the unique spectacle of monarch butterflies migrating thousands of kilometres,” said Dr Bruno Oberle, IUCN Director General.

“To preserve nature’s rich diversity, we need effective and fairly governed protected and conserved areas, along with decisive action to respond to climate change and restore ecosystems. In turn, biodiversity conservation supports communities by providing essential services such as food, water and sustainable jobs,” she said.

The migratory monarch butterfly, "Endangered", is a subspecies of the monarch butterfly - Danaus plexippus.

The native population, known for its winter migrations from Mexico and California to summer breeding grounds in the United States and Canada, has declined by 22 to 72 percent over the past decade.

Legal and illegal logging and deforestation to make way for agriculture and urban development have already destroyed much of the butterflies' wintering grounds in Mexico and California, while pesticides and herbicides used in intensive agriculture throughout the species' range kill butterflies and milkweed, the host plant on which monarch butterfly larvae feed, the organization said in a statement.

She also highlighted that climate change has significantly impacted the migratory monarch butterfly and constitutes a rapidly growing threat as “drought limits milkweed growth and increases the frequency of catastrophic wildfires, extreme temperatures trigger earlier migrations, before milkweed is available, while severe weather events kill millions of butterflies.”

The western population is at greatest risk of extinction, having declined by an estimated 99.9 percent from 10 million to 1,914 butterflies between the 1980s and 2021. The larger eastern population has also declined by 84 percent between 1996 and 2014, the IUCN said.

In this regard, he noted that there is still concern about whether there are enough butterflies left to maintain populations and prevent extinction.

“It’s heartbreaking to see monarch butterflies and their extraordinary migration teeter on the brink of collapse, but there are signs of hope. Many people and organizations have come together to try to protect this butterfly and its habitats. From planting native milkweed and reducing pesticide use to supporting winter site protection and contributing to community science, we can all play a role in ensuring this iconic insect makes a full recovery,” said Anna Walker, Species Survival Officer at the New Mexico BioPark Society, who led the monarch assessment.

Adding to the news, he said, is the sad evidence that all the remaining species of sturgeon in the northern hemisphere, including migratory species, are being pushed even closer to the brink of the abyss by dams and poaching, which are the most endangered group of animals in the world.

The global reassessment of sturgeons released last week reveals that 100 percent of the world's remaining 26 sturgeon species are now threatened with extinction, up from 85 percent in 2009.

The assessments are based on refined calculations, which show that its decline over the past three generations is steeper than previously thought.

The Yangtze sturgeon – Acipenser dabryanus – has been downlisted from Critically Endangered to Extinct in the Wild, with 17 species now Critically Endangered, three Endangered and five Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List. The reassessment has also confirmed the extinction of the Chinese paddlefish – Psephurus gladius.

Famous for their size, with the Critically Endangered beluga whale – Huso huso – able to grow up to eight metres and weigh up to 1,700 kilograms, sturgeons have been overexploited for their meat and caviar for centuries.

Despite being protected under international law, poaching continues to affect more than half of these species, and stricter enforcement of regulations on the illegal sale of sturgeon meat and caviar is critical to halting further declines.

Dams affect all sturgeon species migrating to their breeding grounds, while warming rivers due to climate change further disrupt the reproduction of these fish. Restoring freshwater ecosystems and building effective fish passages, along with restocking, which has already proven effective for species such as the Critically Endangered Adriatic sturgeon – Acipenser naccarii – are key measures to support the long-term survival of the world’s sturgeons.

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Journalist Ernesto Méndez, director of "Tu Voz" media outlet, murdered in Mexico

Peninsula 360 Press

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2022.08.04

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Journalist Ernesto Méndez, director of "Tu Voz" media outlet, murdered in Mexico

Journalist Ernesto Méndez, director of the media outlet “Tu Voz”, located in the state of Guanajuato, has been murdered in Mexico. With him, 13 journalists have been killed so far in 2022 in the neighboring country, making him one of the most dangerous for those who practice any type of journalism.

The organization Article 19 announced the unfortunate news through its account Twitter, where he specified that there was a history of threats against the victim, for which reason he called on the Special Prosecutor's Office for Crimes Committed against Freedom of Expression - FEADLE - and the Attorney General's Office - FGR - to take on the case and consider his informative work as a motive for the crime.

With Ernesto, 13 journalists have been murdered so far in 2022, at least 9 of them linked to their work.

