LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — The East Region Town Hall, or ERTH, will meet on Wednesday, Sept. 6.
The meeting will begin at 4 p.m. at the Moose Lodge, located at 15900 Moose Lodge Lane in Clearlake Oaks.
The meeting will be available via Zoom. The meeting ID is 986 3245 2684, pass code is 666827.
This month’s guest speaker is Trevor Oppezzo from Caltrans District 1.
Caltrans is developing the Caltrans Complete Streets proposal, a project focused along Highway 20 in the areas around Upper Lake, Nice, Glenhaven and Clearlake Oaks.
Oppezzo will discuss the proposed improvements as well as hear input at the meeting.
Also on the agenda is an update on Spring Valley covering items including illegal cannabis cultivation, FireWise Community safety and Spring Valley Lake recovery.
Standing agenda items for the meeting include commercial cannabis cultivation projects, the cannabis ordinance task force update, an update from Northshore Fire Protection District, a report from Supervisor EJ Crandell, new business and announcements.
The group’s next meeting will take place on Oct. 4.
ERTH’s members are Denise Loustalot, Jim Burton, Tony Morris and Pamela Kicenski.
For more information visit the group’s Facebook page.
There’s a lot of trash on the Moon right now – including nearly 100 bags of human waste – and with countries around the globe traveling to the Moon, there’s going to be a lot more, both on the lunar surface and in Earth’s orbit.
In August 2023, Russia’s Luna-25 probe crashed into the Moon’s surface, while India’s Chandrayann-3 mission successfully landed in the southern polar region, making India the fourth country to land on the Moon.
India’s Chandrayaan-3 lander successfully touched down on the south pole of the Moon, sparking celebrations across the country.AP Photo/Rajanish Kakade
With more countries landing on the Moon, people back on Earth will have to think about what happens to all the landers, waste and miscellaneous debris left on the lunar surface and in orbit.
People think of space as vast and empty, but the near-Earth environment is starting to get crowded. As many as 100 lunar missions are planned over the next decade by governments and private companies like SpaceX and Blue Origin.
Near-Earth orbit is even more congested than the space between Earth and the Moon. It’s from 100 to 500 miles straight up, compared with 240,000 miles to the Moon. Currently there are nearly 7,700 satellites within a few hundred miles of the Earth. That number could grow to several hundred thousand by 2027. Many of these satellites will be used to deliver internet to developing countries or to monitor agriculture and climate on Earth. Companies like SpaceX have dramatically lowered launch costs, driving this wave of activity.
“It’s going to be like an interstate highway, at rush hour in a snowstorm, with everyone driving much too fast,” space launch expert Johnathan McDowelltold Space.com.
The problem of space junk
All this activity creates hazards and debris. Humans have left a lot of junk on the Moon, including spacecraft remains like rocket boosters from over 50 crashed landings, nearly 100 bags of human waste and miscellaneous objects like a feather, golf balls and boots. It adds up to around 200 tons of our trash.
The clutter in Earth’s orbit includes defunct spacecraft, spent rocket boosters and items discarded by astronauts such as a glove, a wrench and a toothbrush. It also includes tiny pieces of debris like paint flecks.
There are around 23,000 objects larger than 10 cm (4 inches) and about 100 million pieces of debris larger than 1 mm (0.04 inches). Tiny pieces of junk might not seem like a big issue, but that debris is moving at 15,000 mph (24,140 kph), 10 times faster than a bullet. At that speed, even a fleck of paint can puncture a spacesuit or destroy a sensitive piece of electronics.
The amount of debris in orbit has increased dramatically since the 1960s.
In 1978, NASA scientist Donald Kessler described a scenario where collisions between orbiting pieces of debris create more debris, and the amount of debris grows exponentially, potentially rendering near-Earth orbit unusable. Experts call this the “Kessler syndrome.”
Nobody is in charge up there
The United Nations Outer Space Treaty of 1967 says that no country can “own” the Moon or any part of it, and that celestial bodies should only be used for peaceful purposes. But the treaty is mute about companies and individuals, and it says nothing about how space resources can and can’t be used.
