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California startups seek to redefine outdoor travel

California Outdoor Travel
By Josué Karim. Peninsula 360 Press [P360P]

Outdoor travel can be a unique experience for adventurers who want to get in touch with nature, breathe some fresh air, get away from the daily routine and admire the scenery that California has to offer.

However, obtaining a permit to do so can take months, or because of their high demand they are difficult to obtain.

This situation has become even more complicated since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, as more Californians seek out nearby parks and campgrounds, which are increasingly in demand.

That's why two California-based companies are looking to make planning and permitting these trips a much friendlier affair, so that travelers only have to worry about taking the best photos to share on social media.

Somewhere Outside, trips planned from start to finish

Kendra Cobourn is a California resident whose love of outdoor travel has led her to have great adventures around the world, and that experience and knowledge of California's parks encouraged her to found Somewhere Outside.

The company's goal is to create a specialized space for lovers of outdoor experiences to visit all the natural wonders they've always wanted to discover, without breaking their heads trying. 

The services of Somwhere Outside The services we offer range from the planning of the trip to the beginning of it, adapted to the needs and tastes of each person, providing them with the necessary knowledge so that they can be prepared during their journey.

And enjoying the outdoors means enjoying great experiences such as family day hikes, overnight car camping, cabin-to-cabin trips, or multi-day backcountry walks. 

Somewhere Outside is a guide for adventurers to California's best parks, including the Lake Tahoe region, two-day itineraries in Yosemite, overnight stays on the John Muir Trail, and trips to the Inyo National Forest, among others.

Bewilder, the power of outdoor information

The founder of BewilderYvonne Leow said she was only 27 years old when she went on her first backpacking trip, and although there were all kinds of experiences, in the end it was completely mind-blowing.

His love of nature, his work in editorial content, and his passion for travel were some of the reasons he founded the company, because "everyone should have the opportunity to experience the beauty and freedom of the outdoors".

And it is that in a first stage, Bewilder offered customized camping trips to various destinations in California; however, keeping the information up to date due to the wildfires was complicated by trail closures, campground closures, and park closures.

Which is why Leow turned to publishing trips for first-time campers and backpackers, as well as families with young children; so now the company acts as a free newsletter that encourages first-timers to take their first excursions into the wilderness.

This is how both companies are looking to make a difference and make outdoor travel easier in California, at a time when the COVID-19 pandemic has made these types of experiences much more attractive and sought after.  

With information from the San Francisco Chronicle

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Shirley Weber explains recall election on Sept. 14

September 14th
Christian Carlos. Peninsula 360 Press [P360P].

Next September 14, 2021, a referendum will be held in California that aims to revoke the mandate of the current governor Gavin Newsom who has been in office since 2019.

In 2003, the state held its third referendum to recall Gray Davis and elect Arnold Schwarzenegger, so the Sept. 14 election represents a fourth effort to recall California's governor.

It should be noted that California is one of 19 states in the U.S. that can allow recall elections; to promote such elections, 1,495,709 signatures were required, or 12 percent of the total votes cast in the immediately preceding gubernatorial election.

Because the number of signatures were gathered in the time frame of April 26, 2021, Secretary of State Shirley Weber is required to schedule such a recall election within the next 60 to 80 days. In the event Newsom is recalled as governor of the state of California, one of 46 registered candidates must be chosen to replace him.

For this reason, Ethnic Media Services held a briefing with California Secretary of State Shirley Weber, who detailed the details of the process that will take place on September 14.

The California secretary of state opened her participation by saying that "not voting is a negative act that ends up weakening the democracy achieved in the country," which is why she stressed the importance of electing their leaders.

Weber explained that the ballots will contain two unique questions, "Do you want the governor removed?" - in this case, Gavin Newsom - and "Who do you want to replace the governor?" The secretary of state said the first question will have only two options and only one must be chosen - "yes" or "no." In the second question, you must choose from among the 46 candidates registered for this election in which the current governor Gavin Newsom will not be eligible. The second question will be relevant, Weber said, if "yes" gets 50 percent plus one vote.