"We demand that the Mexican State act urgently to stop this phenomenon and we join in the grief of Ernesto's family, friends and colleagues," the organization said.

According to initial reports of the murder, the journalist was in a bar with other people when an armed group burst in and opened fire, leaving a total of four people dead and two wounded.

Ernesto Méndez became the thirteenth journalist to be murdered this year. On June 29, Antonio de la Cruz, a reporter for the newspaper El Expreso, was killed in Ciudad Victoria, Tamaulipas. In May, Yesenia Mollinedo, director of the El Veraz website, and reporter Johana García from the same outlet, were gunned down in front of a convenience store.

These murders are in addition to those of Lourdes Maldonado and Margarito Martinez in Tijuana, Baja California; Heber Lopez Cruz in Salina Cruz, Oaxaca; Juan Carlos Muniz in Fresnillo, Zacatecas; Jorge Camero Zazueta in Empalme, Sonora; Roberto Toledo in Zitacuaro, Michoacan; Jose Luis Gamboa in Veracruz, Veracruz; Armando Linares in Zitacuaro, Michoacan; and Luis Enrique Ramirez in Culiacan, Sinaloa.

From this media outlet located in San Francisco Bay, California, USA, we deeply condemn the murders of Mexican journalists who seek to freely and safely carry out their journalistic work in Mexico, while, as fellow citizens, we demand that the government clarify, resolve and exercise the full weight of the law against those who took the lives of these and all the murdered journalists.

We also demand that all reporters, photographers, cameramen, writers, editors and other journalistic positions be protected by the State, because, although our media is focused on the Latino community in California, we have collaborators who carry out their work in Mexico and today their integrity is compromised.

You may be interested in: Journalist Antonio de la Cruz murdered in Mexico, his murder makes 12 so far this year

Smallpox advances in U.S., country declares State of Emergency

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Health

Peninsula 360 Press

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2022.08.04

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Smallpox advances in U.S., country declares State of Emergency

Smallpox advances in the U.S. and a State of Emergency is declared. — Photo: NHS England High Consequence Infectious Disease Network

After the first case was reported in the United States in mid-May, monkeypox is advancing in the United States and a State of Emergency is declared after more than 6,600 probable or confirmed cases.

The announcement was made this afternoon during a briefing by the Department of Health and Human Services ‒HHS, for its acronym in English‒.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the states with the highest number of monkeypox cases are California (826), Florida (525), Georgia (504), Illinois (547), New York (1,666), and Texas (527).

However, those where there has been significant progress in the disease are DC ‒257‒, Maryland ‒157‒, Massachusetts ‒134‒, New Jersey ‒160‒, Pennsylvania ‒173‒, Virginia ‒105‒, and Washington ‒134‒.

So far, Montana and Wyoming are the states that have not reported a single positive case.

On July 23, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the disease a “Public Health Emergency of International Concern” after more than 16,000 cases were reported in 75 countries around the world.

"There is a clear risk of further international spread, although the risk of interference with international traffic remains low at this time," WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said at the time.

This, he said, would potentially require a coordinated international response.

Cities such as New York and San Francisco have declared a State of Emergency, as have states such as California, New York and Illinois.

On Tuesday, President Joseph Biden named Robert Fenton as the White House national coordinator for the monkeypox response. Fenton, a regional administrator for the Federal Emergency Management Agency who oversees Arizona, California, Hawaii and Nevada, will coordinate the federal government’s response to the outbreak.

Additionally, Dr. Demetre Daskalakis, director of CDC’s Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention, serves as deputy coordinator.

Monkeypox is spread through close physical contact between people. This means that anyone can contract the disease. However, according to the current outbreak, certain populations are affected by monkeypox more than others, including men who have sex with men.

Based on previous monkeypox outbreaks around the world, some groups may also be at higher risk of serious outcomes if they contract the virus, including people with weakened immune systems, the elderly, young children under 8 years old, and pregnant people.

Symptoms of monkeypox may include:

Rashes, bumps, or blisters on or around the genitals or other areas such as the hands, feet, chest, or face.

Flu-like symptoms, such as fever, headache, muscle aches, chills, and fatigue. These symptoms may occur before or after the rash appears, or not at all.

