Be aware of norovirus spread

“Notorious ‘winter vomiting bug’ rising in California. A new norovirus strain could make it worse,” (fresnobee.com, Dec. 13)

Winter is often associated with colds, but this season, another illness has been especially prominent. As a medical resident, I’ve noticed a marked increase in norovirus cases, which has also been widely reported in the news due to high outbreak numbers across California. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, norovirus spreads year-round, but most outbreaks occur between November and April — when many people spend more time indoors and in close contact.

Norovirus is extremely contagious and can spread rapidly through households, schools and workplaces. Unlike many respiratory viruses, alcohol-based hand sanitizer does not reliably kill norovirus. Frequent handwashing with soap and water, especially after using the restroom and before eating, is the most effective way to prevent infection. Disinfecting commonly touched surfaces and staying home for at least 48 hours after symptoms resolve are also key steps in limiting spread.

Consistent prevention can make a real difference for our community.

Monique Cantu, DO

Fresno

California’s hypocrisy

“California withdraws lawsuit challenging Trump’s $4B high-speed rail funding cut,” (fresnobee.com, Dec. 26)

The High-Speed Rail Authority and the State of California miss every deadline, pay over market value for land, pay hundreds of millions for change orders and close busy intersections — often for over a year. Now, they have the unmitigated gall to call the federal government “an unreliable partner”?

Larry Teixeira

Clovis

A different opinion on BioMAT

“CPUC must extend BioMAT to fight wildfires and protect jobs,” (fresnobee.com, Dec. 17)

This op-ed misrepresents the realities of biomass energy. Contrary to claims of being climate-friendly, biomass combustion releases significant carbon dioxide and harmful particulates, undermining California’s carbon reduction goals.

Studies show that biomass plants emit more CO2 than natural gas, challenging the idea of “carbon neutrality” in forest waste. Furthermore, while removing dead trees helps reduce fuel loads, relying on biomass is not the most effective wildfire prevention strategy.

Alternatives like prescribed burns and community fire-hardening are more cost-effective. Economically, Bioenergy Market Adjusting Tariff (BioMAT) subsidies increase electricity costs for ratepayers, diverting funds from cheaper, cleaner sources such as solar and wind. The state has ample opportunities to expand its clean energy portfolio without supporting biomass. BioMAT is not the sustainable path forward for California’s communities and environment.

Jennifer Normoyle

Hillsborough

Protect BioMAT program

“CPUC must extend BioMAT to fight wildfires and protect jobs,” (fresnobee.com, Dec. 17)

As a Calaveras County Supervisor, I am concerned that the California Public Utility Commission’s plan to terminate the Bioenergy Market Adjusting Tariff (BioMAT) undermines California’s wildfire prevention strategy and rural economic goals.

Restoring forest health is a public safety priority, yet the proactive thinning needed generates excess biomass that must be removed. Without a viable market, that material has to be burned or left as potential fuel for wildfires. In calling for increased investment in biomass energy, Gov. Gavin Newsom’s Jobs First Council recognized the role these facilities play in safety, wildfire risk reduction and rural economies.

In Calaveras County, we secured $1.4 million in California Jobs First funding for a 3-megawatt facility converting forest waste into renewable energy and biochar. Without BioMAT’s stable power market, that investment and its local jobs may never materialize.

Crucial projects at various stages are at risk, including $30 million in federal grants West Biofuels received to develop statewide BioMAT projects. Loss of the BioMAT program undermines the governor’s economic blueprint and increases wildfire risk. I urge Newsom to intervene and protect this vital program for rural communities.

Amanda Folendorf

Supervisor, Calaveras County District 4

Trump the philistine

“Donald Trump’s name appears on ‘Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts’,” (fresnobee.com, Dec. 19)

President Donald Trump’s presumptuous addition of his name to the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts is nothing less than sacrilege and hypocritical beyond belief.

Trump is a philistine: He wants to abolish the National Endowment for the Arts and the National Endowment for the Humanities; he cancelled federal funding for the Public Broadcasting System and National Public Radio; and he cannot be bothered to invite distinguished artists to perform at the White House.

What he’s done is a grievous insult to one of the nation’s most prestigious cultural institutions.

Sharon Dalrymple

Woodbridge