The United Nations Moon Agreement of 1979 held that the Moon and its natural resources are the common heritage of humanity. However, the United States, Russia and China never signed it, and in 2016 the U.S. Congress created a law that unleashed the American commercial space industry with very few restrictions.
Because of its lack of regulation, space junk is an example of a “tragedy of the commons,” where many interests have access to a common resource, and it may become depleted and unusable to everyone, because no interest can stop another from overexploiting the resource.
The author and his research collaborators argued that U.S. environmental regulations should apply to the licensing of space launches. However, the court declined to rule on the environmental issue because it said the group lacked standing.
The tragedy of the commons asserts that if everyone has unlimited access to a resource, then in the long run it may become depleted and unusable.
National geopolitical and commercial interests will likely take precedence over interplanetary conservation efforts unless the United Nations acts. A new treaty may emerge from the work of the U.N. Office for Outer Space Affairs, which in May 2023 generated a policy document to address the sustainable development of activities in space.
The U.N. can regulate the activities of only its member states, but it has a project to help member states craft national-level policies that advance the goals of sustainable development.
NASA has created and signed the Artemis Accords, broad but nonbinding principles for cooperating peacefully in space. They have been signed by 28 countries, but the list does not include China or Russia. Private companies are not party to the accords either, and some space entrepreneurs have deep pockets and big ambitions.
The lack of regulation and the current gold rush approach to space exploration mean that space junk and waste will continue to accumulate, as will the related problems and dangers.
California State Parks is excited to welcome outdoor enthusiasts to the state’s diverse landscapes of trails, beaches, lakes, mountains and deserts this Labor Day weekend.
In Lake County, Clear Lake State Park in Kelseyville and Anderson Marsh Historic State Park offer opportunities for recreation on Labor Day weekend and year-round.
However, to ensure the safety and enjoyment of all visitors, the department encourages visitors to "Recreate Responsibly" by following important safety tips such as Know Before You Go, Plan and Prepare, Play It Safe and Leave No Trace.
To further enhance safety and park experiences, State Parks also invites visitors to use the department’s innovative smartphone apps—what3words and OuterSpatial.
“This Labor Day weekend, make the most of your outdoor adventures by putting safety first,” stated California State Parks Director Armando Quintero. “By adhering to responsible recreation practices, safety and leveraging innovative tools, you can create unforgettable memories while preserving the natural beauty of California's state parks.”
Here are some safety tips for the Labor Day holiday weekend and links to the what3words and OuterSpatial apps:
Know Before You Go: Before embarking on your outdoor journey, it is crucial to gather essential information about the park unit you intend to visit. Check for any current park updates, trail closures or other unforeseen circumstances. Additionally, keep an eye on local weather forecasts to prepare adequately for your trip. Access the park unit webpage or social media channels of your destination to stay informed and well-prepared.
Plan and Prepare: Certain park activities, camping or recreational pursuits might require permits or reservations. Make sure you are aware of these requirements and secure them in advance. Equally important is having the right gear for your chosen activity. Adequate equipment can significantly enhance your experience and safety. Always have a backup plan in case your original destination or activity is unavailable.
Play It Safe: Be cautious and avoid underestimating factors like temperatures and hiking distances. Inform someone about your plans, especially if you are undertaking longer hikes. If you plan to enter bodies of water such as rivers, lakes or oceans, only do so where it is safe and recommended. When in or on water, wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket. Always adhere to signs and guidelines for a secure experience.
Leave No Trace: Preserving the beauty of California's state parks is a shared responsibility. Stay on designated trails and carry out all your trash. Refrain from disturbing wildlife or removing plants. Please leave these areas better than you found them for future generations to enjoy.
Use apps to stay safe and enhance your experience in the outdoors:
what3words: Use the what3words app to communicate precise locations within any of the 280 state parks using just three words. This tool aids dispatchers in emergency situations, enabling assistance to those in need. Share locations with family and friends, and provide directions to events, trails or campsites using this convenient app. To learn more on how the app works, visit parks.ca.gov/what3words.