Monkeypox can be spread to anyone through close personal contact, often skin-to-skin, including:

Direct contact with monkeypox rash, scabs or body fluids of a person with monkeypox.
Touching objects, fabrics (clothing, bedding, or towels) and surfaces that have been used by someone with monkeypox.
Contact with respiratory secretions.

This direct contact can occur during intimate contact, including:

Oral, anal, and vaginal sex or touching the genitals (penis, testicles, lips, and vagina) or anus (anus) of a person with monkeypox.
Hugs, massages and kisses.
Prolonged face-to-face contact.
Touching fabrics and objects during sex that were used by a person with monkeypox and that have not been disinfected, such as bedding, towels, fetish items, and sex toys.

A pregnant woman can transmit the virus to her fetus through the placenta.

It is also possible for people to get monkeypox from infected animals, either by being scratched or bitten by the animal or by preparing or eating meat or using products from an infected animal.

Monkeypox symptoms usually begin within 3 weeks of exposure to the virus. If someone has flu-like symptoms, they will typically develop a rash 1 to 4 days later, the CDC says.

Monkeypox can spread from the time symptoms begin until the rash has healed, all scabs have fallen off, and a new layer of skin has formed. The illness usually lasts 2 to 4 weeks.

The CDC initially announced that monkeypox vaccines would be released from the Strategic National Stockpile and offered to “high-risk” contacts of patients with the disease, as well as health care workers treating them.

Federal health officials have since expanded vaccination efforts to focus on the broader community of men who have sex with men, the demographic that makes up the majority of cases.

With information from CNN.

You may be interested in: Gavin Newsom Declares California a State of Emergency for Smallpox

Raise your jars! International Beer Day is celebrated this Friday.

Pamela Cruz

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2022.08.04

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Raise your jars! International Beer Day is celebrated this Friday.

"Beer is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy," said the American scientist and politician Benjamin Franklin. We cannot argue with him, because without a doubt the drink is one of the favorites of almost every adult and one of the most consumed in California, so we call on everyone to raise their glasses and celebrate International Beer Day this Friday.

Every year since 2008, the first Friday in August is celebrated as International Beer Day, after a group of friends in a small bar in Santa Cruz, California, selected the day with the aim of dedicating a day to the drink that is drunk almost everywhere on Earth. The tradition spread throughout the world and is currently held in more than 200 cities on all continents.

Beer dates back several centuries, but everything indicates that the first signs of its production were in Lower Mesopotamia by the Sumerians, some 4 thousand years before Christ. However, it is believed that it was the Babylonians who perfected it, and it is said that if a bad batch was made, the brewer was drowned in it.

There is no doubt that the ancient Egyptians built the pyramids while consuming a good amount of beer. About 4 liters a day, to be exact according to data from the British Museum.

The Vikings believed that a giant goat resided in Valhalla whose udders were filled with an unlimited supply of beer, a belief that for many is a beautiful dream.

The Czech Republic is the world's beer capital. Each Czech drinks an average of 40 gallons a year.

Golden California

According to the American Brewers Association, the state of California has 931 craft breweries in its territory, placing it first in the entire American Union with the highest number of these centers, offering 3.1 breweries per 100,000 inhabitants over 21 years of age.

At the national level, these craft breweries have had an economic impact, generating $9.31 billion in 2021 alone.

The Golden State produces 3 million 499 thousand 182 barrels of craft beer per year, generating 3.7 gallons of “liquid bread” per adult over 21 years of age.

Beer in the U.S.

Total U.S. beer sales volume increased 1 percent in 2021, while craft brewers' sales volume grew 8 percent, bringing small and independent brewers' share of the U.S. beer market by volume to 13.1 percent.

Retail dollar sales of craft beer rose 21 percent to $26.8 billion and now account for just under 27 percent of the $100 billion U.S. beer market — up from $94 billion.

The main reason for the larger increase in dollar sales was the shift in beer volume from packaged sales to bars and restaurants.