Candidates can be consulted at: https://elections.cdn.sos.ca.gov/statewide-elections/2021-recall/certified-list.pdf

California Secretary of State Shirley Weber urged citizens to verify their information to participate in this recall election in three steps: check, register and vote; first, verify your voting status at https://voterstatus.sos.ca.gov/, as ballots will begin to be mailed out on August 16. On the website, you will need to update your information "as soon as possible. August 30 is the last day to register for easy voting at https://registertovote.ca.gov/. If you miss this step, you will be able to register on the same day as the recall election process, September 14, 2021.

Weber noted that all voters will receive a ballot via mail, which must be cast by September 14, 2021 via prepaid mail or in person at secure mailboxes, early voting sites.

"Voting by mail is secure," Shirley Weber said. Not only will the process of mailing and receiving the ballots be secure, she said, but each ballot will have unique watermarks, the ballots will be produced by California-certified printers, the return envelopes will have unique bar codes that will be scanned to ensure there are no duplicate votes, and finally, the voter's signature will be checked.

To know the status of the ballot in real time, the voter will be able to track it on the site: https://wheresmyballot.sos.ca.gov/ and you will be able to get information via text message -SMS-, voice call or email.

On Election Day, September 14, 2021, polling places will be open from 7 a.m. until 8 p.m. It will be until Oct. 22 when the California secretary of state will issue a certificate to the candidate-elect if the election resulted in the recall of the current governor. This process, Weber said, does not change the subsequent election processes and they are scheduled in a timely manner.

People can send their doubts and comments regarding these elections to the following email address: votesure@sos.ca.gov

California Secretary of State Shirley Weber said $70 million will be spent to publicize the process to the entire voting population.

"We hope the people will go out and vote on Sept. 14," Weber said. "The implications on who our next governor will be and, more importantly, the political environment of California, is in our hands."

SM County hosts conferences on economic recovery

Roundtables to explore economic recovery in San Mateo

By Pamela Cruz. Peninsula 360 Press [P360]

San Mateo County has organized a series of roundtable discussions to discuss and explore the impacts of COVID-19 on local small businesses, as well as opportunities for better and earlier economic recovery.

Through these informative panels and discussions that will be held during the months of August and September, experts and researchers will present data on the economic impact of the pandemic and its prospects for the economy in the future. 

Speakers will include Chris Benner, Professor of Environmental Studies and Sociology, UC Santa Cruz; Patrick Kallerman, Vice President of Research, Bay Area Council Economic Institute; and Rosanne Foust, President and CEO of the San Mateo County Economic Development Association (SAMCEDA).

Upcoming roundtables will explore strategies to get people back to work, support urban centers and small businesses, and provide communities with the essential support systems needed to create a better future for all.

Upcoming round tables on economic recovery:

Understanding the economic impacts of the pandemic: what has and hasn't changed

Date: Thursday, August 12

Time: 9:00 - 11:00 am

Back to Work: New Models for Quality Jobs and Workforce Development

Date: Wednesday, September 1

Time: 9:00 11:00 h

Supporting Vibrant Urban Centres: Helping our local businesses thrive in the future

Date: Wednesday, September 15

Time: 9:00 - 11:00 am

Building economic resilience: meeting workers' needs for childcare, housing and other essentials

Date: Wednesday, September 29th

Time: 9:00 - 11:00 am

To join the San Mateo County virtual roundtable series you can access through the link below. https://smcgov.zoom.us/j/93452627078#success.

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M8.2 Earthquake Shakes Coast of Alaska Peninsula

M8.2 Earthquake in Alaska


*Alaska Peninsula Earthquake Is Most Powerful U.S. Earthquake in 50 Years

To Pamela Cruz. Peninsula 360 Press [P360P]


At 10:15 p.m. Alaska time yesterday, July 28, a magnitude 8.2 earthquake struck off the coast of the Alaska Peninsula, the largest U.S. earthquake in 50 years. The depth of the Chignik earthquake was approximately 28.5 miles, which according to the Alaska Earthquake Center (AEC), is an intermediate depth earthquake.