OuterSpatial: Discover the ultimate guide to California's state parks with the OuterSpatial app. Navigate through interactive maps, receive real-time updates and stay connected with fellow outdoor enthusiasts. Enhance your exploration by monitoring visits, completing challenges like the Passport to Your California State Parks and sharing memorable experiences.
Middletown patrons received 65 letters from pen pals across America. Photo courtesy of library staff. MIDDLETOWN, Calif. — Middletown Libraries across America connected this summer through a unique pen pal program.
In late May, Youth Librarian Mary Geers from Midpointe Library in Middletown, Ohio, contacted the Middletown branch of the Lake County Library.
She proposed connecting young patrons from Middletown libraries across the USA through a pen pal program during Midpointe’s summer reading program “All Together Now.”
Sara Coel and Sheryl Ison at Lake County’s Middletown branch worked with Greers on the initiative, which was a complete success.
Lake County Middletown’s young patrons received 65 letters in return from Middletown, Ohio, and Middletown, New Jersey. The libraries hope to continue the pen pal program during the holiday season.
Unique and creative children’s programming can be found all year round at all four Lake County Library branches, including crafts, “Read to a Dog,” Lego Club and more.
Sign up for library newsletters, follow the library on social media, or watch the events calendar on the library website to join upcoming events.
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — This month the filing period for several key county offices that will be on the ballot during the March presidential primary is set to open.
Registrar of Voters Maria Valadez’s office on Friday released an update on the filing periods for three judicial seats, three supervisorial seats and the office of sheriff-coroner.
Those offices will be on the ballot for the presidential primary election, which takes place on March 5.
County offices up for election in March are Superior Court judge seats for departments 1, 3 and 4; supervisorial seats for districts 1, 4 and 5; and sheriff-coroner.
Current office holders for the Superior Court are Michael Lunas, Andrew Blum and Shanda Harry, representing departments 1, 3 and 4, respectively.
For the supervisorial seats, the district 1, 4 and 5 seats are held by Moke Simon, Michael Green and Jessica Pyska.
Green has announced that he will not seek election. Gov. Gavin Newsom appointed Green in October to fill the remainder of Tina Scott’s term.
The Board of Supervisors appointed Rob Howe in December to succeed Sheriff Brian Martin on his retirement.
Candidates for these offices may submit “in-lieu-of-filing fee petitions” containing signatures of registered voters in the jurisdiction in which he or she is seeking nomination to offset all or part of the cost of their filing fee.
The in-lieu-of-filing petitions are available between Sept. 14 until Nov. 8, during regular office hours from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, and closed county holidays and weekends.
The deadline to file the in-lieu-of-filing fee petitions with the Lake County Registrar of Voters’ office is the close of business on Wednesday, Nov. 8.
All candidates for elective office must also file within the nomination period of Nov. 13 through Dec. 8 a declaration of candidacy form, nomination papers and pay filing fee in order for their name to be printed on the March 5, 2024 Presidential Primary Election ballot.
In addition to local offices to be filled, the following federal and state offices will be on the March primary ballot.
Partisan federal office
• United States President, American Independent Party • United States President, Democratic Party • United States President, Green Party • United States President, Libertarian Party • United States President, Peace and Freedom Party • United States President, Republican Party
Voter-nominated offices:
• United States Senator • United States Representative in Congress, District 4 • State Assembly Member, District 4
For more information contact the Registrar of Voters Office at 325 N. Forbes St. in Lakeport or by phone at 707-263-2372.
What's up for September? Venus returns to the morning sky, the harvest moon and in search of zodiacal light.
After brightening our evening skies for most of this year, Venus has now switched over to being a morning sky object.
Look for the superheated, cloud-covered planet as a bright beacon in the eastern sky before sunrise throughout the month.
It will appear fairly high in the sky from the Northern Hemisphere — reaching 30 to 40 degrees above the horizon by month's end, depending on your latitude.