Some curious facts about beer:

The Egyptian workers who were in charge of building the Egyptian pyramids received part of their pay in beer.
Beer is good for the body! It contains a high level of silicon which increases calcium and mineral deposits for healthy bone tissue. Of course, in moderation.
More than 80 percent of beer is made up of water, so its flavor depends greatly on the quality of the water used to make it.
Today, beer is consumed by both men and women, but originally the only expert brewers were women. Even in the 19th century, it was believed that beer consumption was beneficial for good breastfeeding.
In the Middle Ages, due to the scarcity of drinking water, there was a very high percentage of the population that drank beer instead of water because thanks to the alcohol they ensured the drink's potability.
Originally, beer was fermented cereal flour in the same way as bread. The difference was in the proportion of water. If there was more flour than water, bread was produced. But if, on the other hand, there was more water than flour, beer was produced.
The name they used to refer to beer was "liquid bread" and in many cases what was done was to make bread and after baking it, immerse it in water to ferment it.
Beer has properties that curl hair, due to the active ingredients of yeast and barley, as they provide a large amount of minerals that strengthen keratin and moisturize the hair, giving it a surprising shine.
Despite the various beliefs about beer foam, the truth is that a voluminous foam is a sign of a good quality beer. What's more, the foam should not disappear at any time, not even when you finish the glass.

Once you know the facts, it's important to show them off to friends and family while enjoying a cold beer at a bar, restaurant, club or terrace of your choice. But if you have no idea where to go, here's a list of some of the best recommendations in San Mateo County.

1.- Freewheel Brewing Co.Located at 3736 Florence Street in Redwood City, this brewery and restaurant offers beers made using the same ingredients and methods as their sister breweries in England. Most of their beer is either on tap or real ale, a beer made with traditional ingredients, matured by barrel fermentation.

They focus on using fresh, local ingredients to prepare delicious pub fare made from scratch, offering daily specials. In addition to beer, they offer wine, hard cider and a variety of mixed drinks.

Their staff will be more than happy to give you information about how they brew their beer and the different styles they serve. Don't be shy to ask, and if you want to know more, see if one of their brewers is available to show you around the brewery. On weekends they feature live music.

2.- Half Moon Bay Brewing Company. Located at 390 Capistrano Road in Half Moon Bay, this casual coastal restaurant and bar has become an institution in the area for locals and visitors alike since opening in 2000.

It is considered one of the best coastal breweries in the entire country, and in addition to its award-winning beers, it offers fresh seafood and brunch on weekends from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

3.- Fieldwork Brewing Co. At 3030 South Delaware Street in San Mateo, there is a small place that offers affordable outdoor dining and quality beers. Its citrus-flavored beers are especially popular with locals, along with traditional ales.

The place is open from Monday to Sunday and offers takeaway food and drinks. Children and well-behaved pets are welcome!

4.- Devil's Canyon Brewing Co. It is located at 935 Washington St. in San Carlos and is a space that has been serving the public who are fans of beer, relaxed food and a place to have fun for more than 20 years.

Their beer is well known in the area and it is a favorite spot for young and old adults to enjoy a good Ale or IPA.

In addition, every Friday is a party at the Devil's Canyon, as with a tradition of more than two decades, starting at 4:00 p.m., children, adults and pets are welcome to enjoy live music, food trucks and fresh craft drinks made every day on the premises.

5.- Alpha AcidIf you're looking for something to experiment with, this brewery might be just the thing. Located at 121 Industrial Rd Unit 11 in Belmont, this brewery makes plenty of unique beers while also reworking fan favorites, with over 500 unique recipes. In fact, since Alpha Acid releases two new beers weekly, you could technically visit their taproom once every seven days and still not try every beer they make.

It is open every day and allows you to bring your own food, as they do not provide food. Children are also welcome as long as they are accompanied by an adult, as are well-behaved dogs.

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Bay Area leads statewide efforts in water conservation

Peninsula 360 Press

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2022.08.04

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Bay Area leads statewide efforts in water conservation

By Kiley Russell. Bay City News

Los últimos números de conservación del agua en todo el estado están mejorando, se han más que duplicado de mayo a junio, y el Área de la Bahía está a la cabeza.

En junio, el consumo de agua en todo el estado se redujo en un 7.6 por ciento en comparación con junio de 2020, mientras que en mayo los californianos redujeron el uso de agua en solo un 3,1 por ciento, según un informe de la Junta Estatal de Control de Recursos Hídricos el martes.

«La segunda ronda de las regulaciones de emergencia por sequía entró en vigencia a finales de mayo y los números parecen indicar que estamos viendo algunos impactos positivos», dijo Marielle Pinheiro, especialista en datos de la Oficina de Investigación, Planificación y Desarrollo de la Junta de Agua.