The Chignik earthquake occurred relatively close, approximately 45 miles from the location of the magnitude 7.6 earthquake on Simeonof Island that occurred on July 21, 2020.


The AEC detailed that this telluric movement seems to be related to the previous earthquake, since both occurred along the interface between the Pacific subduction and the predominant North American plates, although the Chignik earthquake was the deeper of the two.


The Alaska Peninsula is a seismically active region where thousands of earthquakes occur each year. The largest earthquakes are located along the interface, which is called the Aleutian megathrust. The magnitude 8.2 event ruptured this interface in the region between the Shumagin Islands to the southwest and Kodiak Island to the northeast.


Previously, the magnitude 8.3 earthquake of 1938 ruptured that section of the interface.
Perryville and Chignik are the closest communities to the epicenter of the Chignik earthquake and felt the most intense tremor. Several videos and photos are circulating on social networks, showing the intensity of the event.


It was also reported that Alaskan communities as far away as the Mat-Su Valley in south-central Alaska felt the movement intensely.


So far, more than 80 aftershocks have been counted. The largest was a magnitude 6.1, about four minutes after the main quake.


Due to the offshore location, the National Tsunami Warning Center issued a warning for much of the Alaskan coast. Several communities issued evacuations. However, recorded wave heights were below one foot, and the warning was reduced a couple of hours after the event.


The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) said the M8.2 earthquake on July 29, 2021 - July 28, 2021 local time - occurred as a result of a thrust fault at or near the interface of the subduction zone between the Pacific and North American tectonic plates.


Large earthquakes are common in the Alaskan-Aleutian subduction zone.

Since 1900, 8 other M7 or greater earthquakes have occurred within 250 km of this July 29, 2021 event, including M7.8 on July 22, 2020 - located 62 km west of this Thursday's event - and M7.6 on October 19, 2020 - located 145 km west of today's event.


USGS said that given the temporal and spatial proximity of the July 29, 2021 earthquake to the two previous major earthquakes in July and October 2020, those events were foreshadowing of what happened this morning.


The Alaska-Aleutian Trench was also the site of the second largest earthquake recorded by modern seismic instrumentation, the M9.2 earthquake of March 27, 1964, which ruptured about 250 km from this event, at the eastern end of the 1938 rupture area.


The 1938 event produced a small tsunami that was recorded both locally and in Hawaii.

TYou may be interested in: Alaska earthquakes could generate tsunamis that could "swallow" part of Bay Area

Redwood City to enjoy peak of meteor showers

Redwood City Meteor Shower

By Pamela Cruz. Peninsula 360 Press [P360P]

Looking up at the sky and marveling at the grandeur of the universe is a treat for millions of people, and Redwood City will have the privilege of seeing the peak of the Delta Aquariid meteor shower this Thursday, weather permitting.

This astronomical phenomenon is long and vague, and while they can be found anytime from approximately July 12 to August 23 each year, the peak this year will be on July 29. 

As we get into August, a much fainter waning crescent moon will be less intrusive so that the meteor shower can be better viewed.

According to the organization Earth SkyWhen the Perseid meteor shower is reaching its peak - on the mornings of August 11, 12 and 13 - the Delta Aquarids will also continue to fly.

The forecast for Thursday calls for generally sunny skies during the day and partly cloudy at night, however we will have to wait until the moon is not so bright for the meteor shower to be seen in its entirety.

The perfect time to see this phenomenon will be late at night and in the early hours of Friday morning.

How to distinguish the Perseids from the Delta Aquarids?

If all the Delta Aquariid meteors are tracked they seem to radiate from a certain point in front of the constellation Aquarius which, as seen from the northern hemisphere, forms an arc across the southern sky. The peak of the shower almost aligns with the star Skat-Delta Aquarii . The meteor shower is named after this star.

Meanwhile, the Perseids radiate from the constellation Perseus in the northeast to high in the north between midnight and dawn. 

So, being in the northern hemisphere, if you are observing the Perseids and you see meteors coming from the northeast or from the north... they are Perseids. If you see them coming from the south... they're Delta Aquarids. 