Meanwhile, Saturn and Jupiter continue this month as easy-to-observe planets. Find Saturn low in the southeast after sunset, with Jupiter rising a couple of hours later. Saturn then sets a couple of hours before sunrise, leaving Jupiter to rule the sky on its own until the Sun comes up. You'll find Jupiter together with the Moon, high in the southwest before dawn on Sept. 4.
The full moon on Sept. 29 will be the fourth and final supermoon of the year. As we mentioned in last month's video, supermoons are full moons that occur when the Moon is near the closest point in its orbit around Earth.
This month's full moon is also known as the Harvest Moon, being the closest full moon to the September equinox. This is around the time when lots of crops in the Northern Hemisphere reach their peak. The harvest moon provides a few days of bright moonlight right after sunset, which traditionally helped farmers have a bit more time to bring in their crops in advance of the first frost.
On cool, moonless September mornings before dawn, you might have an opportunity to search for the zodiacal light. It's a triangular or cone-shaped pillar of faint light that stretches upward from the horizon, and it's easiest to observe around the time of the equinoxes in March and September.
The zodiacal light is sunlight reflecting off of an interplanetary dust cloud. This dust fills the inner solar system out to the inner fringes of the main asteroid belt, just past Mars.
In September, Northern Hemisphere skywatchers should look for the zodiacal light in the east during the hour or so before morning twilight begins. Southern Hemisphere observers will want to look to the west in the hour following evening twilight.
Relatively dark skies give you the best chance to observe it, and the Moon will be absent from pre-dawn skies during the latter half of September, making zodiacal light easier to spot north of the equator during that time.
Now, most of this dust orbits the Sun in the same plane as the planets do. So it's like looking out, into the disk of the solar system. It's thought to have several potential sources including comets, the planet Mars, and asteroids.
And speaking of asteroids, we'll soon have opportunities to study one here on Earth, when NASA's OSIRIS-REx mission delivers its samples from asteroid Bennu this month. The OSIRIS-REx spacecraft collected a sample of rocks and dust from the surface of the near-Earth asteroid in 2020, and it's now approaching Earth to return them for study. As it nears Earth, the spacecraft will release its sample return capsule, which will land in Utah on September 24th.
Stay up to date with all of NASA's missions to explore the solar system and beyond at nasa.gov.
Preston Dyches works for NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory.
Napping during the day is an ancient custom that is practiced worldwide.
While some people view napping as a luxurious indulgence, others see it as a way to maintain alertness and well-being. But napping can come with drawbacks as well as benefits.
As an orofacial pain specialist, I have extensive education in sleep medicine and how sleep impacts wellness, due mostly to the relationship between sleep and painful conditions such as headaches and facial pain. My training involved all aspects of sleep, especially sleep breathing disorders, insomnia and sleep-related movement disorders.
As such, I’m aware of the complex nature of napping, and why a short nap – that is, a nap during the daytime that lasts from 20 to 30 minutes – may be beneficial in myriad ways.
While napping is generally a good habit for many people, there are some caveats to consider.
What’s more, it appears the brain uses nap time to process information gathered throughout the day, which appears to enhance problem-solving abilities. One small study revealed that people who took short naps were less frustrated and impulsive, which resulted in better focus and efficiency when performing work-related tasks. Napping may even lead to an improved ability to learn new motor skills, such as a golf swing or the playing of a musical instrument. This is because these memories or skills become consolidated in the brain during sleep, whether at night or while napping.
But just as in nighttime sleep, some people may have trouble drifting off for a nap, especially when they have limited time. Progressive muscle relaxation techniques have been shown to be beneficial for both nighttime sleep and napping. Other nonspecific relaxation techniques, like listening to relaxing music, appear to also be beneficial for falling asleep. Interestingly, many people overestimate their time awake when trying to sleep and underestimate the time they actually spent sleeping.
Make sure the nap is short.
Napping can have drawbacks
One condition associated with napping longer than 30 minutes is sleep inertia – the grogginess and disorientation that people sometime experience after waking from a longer nap.
Usually, the longer the nap, the more sleep inertia there is to overcome. This can impair cognitive function from several minutes up to half an hour. In many cases, these effects can be minimized by consuming caffeine directly after the nap.