Las regulaciones de emergencia requieren que todos los 436 proveedores de agua urbana del estado implementen Planes de contingencia de escasez de agua de la Etapa 2, que varían de un proveedor a otro, pero pueden incluir cosas como multas o cargos adicionales por el consumo excesivo de agua, así como incentivos para la conservación y para reemplazar el paisajismo intensivo en el vital líquido.

Por ejemplo, el Distrito de Servicios Públicos Municipales de East Bay, que suministra agua potable a 1.4 millones de clientes en los condados de Alameda y Contra Costa, ordenó una reducción del uso de agua del 10 por ciento, endureció las restricciones sobre el uso de agua al aire libre y restableció su Ordenanza de Penalización por Uso Excesivo, que incluye multas de 2 dólares por cada 748 galones de agua utilizados por encima del umbral de mil 646 galones, entre otras cosas.

El distrito dice que se registró reducciones en el uso de agua del 6 por ciento en mayo, 12 por ciento en junio y 16 por ciento en julio en comparación con 2020.

«Las cifras de ahorro de los clientes se están moviendo en la dirección correcta, pero sabemos que debemos hacer más», dijo el gerente general de EBMUD, Clifford Chan, en un comunicado de prensa el martes.

«EBMUD les pide a sus clientes que continúen conservando y, si pueden, hagan más cambios para generar impactos a largo plazo en sus hábitos de uso del agua», dijo Chan.

Además, en junio, la Junta de Agua prohibió el uso de agua potable en «césped decorativo o no funcional» en propiedades comerciales, industriales e institucionales en todo el estado.

«Creo que los números definitivamente van en la dirección correcta», dijo Dave Eggerton, director ejecutivo de la Asociación de Agencias de Agua de California.

«Es positivo y solo está mejorando», dijo Eggerton, cuya asociación representa a cientos de sistemas de agua que en conjunto entregan alrededor del 90 por ciento del agua del estado a usuarios residenciales y comerciales.

El presidente de la Junta de Agua, Joaquín Esquivel, dijo que las cifras de conservación de junio son alentadoras, ya que vienen después de dos meses, marzo y abril, en los que las cifras de uso de agua en todo el estado aumentaron en un 18.7 por ciento y un 17.8 por ciento.

«Lo que es importante ver es ese giro», subrayó Esquivel. «A finales de mayo aprobamos nuestros reglamentos, todas las agencias de agua están ahora en el Nivel 2 de su Plan de Contingencia de Escasez de Agua y comenzamos a prohibir el riego de césped no funcional».

En junio, las 10 regiones hidrológicas del estado informaron una disminución en el uso del agua, con el Área de la Bahía encabezando la lista con un 12.6 por ciento, seguida por las regiones de la Costa Norte y el Río San Joaquín con un poco más del 10 por ciento cada una.

La región de la Costa Sur, que incluye Los Ángeles y San Diego y alberga a más del 55 por ciento de la población del estado, registró una caída de casi el 6 por ciento en el uso del agua.

Desde julio de 2021 hasta junio de 2022, el uso acumulado de agua del estado se redujo en un 2.7 por ciento en comparación con 2020, aún muy por debajo del objetivo de conservación del 15 por ciento establecido por el gobernador Gavin Newsom.

«Nos reunimos con el gobernador recientemente y dejó muy claro que quiere que esto suceda», puntualizó dijo Eggerton. «Es una parte fundamental de nuestra respuesta a la sequía».

Eggerton también dijo que el estado debe continuar invirtiendo en sistemas de suministro y almacenamiento de agua para desarrollar la resiliencia ante el aumento continuo de la temperatura y la disminución de las precipitaciones.

«Realmente necesitamos capturar tanta (agua) como podamos cuando tengamos años húmedos para estar en una mejor posición para enfrentar los desafíos que tenemos ahora», finalizó.

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Progress on COVID-19 vaccination needed as new variants emerge

Peninsula 360 Press

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2022.08.04

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Progress on COVID-19 vaccination needed as new variants emerge

progress needs to be made in vaccination against COVID-19 — Photo: P360P

SARS-CoV-2 transmission remains high in San Mateo County, reflecting the continued dominance of the BA.5 variant, necessitating further COVID-19 vaccination to protect against severe disease and death.

This was stated by Louise Rogers, San Mateo County Health Chief, who stressed in a message that as many families begin to think about having children return to classrooms while there is high transmission and fewer requirements or restrictions, it is necessary to strengthen inoculation.