In a particularly rich year for meteors, if you have a dark sky, you might even see them cross paths, making for an impressive display.

Delta Aquariid meteors tend to be a bit fainter than the Perseids and meteors seen in other major showers. That makes a dark sky with no moonlight even more imperative for viewing the annual Delta Aquariid shower. 

About 5 to 10 percent of Delta Aquariid meteors leave lingering trails of glowing ionized gas that last for a second or two after the meteor has passed. The meteors burn up in the upper atmosphere about 60 miles (100 km) above Earth's surface.

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When COVID came to my Family

By Anna Lee Mraz Bartra. Peninsula 360 Press [P360P]

My sister has COVID. It's overwhelming the feeling of adrenaline rushing through your body when you hear the news and immediately think the worst. The mind works like that. The idea, once planted spreads like a virus and you think not only of the worst that could happen to your sister, but your niece, your brother-in-law, her family. Panic, if you let it, takes over.

We've all lived through the constant and pressing confinement over the last year and a half. The loss of jobs for many, the stress of having your kids in distance learning classes and that, only the lucky ones who have that privilege, have to say it.

Distance makes everything worse, talking on the phone or through the screen will never replace the hug, the smell of the person.

My sister tells me she has lost her sense of smell, I can hear her voice hoarse and her breathing heavy. She and my 7 year old niece have isolated themselves in her room. We fear for the little girl. My brother-in-law has taken refuge at his parents' house while we all keep an eye on the evolution of this virus that has turned the world upside down. 

The days go by and, luckily, my sister has no fever, her oxygenation does not decrease, and my niece is perfectly fine.

Thank God that vaccines exist. It is thanks to the vaccine that nothing serious happened to me, that I didn't infect my daughter, that my husband, who has serious preconditions, didn't get infected either. I truly say it a thousand times: if I had not been vaccinated, we would all be telling a different story," Maiala Meza said with emotion.

U.S. among countries with highest number of children orphaned by COVID-19

U.S. among countries with most children orphaned by COVID-19

By Pamela Cruz. Peninsula 360 Press [P360P].

Some of the priorities of the COVID-19 pandemic have focused on prevention, early detection and response to this disease, however, it also has devastating social impacts such as orphaned children who have been deprived of their caregivers. 

This is another pandemic that hides children who face adverse consequences inherent to their orphanhood, such as poverty, abuse and institutionalization, so it is critical to accelerate the equitable distribution of vaccines.

According to a study of global estimates of children affected by COVID-19-associated orphanhood, published in the British medical journal The LancetDuring the first 14 months of the pandemic, 1.1 million children would have lost at least one primary caregiver, either a parent or a custodial grandparent, during the first 14 months of the pandemic.

The figure rises to 1.5 million if, in addition to primary caregivers (custodial parents and grandparents), secondary caregivers are considered, including other family members between the ages of 60 and 84 living in the same household who also help with parenting.

"Studies like this one play a crucial role in illuminating the lasting consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic for families and the future mental health of children around the world," said National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) Director Nora Volkow, who funded part of the work.

In the U.S., the number of children who lost their primary caregivers is 104,884, of whom 75,645 lost a father, 29,222 lost a mother, 4,172 lost a grandmother and 4,618 lost a grandfather.

Among some of the repercussions of the death of a parent or caregiver is an increased risk of mental health problems in the child, as well as physical, emotional and sexual violence, and family economic hardship. 

According to research, these adverse experiences also increase the risks of suicide, infectious diseases such as HIV/AIDS, teen pregnancy, and chronic illness. 

The study, with data from 21 countries, estimates that in places such as Peru, South Africa, Mexico, Brazil, Colombia, Iran, the United States, Argentina and Russia, the mortality rate for primary caregivers was at least one per 1,000 children.

"While the trauma a child experiences after the loss of a parent or caregiver can be devastating, there are evidence-based interventions that can prevent subsequent adverse consequences, such as substance use, and we must ensure that children have access to this care," Vokow added.