But it is important to note that caffeine is not a substitute for sleep. Caffeine acts to temporarily block the action of a chemical known as adenosine, a sleep-promoting agent that builds up during waking hours. If you are habitually dependent on caffeine consumption to keep you awake and alert, it may suggest that there is an underlying sleep disorder such as insomnia or sleep apnea, in which a person temporarily stops breathing during sleep.
What’s more, for those age 60 and up, longer naps – beyond 30 minutes – may increase the risk for cardiovascular problems. Researchers found that older adults taking naps for more than one hour per day have a higher incidence of increased blood pressure, high blood sugar, excess body fat around the waist, and abnormal cholesterol or triglyceride levels, sometimes known as metabolic syndrome.
The reason for this phenomenon is mostly unknown. Older individuals tend to nap more frequently than younger adults partly due to more disturbed sleep during the night. This could be related to more pain or other health factors that will interfere with sleep, sleep altering medications and altered sleep rhythms seen with aging.
Best practices
So, to maximize benefits while reducing risks, here are some tips: Keep naps short to avoid sleep inertia and nighttime sleep disruptions. Nap in the early afternoon, as that aligns with a decrease in energy levels after lunch and with the body’s natural circadian dip, which is an increase in sleepiness similar to what occurs at dusk. Avoid late afternoon naps, finish naps at least four to six hours before bedtime, and create the right environment by napping in a quiet, comfortable and dimly lit space.
If you’re struggling with daytime sleepiness, it’s best to address the root cause rather than relying solely on napping. Reducing caffeine consumption, maintaining a regular sleep schedule and getting adequate nighttime sleep are essential steps to reduce daytime sleepiness.
Ultimately, napping should complement a healthy sleep routine, not serve as a substitute for sufficient nighttime rest. A balanced approach to napping can contribute to a more energized, focused and resilient life.
Arnold Ray Griffin. Photo courtesy of the Clearlake Police Department. CLEARLAKE, Calif. — The Clearlake Police Department is asking for the community’s help in locating a missing man.
Police are seeking Arnold Ray Griffin, 35.
Griffin is described as a black male adult, 5 feet 8 inches tall and 180 pounds, with black hair that looks like a fade and brown eyes.
He has a quarter-size mole on the back left side of his head and is missing a front tooth.
Police said Griffin was last seen in the area of the Walmart bus stop.
At that time he was seen wearing a dark blue sweatshirt, dark blue sweatpants and black shoes, and he usually has a diamond stud earring, possibly on the left ear.
If you have any information regarding his whereabouts, please contact the Clearlake Police Department at 707-994-8251, Extension 1.
LAKEPORT, Calif. — Labor Day weekend is the traditional “end of summer” but it’s not the end of the mosquitoes.
The Lake County Vector Control District reminds everyone to avoid mosquito bites this weekend.
“If you’re outside around dusk or dawn, wear long pants and sleeves and use a mosquito repellent that contains Picaridin, IR3535, Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus, or DEET,” said Jamesina Scott, Ph.D., district manager and research director of the Lake County Vector Control District.
The district confirmed that two more mosquito samples from Lake County tested positive for West Nile virus this week.
“We’ve found West Nile virus throughout the county this year in Clearlake Oaks, Cobb, Kelseyville, Lakeport, Lower Lake, Middletown and Upper Lake,” said Scott.
In addition to 15 mosquito samples and two dead birds that were positive for West Nile virus, four residents have been confirmed with West Nile virus, including one fatal case.
West Nile virus, or WNV, is found every year in California, including Lake County.
WNV is transmitted to people and animals through the bite of an infected mosquito, and there is no cure or human vaccine so avoiding mosquito bites is the best protection.
People who are over 50 or have chronic health conditions are at higher risk for getting sick from West Nile virus.
Most people who are infected with West Nile virus will have no symptoms, but about 20% will get sick with symptoms that may include fever, headache, fatigue, body aches, nausea, or a skin rash.
“The average person who gets sick from West Nile virus misses two weeks of work or school, and reports that it takes up to 6 months to feel ‘back to normal,’” said Scott.
