California Black Media

Weather Experts: Heat Waves Can Cause Wildfires, Health Problems and Death

It was more than a simple walk in the park for exercisers pacing and jogging around Warner Center Park in the Woodland Hills neighborhood of Los Angeles around midday on July 4. The weather was “sweltering,” according to one of the parkgoers, an African American man in his 40s who asked to remain anonymous. “Working out around this time is a way hotter experience than a few weeks ago,” the man continued. According to weather experts, Californians should not expect a break in the extreme heat any time soon.

Published

3 months ago

July 18, 2024

Oakland Post

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By McKenzie Jackson, California Black Media

It was more than a simple walk in the park for exercisers pacing and jogging around Warner Center Park in the Woodland Hills neighborhood of Los Angeles around midday on July 4.

The weather was “sweltering,” according to one of the parkgoers, an African American man in his 40s who asked to remain anonymous.

“Working out around this time is a way hotter experience than a few weeks ago,” the man continued.

According to weather experts, Californians should not expect a break in the extreme heat any time soon.

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration meteorologist David Lawrence said most of the Golden State is experiencing a heat wave.

“We will see daytime high temperatures for many interior areas reaching to 100 to 115 degrees each afternoon. Overnight low temperatures won’t provide much relief — only dipping into the 70s and holding into the lower 80s for some locations,” he explained.

Lawrence was speaking during a July 2 news briefing focused on the current weather conditions, their dangers, and what Californians need to know to stay safe in the blistering weather this summer.

The briefing was organized by Listos California, the state’s disaster readiness program, and hosted by Ethnic Media Services and California Black Media.

California Black Media Executive Director Regina Wilson said heat waves can create dangerous fire conditions and catapult temperatures in inland areas of the state into the triple digits.

“As we move into the summer season, hotter and drier conditions mean California will likely face higher risk of wildfires — wildfire smoke, heat, power outages and dangerous water conditions,” she said.

Listos California, the state office in charge of emergency preparedness, has partnered with community groups and offers a resource hub built around an educational campaign to help Californians get ready for disasters related to extreme heat.

Dr. Rita Nguyen, assistant health officer for California and director of population health at the California Department of Public Health, said people underestimate how dangerous heat waves can be.

“Heat waves kills more people directly than any other weather-related hazard,” she said.

She said the people at most risk of experiencing heat-caused health issues include children and infants, senior citizens, pregnant people, people working outdoors or indoors without air conditioning, disabled individuals, unhoused persons, and lower-income people.

The warning signs of heat illness include confusion, vomiting, passing out, heavy sweating, muscle cramps, weakness, headache, nausea, vomiting, paleness, tiredness, irritability, and dizziness.

Staying hydrated, cool, and informed about the weather forecasts are ways to prevent heat health problems. Nguyen recommended to not drink sugary, caffeinated, or alcoholic drinks, which can dehydrate a person.

California Division of Occupational Safety and Health Program Senior Safety Engineer Charlene Gloriani said, under state law, businesses with employees who work outdoors — such as agricultural workers — are required to give plenty of access to free and clean water and shade to prevent heat-related illnesses.

“Shaded areas must not cause exposure to another health or safety hazard,” she explained. “When temperatures exceed 95 degrees a buddy system should be in place and employees must be monitored for signs of heat illness.”

To get more information on extreme heat and to access resources to help you stay healthy and cool.

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California Black Media

Report: Number of Black Students in Dual Enrollment Programs Decline

Participation in dual enrollment high school and community college programs has increased among students in California. However, the percentage of Black and Latino high school students enrolled in dual enrollment programs has decreased in recent years, according to a study conducted by researchers at the University of California Davis. California policymakers and educators are integrating dual enrollment as a key mechanism for improving educational attainment, ensuring students have equal access to postsecondary opportunities. State legislators increased funding to expand dual enrollment programs under Assembly Bill 288 authored by Assemblymember Chris Holden (D-Pasadena), a law that helps facilitate collaboration between high schools and community colleges.