In this regard, the local official thanked educational partners for their work to update prevention policies and protocols to allow for safe in-person learning.

"We appreciate the focus of education professionals and families on staying up to date with vaccinations and promoting ventilation, masking, testing and staying home when sick," she said.

It is worth noting that San Mateo County remains in the "high" tier of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ‒CDC‒, as is much of the Bay Area region and the state.

"This is a longer phase of high transmission than we have experienced in previous periods," Rogers said.

As of Tuesday, the number of patients hospitalized in San Mateo County with COVID-19 was 58 and has fluctuated between 30 and 60 for most of the past two and a half months, the statement said.

The number of hospitalized patients is comparable to the peak of the Delta wave a year ago, but lower than the peak of the Omicron winter wave, which reached 160 patients.

Meanwhile, the level of hospitalization in intensive care units has been in the single digits. “Our local hospitals continue to be able to manage these levels of hospitalization.”

In this regard, he stressed that it is still "strongly recommended" to wear a high-quality mask in indoor environments and to increase ventilation, for example by opening windows and doors where possible, to help prevent infections.

“We urge residents to get tested if they are experiencing symptoms and to contact their doctor. If you are positive, a doctor can assess whether COVID treatments are right for you,” Rogers stressed.

On the vaccination front, she stressed that this is a time of “high transmission,” so if you are eligible for a booster, it is time to get updated, as existing COVID-19 vaccines remain the most important tool to prevent severe illness, hospitalization and death.

For those over 50 or immunocompromised who received a first booster more than four months ago, it is recommended to get their second booster as soon as possible. “There are many avenues throughout the county through health care providers and pharmacies.”

The federal government said Friday that eligibility for a second booster shot will remain unchanged, with a variant-specific Omicron booster expected to be available for those 12 and older in the fall.

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Visiting Hyperion, the tallest living thing on the planet, could cost you jail time

Constanza Mazzotti

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2022.08.02

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Visiting Hyperion, the tallest living thing on the planet, could cost you jail time

El Parque Nacional de las Secuoyas de California es el hogar de Hyperion, el ser viviente más alto del planeta, pero visitarlo podría costarle una multa de 5 mil dólares y seis meses de cárcel, pues su integridad está en riesgo debido al maltrato desmedido de las personas que acuden al lugar.

A través de un comunicado, el parque ubicado al norte de California, casi en la frontera con Oregón, detalló que ha quedado estrictamente prohibido visitar o acercarse al longevo árbol.

«Los visitantes que pisan Hyperion han resultado en la degradación de la base del árbol. El área alrededor del árbol ya no tiene helechos debido al pisoteo», destacó el parque.

Además, ha precisado que está prohibido lanzar, aterrizar u operar una aeronave no tripulada desde o sobre tierras y aguas administradas por el Servicio de Parques Nacionales dentro de los límites del Parque Nacional Redwood, excepto que el superintendente lo apruebe por escrito.

En la actualidad se han implementado numerosas restricciones en el parque, estos incluyen la prohibición de trepar cualquier árbol sin permiso de investigación emitido por el Parque Nacional y Estatal de Redwood además de un permiso por parte del Servicio de Pesca y Vida Silvestre de los Estados Unidos (USFWS) por sus siglas en inglés.

A su vez, el arroyo Tom McDonald y la zona circundante aguas arriba de su confluencia con RedwoodCreek forman parte también de los senderos restringidos.

Aunque actualmente visitar a Hyperion está oficialmente prohibido, este gigante se encuentra ubicado en el Parque Nacional de las Secuoyas ubicado junto al Parque Nacional Cañón de los Reyes, específicamente en las montañas de Sierra Nevada del norte de California. Dicho parque se caracteriza por albergar a los enormes árboles de la especie secuoya.

Y es que aunque el árbol se encuentra resguardado y su ubicación exacta fuera del alcance del público, ya ha presentado ciertos niveles de degradación por parte de algunas personas. Pero no sólo los humanos representan un peligro para el Titán de los bosques, pues los incendios también son un elemento amenzante.

The Sequoia National Park de California invita a la reflexión «¿Serás parte de la preservación del parque? ¿O parte del problema?», con la que invita a informarse sobre las consecuencias que actualmente existen si es que se llegara a visitar la zona protegida, pues afirma no existe ningún sendero hacia Hyperion.