About one in 150 people infected with the virus will be hospitalized with severe symptoms including high fever, intense headache, confusion, dizziness, muscle weakness, neck stiffness, coma, paralysis and possibly death.
Mosquitoes develop in water. Residents should take the following precautions to remove mosquito sources in their yards:
• Dump and drain any containers filled with water at least once a week; • Clean and scrub bird baths and pet water bowls weekly; • Dump water from potted plant saucers; • Do not transport or share plant stems rooted in water; • Drill a hole or puncture containers to eliminate standing water.
For water sources that can’t be drained, like an ornamental pond, livestock watering trough, water feature, or an out-of-service (green) swimming pool, residents can contact the district for free mosquito-eating fish to prevent mosquitoes from growing there.
To prevent mosquito bites, the district offers the following tips:
• Apply mosquito repellents to exposed skin before going outdoors; reapply as recommended. • Wear repellent containing Picaridin, IR3535, Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus, or DEET. • Close all unscreened doors and windows to prevent mosquitoes from entering your home or space; repair broken or damaged screens. • Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants, and opt for lighter-colored clothing.
This year 35 California counties have detected WNV, mainly in mosquitoes.
As of Aug. 31, 55 human cases of West Nile virus illness have been reported in California residents.
Residents with questions or who would like help with a mosquito problem, including reporting a neglected pool or spa, or have an in-ground yellowjacket nest on their property that they want treated, should contact the Lake County Vector Control District at 707-263-4770 or submit a request online www.lcvcd.org.
For more information about West Nile virus or to report a dead bird, visit https://westnile.ca.gov/.
Information about mosquito repellents can be found on the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website at www.cdc.gov/westnile/faq/repellent.
Anemia affected nearly two two billion people in 2021, impacting women to a greater degree than men.
In a new study covering three decades of global anemia data (1990–2021), a complex picture emerges of how several key factors play into the divergence in success stories among men, women and children.
Published in The Lancet Haematology, the study was conducted by the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, or IHME, based in Seattle, and its Global Burden of Disease anemia collaborators.
“From this 30-year study, we know the global picture around anemia has improved, but there are still wide disparities when you narrow the focus on geography, gender, and age,” said Dr. Nick Kassebaum, senior author of the study, head of IHME’s Neonatal and Child Health team, and Professor in Anesthesiology at the University of Washington. “We modeled 37 underlying causes for anemia. It’s very important for clinicians to treat these causes in parallel to the anemia itself. We hope they use these data to design more comprehensive intervention and treatment plans, especially for the most vulnerable—women of reproductive age, children, and the elderly.”
Globally, in 2021, 31.2% of women had anemia compared with 17.5% of men. The gender difference was more pronounced during the reproductive years, ages 15–49. In this age group, anemia prevalence in women was 33.7% versus 11.3% in men.
“Over the years, there’s been a lot of focus on reducing anemia globally, but as a group, women and children have shown the least progress,” said Will Gardner, researcher at IHME and lead author of the paper. “This is a nuanced situation that revolves around access to nutrition, socioeconomic status, unmet need for contraception, and the ability to identify and treat underlying causes of anemia. Our data show how one group — adult men — has fared much better than two other groups, women (ages 15 to 49) and children younger than five years. This speaks to the need for a shift to multisectoral approaches and improved cultural awareness to make sure women and children are not left behind.”
Causes of anemia and impact
The leading cause of anemia in 2021 was dietary iron deficiency, constituting 66.2% of total anemia cases, with 825 million women and 444 million men affected globally. Inadequate intake of iron may have been the single most common cause of anemia, but many other conditions are major drivers of anemia.
The study found that gynecological disorders and maternal hemorrhage were important contributors to anemia burden among women of reproductive age.
For children younger than 5 years, the main cause of anemia was dietary iron deficiency, but hemoglobinopathies, other infectious diseases, HIV/AIDS, and malaria were also important contributors in geographic locations where these diseases are prevalent.