Published

2 days ago

October 15, 2024

Oakland Post

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By Bo Tefu, California Black Media

California policymakers and educators are integrating dual enrollment as a key mechanism for improving educational attainment, ensuring students have equal access to postsecondary opportunities. State legislators increased funding to expand dual enrollment programs under Assembly Bill 288 authored by Assemblymember Chris Holden (D-Pasadena), a law that helps facilitate collaboration between high schools and community colleges. California made an annual investment of $200 million for high school students. The state also allocated $10 million for the STEM Pathways Grant program that supports creating 6-year programs for students to graduate with a high school diploma and an associate degree in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics within 2 years of graduating high school.

Despite California’s investment over the years, the study revealed that the number of Black and Latino high school students enrolled in community college courses has declined since 2020. The enrollment gap between Asian-Pacific Islander students, who have the highest participation rate, and Black students doubled from 7 % in 2019 to 14.5% in 2022.

“For students whose life circumstances, such as economic hardship, may inhibit educational pursuits, opportunities to enroll in community college while in high school may be less accessible,” researchers stated.

Participation rates in dual enrollment programs are lower among socioeconomically disadvantaged students, English learners, youth in foster care, and students with disabilities compared to their counterparts. The research study attributed the steady decline in enrollment rates to the COVID-19 pandemic.

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California Black Media

California Community Colleges Launch Season 2 of “EDUCATE. ELEVATE” for Black Student Success

The California Community Colleges’ ICanGoToCollege.com campaign has launched the second season of its EDUCATE. ELEVATE. podcast series, which focuses on promoting Black student enrollment and retention. Season 1 had over 60,000 listeners, and the new season aims to build on this success by featuring inspiring student stories and expert advice.

Published

2 days ago

October 15, 2024

Oakland Post

Danny Morrison, host of ICanGoToCollege.com, EDUCATE. ELEVATE. podcast

By Bo Tefu, California Black Media

The first episode of the new season brings together former foster youth Kevion Louis-Hernandez, Mt. San Antonio College alum; and Junely Merwin, a NextUp Project Expert, with host Danny Morrison. The conversation explores the challenges foster youth face and highlights the transformative impact of community college programs like NextUp, which help students overcome obstacles to reach their higher education and career goals.

“This season continues our commitment to addressing barriers faced by Black students and increasing equitable access to higher education,” said Paige Marlatt Dorr, Director of Communications and Marketing for California Community Colleges.

EDUCATE. ELEVATE. is part of a broader initiative to reverse the significant enrollment declines experienced by Black students during the pandemic. Black student enrollment dropped by 25% system-wide between 2019 and 2022, but outreach efforts and support services have helped increase enrollment by nearly 15% over the last two years, bringing the total to almost 114,000 Black students in the 2023-24 academic year.

The podcast series features candid discussions on overcoming systemic barriers, educational resources, and strategies for student success. Season 2 offers a new visual style and will release episodes every two to three weeks through May 2025.

To listen to the podcast and learn more, visit the Black Student Success page at ICanGoToCollege.com

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California Black Media

California Launches New Homepage @ CA.gov

On Oct .4, the Governor’s office announced that the state has launched a new revamped digital portal at CA.gov where Californians have access to “hundreds of state services and programs.” “This overhaul is the latest milestone in the state’s ongoing digital strategy to improve user experience, accessibility, and service delivery for millions of Californians,” read a press release.

Published

2 days ago

October 15, 2024

Oakland Post

Courtesy of CA.gov

By Bo Tefu, California Black Media

On Oct .4, the Governor’s office announced that the state has launched a new revamped digital portal at CA.gov where Californians have access to “hundreds of state services and programs.”

“This overhaul is the latest milestone in the state’s ongoing digital strategy to improve user experience, accessibility, and service delivery for millions of Californians,” read a press release.

“A big part of the work we’re doing to build a “California for All” is rooted in how accessible our government is to the people. As part of our ongoing work to connect people to their government, today we’re introducing a new CA.gov — California’s ‘homepage’ that serves as a portal to state services and programs,” said Gov. Gavin Newsom.

State Chief Information Officer and California Technology Department Director Liana Bailey-Crimmin said, “We will continue to ensure timely and accurate government information is just a click away. Whether you’re looking for assistance with essential services or want to learn about what the Golden State is doing for climate action, new business development, or California government – this site has it.”

“Using advanced technology, the site has a greatly improved search feature, works well on mobile devices and meets modern web standards. The previous version of CA.gov was launched in 2017, and as user needs and technology evolved, the state implemented the work to revamp it,” Bailey-Crimmin added.