«Desde su “descubrimiento” en 2006, este árbol ha estado en la lista de deseos de muchos entusiastas de los árboles. Hyperion se encuentra fuera del sendero a través de una densa vegetación y requiere un gran esfuerzo para llegar al árbol», señala el comunicado.

A pesar del difícil viaje, el aumento de la popularidad debido a los “bloggers”, los escritores de viajes y los sitios web de este árbol fuera de los senderos ha resultado en la devastación del hábitat que rodea a Hyperion. Como visitante, debe decidir si será parte de la preservación de este paisaje único o será parte de su destrucción», agregó.

Hyperion no sólo es dentro de la mitología griega el Titán y padre del dios del Sol sino que así se llama el árbol más sabio que seguramente vio nacer a los abuelos de tus abuelos pues siendo el ser viviente más alto del planeta —en 2004 medía unos 115.55 metros de altura— y se estima que tiene entre 600 u 800 años.

Cabe mencionar que esta peculiar secuoya fue descubierta por Chris Atkins y Michael Taylor, ambos de origen estadounidense el 25 de agosto de 2006, ante las características de dicho árbol su ubicación exacta se mantiene en secreto para tratar de protegerlo.

All of this has earned him to be considered by the Guinness World Records como el árbol vivo más alto del mundo con una altura de 116.07 metros de altura en 2019.

El árbol «secuoya roja» o «de California» es un árbol muy longevo —llega a vivir entre mil 200 y mil 800 años— y además su altura es espectacular siendo la conífera más alta, llegando a medir hasta 115 metros sin incluir sus raíces y, además comprende un poco más de siete metros de diámetro en su base.

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Redwood City seeks candidates for City Council District 4 vacancy

Peninsula 360 Press

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2022.08.02

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The Redwood City Council is seeking candidates for vacancy in District 4.

El solicitante seleccionado se desempeñará como miembro del Concejo Municipal del Distrito 4 hasta diciembre de 2024.

De acuerdo con la Carta Constitucional de la Ciudad y la ley estatal aplicable, el Concejo Municipal debe designar a un solicitante para ocupar la vacante antes del 18 de septiembre de 2022, por lo que está en busca de un ciudadano que busque aportar a su comunidad.

El Concejo Municipal de siete miembros actúa como representante legislativo, organismo que representa a los ciudadanos de Redwood City.

Eligibility requirements of candidates for vacancy in District 4

Los solicitantes deben tener al menos 18 años de edad y ser ciudadano de EE. UU., además se les pedirá que proporcionen verificación para ser considerados para el nombramiento, y deberán residir en los límites del Distrito 4, tal como se trazan en el Mapa de Límites del Concejo Municipal de 2019 antes del momento del nombramiento ‒antes del 23 de julio de 2022‒.

A su vez, el residente de Redwood City a postularse no deberá estar inhabilitado para ocupar un cargo civil por la Constitución o las leyes del estado de California.

Periodo de aplicación

El período de solicitud estará abierto del 26 de julio al 16 de agosto. El secretario municipal debe recibir todas las solicitudes elegibles a más tardar el 16 de agosto a las 17:00 horas.

Las solicitudes completas serán aceptadas a través del portal de solicitud en línea disponible en www.RedwoodCity.org/Vacancy; por correo electrónico al Secretario Municipal a paguilar@redwoodcity.org; por correo dirigido a la Oficina del Secretario Municipal con atención al City Council District 4 Vacancy, en el 1017 de Middlefield Road, Redwood City, CA 94063; o en persona en la recepción del vestíbulo del Ayuntamiento.

El horario de atención es de lunes a miércoles, de 10:00 a 16:00 horas.

Cabe destacar que las solicitudes impresas están disponibles en todas las instalaciones de la Ciudad, incluyendo el Ayuntamiento, todas las bibliotecas, el Centro Comunitario Fair Oaks y el Edificio de Actividades Comunitarias.

El Concejo destacó que cualquier solicitud que no cumpla con los requisitos mínimos de elegibilidad no será considerada para esta vacante.

Appointment of the City Council

Después del cierre del período de solicitud, el personal de la ciudad confirmará la elegibilidad de cada solicitante. El Concejo Municipal entrevistará a los solicitantes elegibles en una reunión pública especial o regular debidamente notificada programada tentativamente para el 22 de agosto de 2022.

