California's chances of rain seem to be waning, but not so the state's flu epidemic. Nancy Pinnella, 47, an ad executive at KXTV News10, with reportedly no prior health concerns, succumbed to the H1N1 influenza in a matter of three days and caused a social media stir. California's First Lady Anne Gust Brown even tweeted a reaction to Pinnella's story.
Cynthia H. Craft in today's Sac Bee reports: "Since then, things have gotten worse. Three more people have died in Sacramento County, bringing the flu fatality count of those under 65 years old to 21. That compares to 16 dead (under 65) in the county last season, and there are several weeks yet to go in the current flu season, which may extend through March, Kasirye said. State law does not require hospitals to report deaths of residents 65 and up, but county officials confirmed that two in that age group also had died."
"At area hospitals, another 91 people under the age of 65 are battling the virus in intensive care units – a far greater number than during any other week this season. Typically, doctors treat those with flu-like symptoms with anti-viral medications such as Tamiflu, the sooner the better."
"In fact, the flu has hit the entire country so hard that saline solutions are in short supply due to H1N1 hospitalizations, health experts say. Nationally, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said flu and pneumonia cases are running “above the epidemic threshold.”
In its first three months, Covered California reports it received more sign ups from the Sacramento region than officials had initially expected.
Today in the Sac Bee, Phillip Reese reports: "Close to 270,000 residents in Sacramento, Yolo, Placer and El Dorado counties lacked health insurance last year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, meaning that about 10 percent of the region’s uninsured gained coverage through the health care exchange during the last three months of 2013."
Meanwhile, Gov. Jerry Brown wrote members of Congress denouncing a House Republican bill aimed at helping farmers beleagured by drought condiditions.
Dan Brekke reports for KQED: "But what has emerged now is HR 3964. It’s a sweeping and apparently permanent measure that, in its 68 pages, would a) roll back a wide range of environmental protections for endangered species, b) kill the decades-long effort to restore flows, and salmon runs, to the San Joaquin River and c) pre-empt state water and endangered species laws. Those measures are all designed to allow more water to be sent from federal pumps in the Delta to farmers in the San Joaquin Valley.
In his letter, Brown denounced the bill, calling it:"
"… an unwelcome and divisive intrusion into California’s efforts to manage this severe crisis. It would override state laws and protections, and mandate that certain water interests come out ahead of others. It falsely suggest the promise of water relief when that is simply not possible given the scarcity of water supplies. H.R. 396 would interfere with our ability to respond effectively and flexibly to the current emergency, and would re-open old water wounds undermining years of progress toward reaching a collaborative long-term solution to our water needs."
"The bill, which has been titled “The Sacramento-San Joaquin Valley Emergency Water Delivery Act,” is scheduled for consideration by the full House on Wednesday."
Sac Bee's Dan Kasler reports: "With summer’s peak electricity demand season looming, officials who oversee California’s power supply say they don’t expect blackouts but are getting nervous about the meager snowpack. Few states rely on hydro as much as California, where water accounts for about 15 percent of the total power supply in a normal year."
“We are certainly concerned,” said spokeswoman Stephanie McCorkle of the Independent System Operator, which runs the California transmission grid. “We do not have a forecast for blackouts this summer as a result of the drought. It doesn’t mean we’re not keeping a close eye on it.”
From the four water bond proposals, to Brown's administrative priorities -- this drought is affecting each political facet in California water.
Dan Walters explains: "Every faction in water politics may see the crisis as an opportunity to advance its larger cause, but it could just as easily mean a continuation of a perpetual political stalemate."
Women's rights activist Sandra Fluke has just filed the papers to run for Rep. Henry Waxman's seat in the 33rd district. She joins State Sen. Ted Lieu and L.A. politician Wendy Greuel as official candidates filed with the California Democratic Party.
Tal Kopan reports in Politico: "The California Democratic Party lists Fluke’s name as having officially filed with the party to run in the California district of the retiring Democrat. Two other candidates have filed to run and three others are considered potential candidates, according to the party’s site."
"But a spokeswoman for Fluke said the move was simply a necessary step if down the line she wants to seek the party’s endorsement and said no final decisions have been made."
"Fluke became famous in 2012 when she was denied the opportunity to testify before a Republican-led congressional panel about contraception, and then Rush Limbaugh called her a “slut” on his radio show. She became an icon for the left and advocate for women’s issues."
Yesterday we got a taste of the spending spree going on in the fourth branch of our state's government.
John Howard notes in Capitol Weekly: "The top 10 lobbying firms in Sacramento brought in more than $40.4 million during 2013, including nearly $11.6 million during the final quarter of the year alone."
"The top biller was KP Public Affairs, at $6.2 million, followed by Lang Hansen O’Malley and Miller Governmental Relations at $5.82 million."
Peter Fimrite writes in SF Gate: "The San Francisco Bay Conservation and Development Commission sent a letter Friday informing the Treasure Island Development Authority that the barge is not authorized to be moored on the island."
"No permit has been issued to anybody for any activities at Pier 1 or on the adjacent shoreline," said Larry Goldzband, executive director of the San Francisco Bay Conservation and Development Commission. "We have started an enforcement action with regard to activities at the pier and shoreline."
"The directive comes after numerous complaints about the construction since the spring when it came to light that Google was building a floating structure at the island."
"The barge, made of 80 stacked shipping containers, will have to be moved to another permitted facility in San Francisco Bay while the authority seeks a Conservation and Development Commission authorization to moor the craft on Treasure Island, Goldzband said. The authority could face fines or enforcement proceedings if it doesn't comply."
Ahoy, matey ...