“Anemia plays out differently depending on the group that’s struggling with the condition. For children, anemia can impact brain development and cognition, so early treatment and management are crucial. This might mean accessing high-quality, nutrient-rich foods and/or receiving treatment for parasitic infections and malaria,” said Dr. Theresa McHugh, scientific writer at IHME who focuses on neonatal and child health. “For many young women and girls, there’s an education gap about blood loss during menstruation, inadequate options for effectively managing menstrual problems in those who have them, and not enough knowledge about how to manage and/or reverse anemia when it occurs. We know anemia can impact mental health because the associated weakness and fatigue can interfere with desired activities.”
Previous studies have shown that anemia is associated with increased rates of anxiety and depression and higher rates of preterm labor, postpartum hemorrhage, low birthweight, short gestation, stillbirth, and infections for both child and mother.
Regions and risk
The research shows sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia are currently facing the greatest burden. In 2021, Western sub-Saharan Africa (47.4%), South Asia (35.7%), and Central sub-Saharan Africa (35.7%) had the highest anemia prevalence. The regions with the lowest anemia are Australasia (5.7%), Western Europe (6%), and North America (6.8%).
Countries with highest anemia: Mali, Zambia, Togo (each had >50% anemia burden).
Countries with lowest anemia: Iceland, Norway, Monaco (each had <5% anemia burden).
Regional variation in disease distribution was also reflected in cause-specific anemia burden.
For example, HIV/AIDS was the second largest contributor to anemia YLDs in Southern sub-Saharan Africa. Anemia due to malaria was most prominent in the Central, Eastern, and Western sub-Saharan Africa regions.
In a collaborative effort to help ensure the safety of all road users as they travel this Labor Day weekend, the California Highway Patrol, Nevada Highway Patrol and Arizona Department of Public Safety are joining forces for a maximum enforcement period.
The tri-state enforcement initiative, which began at 6;01 p.m. Friday, Sept. 1, continues through 11:59 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 4.
The Labor Day weekend marks the traditional end of summer celebrations, with many people are gearing up for holiday gatherings and road trips.
The CHP, NHP, and Arizona DPS are dedicated to ensuring everyone reaches their destinations safely, especially given the surge in traffic that typically accompanies holiday weekends.
Throughout the holiday weekend, while law enforcement will be looking for traffic violations and assisting motorists, a special emphasis will be placed on identifying and apprehending those suspected of driving under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol.
“Alcohol-and drug-impaired driving continues to be a leading cause of traffic fatalities and injuries. An impaired driver behind the wheel puts themselves and everyone on the road in great danger,” said CHP Commissioner Sean Duryee. “The CHP, along with our partners in Nevada and Arizona are committed to proactive enforcement throughout the holiday weekend. We will deploy all available personnel to ensure the highest level of safety for everyone traveling.”
Last year during the Labor Day MEP, CHP officers made more than 900 arrests for DUI, in addition to issuing nearly 5,700 speeding citations.
Sadly, 52 people were killed in crashes on California’s roads.
Avoid becoming a statistic and always designate a sober driver, utilize ride-share service, and always wear your seat belt.
California State Parks invites the public to become community scientists and celebrate California Biodiversity Day, Sept. 7.
More than 40 parks statewide will be hosting more than 60 special events and engaging activities all week long from Sept. 2 to 10.
The public is also invited to a friendly bioblitz competition to see who can record the highest number of species of plants and animals in California’s State Park System. Humboldt Redwoods State Park currently holds the record of 380 species identified in 2022.
This year marks the fifth annual celebration of California Biodiversity Day since it was first established in 2018.
Since then, several executive orders and other actions by the Newsom Administration — such as the Pathways to 30x30 strategy, California’s initiative to conserve 30 percent of lands and coastal waters by 2030 — have built on this foundation to understand and protect California’s unique and precious natural resources.
Using the free iNaturalist app, participants can use their smartphones to record the different species of animals, insects, plants, fungi and more thriving within the parks.
The photographs and locations of species captured during the bioblitzes in iNaturalist will help monitor the presence and range of species and contribute to an overall understanding of California’s extraordinary biodiversity.