Si el Concejo Municipal no tiene éxito en la designación de un solicitante elegible antes del 18 de septiembre de 2022, el organismo deberá realizar una Elección Especial para llenar la vacante.

Aunque se necesita la confirmación del Registro de Votantes del Condado de San Mateo, la fecha más temprana disponible para una Elección Especial es el martes 31 de enero de 2023, pero podría ser hasta el 7 de marzo de 2023 de no encontrarse a un candidato al puesto.

Los interesados pueden obtener más información visitando el sitio web www.RedwoodCity.org/Vacancy, y si se tienen preguntas o necesita servicios de traducción para conocer el proceso de solicitud, puede comunicarse con el secretario municipal al (650) 780-7220 o envíe un correo electrónico a paguilar@redwoodcity.org.

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Increase in COVID-19 cases in the U.S. sparks discussion on possible return of mandates

Peninsula 360 Press

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2022.08.02

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Increase in COVID-19 cases in the U.S. sparks discussion on possible return of mandates

The fifth wave of the pandemic has caused a surge in COVID-19 cases in the U.S., sparking discussions about whether mask mandates should return and the importance of getting the COVID-19 vaccine.

More than two-thirds of the U.S. population has tested positive for COVID-19, and 78 percent are part of the Omicron BA5 subvariant, which is not only more contagious but also has more severe symptoms. However, health measures to prevent contracting the disease have been reduced over time.

The use of masks, antibacterial gel, and other things have been left behind, as people have had to return to normality. However, while precautionary measures lose importance, the virus advances.

"The virus is not fast, but it moves," said Ben Neuman, professor of biology and head of virology at Global Health in a panel organized by Ethnic Media Services where experts met to discuss the risks posed by new variants of SARS-CoV-2 virus infection.

Neuman stressed the importance of the population getting the COVID-19 vaccine as well as its boosters, because although they do not rule out the possibility of becoming infected, they reduce complications, hospitalizations and deaths. “We have to use the tools we have as much as we can,” he said.

There are more positive cases than reported

For his part, Peter Chin-Hong, a professor of medicine specializing in the treatment of infectious diseases, commented that the numbers of people who have tested positive for the disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus are higher than those officially reported, since there are those who perform the tests at home or those who simply let the disease pass. "If 1,300 cases are reported a day, there are probably actually a million," he said.

"The true number of infections is much higher than what we are counting," said William Schaffner, a professor of medicine in the Division of Infectious Diseases at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine.

He also noted that in his experience, rapid COVID-19 tests are less likely to report a positive result in cases of Omicron's BA5 subvariant.

He also stressed that respiratory infections have increased during this summer season, but this does not mean that all people who have symptoms have the disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, so it is best to take a PCR test instead of a rapid test at home.

Discussions continue over the use of masks

States like California have considered reinstating mask mandates, but have backed off because COVID-19 cases have been declining. “That will be up to local authorities to decide,” Schaffner said, but he recommended that masks be worn at least by those at risk of complications, including older adults and people with underlying health conditions.

“Just because we don’t have a mask mandate in public spaces doesn’t mean it’s not a good idea to wear a mask, so it’s still a very strong recommendation even if you’re fully vaccinated and you have your boosters, because who wants to be at home for 5 days?” Chin-Hong said, noting that they not only allow those wearing them to protect themselves, but they also protect all levels of society.

Neuman commented that “from a technical standpoint, masks work, they are always a very good idea and we should have mask mandates and vaccine mandates.”

Is Paxlovid a viable treatment?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says Paxlovid is still recommended as a treatment for early-stage mild to moderate COVID-19 disease in patients at high risk for severe disease, preventing hospitalization and death. However, people with kidney or liver problems are not eligible to receive the drug.

"It prevents the development of a more serious disease," said Schaffner, who along with his wife received the treatment when they were eligible, because although the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved it for emergency use, there are a series of requirements that patients must meet to obtain Paxlovid.

The requirements for using Paxlovid as a treatment are:

Having tested positive for COVID-19 infection
Have mild or moderate disease
Have one or more risk factors for progression to severe disease
Not requiring hospitalization at the time of starting treatment
No evidence of renal or hepatic impairment

For more information on vaccines visit https://covid19.ca.gov/es/vaccines/.

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