Mexico is the country with the most children orphaned by COVID-19

According to the study published in The Lancet, Mexico became the country with the highest number of orphans due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with 131,325 children who lost at least one primary caregiver. 

When those children whose primary caregivers were grandparents or older adults living with them -secondary caregivers- are added, the figure rises to 141,132 children who were orphaned.

Between March 1, 2020 and April 30, 2021, the study notes that 33,342 children were left motherless, 97,951 were left fatherless, and 32 were left without both parents. 

In addition, 4,429 children lost their grandmother, 5,342 lost their grandfather, and 36 lost both grandparents.

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California expands Medi-Cal to 50+ regardless of immigration status

Medi-Cal

California has become the first state in the country to expand the Medi-Cal assistance program to low-income people age 50 and older, regardless of their immigration status.

Gavin Newsom signed into law this morning a bill that cements California's path to universal health care coverage.

Thus, the health care bill, AB 133, will focus on more equitable and prevention-focused health care through expanded initiatives that support California's youth and people with serious behavioral challenges, including those experiencing homelessness.

It also extends Medi-Cal eligibility for postpartum individuals; supports the "telehealth" program; and advances the statewide CalAIM initiative. This multi-year initiative of the Department of Health Care Services runs from 2022 to 2027 and aims to improve the quality of life and health outcomes of Californians through the implementation of a comprehensive service delivery system.

"We are investing California's historic surplus to bring about the transformative changes we have long dreamed of, including this historic expansion of Medi-Cal to ensure that thousands of older undocumented Californians, many of whom have been serving on the front lines of the pandemic, can access critical health care services," Newsom said. 

According to AB 133, approximately 235,000 Californians age 50 and older are eligible for Medi-Cal, including preventive services, long-term care, and in-home supportive services. 

In 2019, California became the first state to extend the coverage Medi-Cal to all eligible undocumented young adults up to age 26. With today's expansion, the state has the most inclusive health coverage for low-income people in the country. 

AB 133 also extends the period of Medi-Cal postpartum care from 60 days to 12 months without requiring a mental health diagnosis, even for eligible undocumented Californians.

Battle against COVID-19 continues

Following the bill signing in Fresno, Newsom highlighted the state's multi-pronged strategy to reach communities with low vaccination rates. The first-in-the-nation measures announced yesterday will require all state workers, health care workers and those in high-risk settings to show proof of full vaccination or get tested at least once a week. 

In response, he encouraged local governments and businesses to adopt similar measures amid the growing threat of the Delta variant.

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Indoor facemasks to be mandatory in San Mateo County

coronavirus covid-2019 Girl in mask fear

By Pamela Cruz. Peninsula 360 Press [P360P].

In an effort to protect public health, effective July 26, San Mateo County is requiring all employees and visitors to County facilities to wear facemasks due to a troubling increase in COVID-19 cases.

As rates of positive cases rise, and the prevalence of the highly transmissible Delta variant increases, health officials in the Bay Area have recommended that everyone wear masks indoors, regardless of their vaccination status. 

This variant of the virus is more contagious and spreads more easily and rapidly than others: it has become the dominant strain in California and now accounts for more than 80 percent of cases nationwide.

The facemask requirement is similar to the guidelines in place before the state reopened on June 15 and does not apply to businesses, other government agencies or private employers of any kind throughout San Mateo County. 

County-operated facilities include the Hall of Justice in Redwood City, primary health care and behavioral health clinics, San Mateo Medical Center, vital records, Sheriff's Office and substations, Human Services Agency offices, Child Support Services and all other public operations. 

Residents can find a complete list of apartments in the link below. https://www.smcgov.org/departments.

"The rising number of cases is a stark reminder that we're not done with COVID and it's not done with us. Let's all continue to do our part by getting vaccinated and taking common sense precautions so we can keep everyone safe," said County Administrator Mike Callagy.

He also expressed his condolences to all those who have lost a loved one to the pandemic.  

On the other hand, officials encouraged businesses, other government agencies and private employers of any kind to require their employees and visitors to wear face masks, although they are free to set their own requirements and follow state, federal and industry-specific guidelines.


