As an aggressive mosquito spreads in California, scientists say we got very lucky that the insects couldn’t transmit COVID-19 to people.
Health & Wellness
Posted inVaccine Watch
In new milestone, California administers 40 millionth dose of COVID-19 vaccine
California officials announced the latest total, 40,098,803 doses of COVID-19 vaccine, Thursday afternoon.
Posted inEnvironment
Ticked-off scientists: Santa Cruzans need not worry about blood-sucking arachnids crawling our beaches
The scientist behind a recent study that found ticks — some carrying Lyme disease — in California’s “coastal areas” would like to set some things straight. For starters, ticks do not hang out in the sand.
Posted inCOVID Today
County health agencies — fighting disease — also have to fight for state funds
As the governor and lawmakers wrangle over the budget, local public health departments are underfunded and overwhelmed. Outdated equipment and insufficient staff hamper handling of everything from asthma to syphilis.
Posted inVaccine Watch
Kaiser launches COVID-19 vaccine trial for children 5 to 11 in Northern California
The COVID-19 vaccine could be approved for children in the age group by fall, if the trial taking place in Santa Clara, Oakland and Sacramento goes well, a Kaiser official said.
Posted inPandemic Life
Who can stop wearing masks, and where: California’s COVID reopening rules explained
With California set to reopen its economy fully on Tuesday, wearing a mask will become optional in many public settings. Here are the rules.
Posted inLatest News
Kaiser shares details about its medical facility expansion plans in Watsonville, Scotts Valley
Mental health and wellness was a focus for both locations as Oakland-based Kaiser Permanente continues to grow its footprint in Santa Cruz County, with further expansion still planned in Scotts Valley.
Posted inHealth & Wellness
With restrictions tightening elsewhere, California moves to make abortion cheaper
California lawmakers are debating a bill that would eliminate out-of-pocket costs that often prevent people from obtaining abortions, proponents say.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
SEEDS of hope: How a $25 investment in every Santa Cruz County newborn is a giant leap for equity
A new program opens a free college savings account for every newborn in Santa Cruz County, and though the initial amounts deposited are relatively small — $25 for every child, regardless of family income, and $50 if the baby comes from a low-income household — just having an account offers a myriad of benefits for child and parents, advocates say.
Posted inCoast Life
Ticks on a ‘quest’ for blood at California’s beaches. Is Lyme disease a rising risk?
Lyme disease-carrying ticks usually found in woodlands and fields are spreading along California’s beaches, carried by an unknown host.