Vaccines have been shown to be highly effective against COVID-19, but county officials still said steps must be taken to protect younger children and public health in general as cases increase.

It should be noted that on June 15, the day the state reopened, County Health recorded 13 new COVID-19 cases, a number that increased to 74 by July 15, and the trend is not looking good.

In the last seven days, the average number of cases per 100,000 people is 5.2, while in mid-June it was 1.3.

The latest test positivity rate is 2.6 percent, up from about 0.4 percent a month ago.

To date, County Health has identified 43,444 positive COVID-19 cases throughout San Mateo County and 584 deaths.

A week ago, on July 14, four people were hospitalized with COVID-19. There are now 15 people with the virus in the hospital, six of them in the intensive care unit.

However, vaccinations are widely available in San Mateo County: they can be found at county-sponsored clinics, community clinics, private health care providers, pharmacies, and other locations.

The county and its partners operate immunization clinics from Daly City to East Palo Alto, and dates, times, and locations can be found on the county's website at County Health.

Vaccination is available for residents 12 years of age and older with the Pfizer brand. While those 18 and older can also opt for the Moderna or Johnson & Johnson vaccine.

For residents 12-17 years of age to be vaccinated, they must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at the vaccination clinic or bring a signed copy of the vaccination consent form.

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COVID-19 showed gaps in quality Internet access

internet access
Christian Carlos. Peninsula 360 Press [P360P].

The new SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus that causes COVID-19 disease - first reported, according to scientific research, in the central Wuhan region of China - forced the World Health Organization (WHO) to set the start of the COVID-19 pandemic for March 11, 2020.

Since then, governments in different parts of the world established new health safety measures that, to date, have changed people's habits; in addition to biosecurity measures, people were urged to stay at home and work remotely, that is, to assume a scheme of teleworking and online classes.

However, it was not until the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic confinement that the lack of access to the Internet and information and communication technologies increased because most families now had to move their lifestyles to the comfort of their homes in such a short period of time.

The quarantine brought to light the first digital parity issues; for example, how many people in a household can be connected to the Internet at the same time, how many Internet-capable devices exist in a household, and how many of them are capable of performing the tasks efficiently that were previously done in structured workplaces, such as an office, or school in classrooms.

For this reason, Ethnic Media Servicesheld an informative session in order to address current issues and seek possible solutions to the growing digital divide.

Angela Siefer, executive director of the National Alliance for Digital Inclusion, said that the new public policies on digital issues, take advantage of the context to promote an agenda where broadband Internet is considered a basic part of the communications infrastructure in the U.S. She urged the local population to approach their governors because, she said, they should already have information and budgets of the U.S. rescue fund due to the pandemic of COVID-19 that was approved during the first half of 2021. "It's about people having access to the Internet in their homes," Siefer said.

Sunne Wright McPeak, president and CEO of the California Emerging Technology Fund -CETF- who said that the fund is working for broadband Internet access to be considered a fundamental human right, as it is linked to the right of access to information, as stated by the United Nations -UN-.

"However, in addition to being considered a fundamental human right, it should also be considered a civil right," said Wright, who said that while the infrastructure in the state of California is adequate, not everyone has access to it or knows how to use it. "The digital divide is also a product of the economic divide and the opportunity divide. Sunne Wright McPeak said this divide reflects "systemic racism. She concluded by asserting that "no ISP is a trusted messenger" in the move towards social internet connectivity.

Finally, it was noted that 91 percent of the Californian population is already surfing the broadband Internet, compared to 2008 figures, when only 51 percent of the population had access; however, only 6 percent can currently connect through a smartphone and does not have another device to connect to the Internet. This exceeds the 2022 target of 90 percent.

In contrast, the CETF noted that 1 in 4 people of Latino origin do not have the ability to access the Internet or their access is very limited compared to other ethnic groups. In addition, it was noted that 23 percent of households that generate less than $20,000 per year have gone without an Internet connection for an extended period of time and consider residential broadband Internet access to be too costly, above other reasons, such as privacy concerns.