Be aware of norovirus spread<\/p>\n
\u201cNotorious \u2018winter vomiting bug\u2019 rising in California. A new norovirus strain could make it worse<\/a>,\u201d (fresnobee.com, Dec. 13)<\/p>\n Winter is often associated with colds, but this season, another illness has been especially prominent. As a medical resident, I\u2019ve 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 \u2014 when many people spend more time indoors and in close contact.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Consistent prevention can make a real difference for our community.<\/p>\n Monique Cantu, DO<\/p>\n Fresno<\/p>\n California\u2019s hypocrisy<\/p>\n \u201cCalifornia withdraws lawsuit challenging Trump\u2019s $4B high-speed rail funding cut<\/a>,\u201d (fresnobee.com, Dec. 26)<\/p>\n 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 \u2014 often for over a year. Now, they have the unmitigated gall to call the federal government \u201can unreliable partner\u201d?<\/p>\n Larry Teixeira<\/p>\n Clovis<\/p>\n A different opinion on BioMAT<\/p>\n \u201cCPUC must extend BioMAT to fight wildfires and protect jobs<\/a>,\u201d (fresnobee.com, Dec. 17)<\/p>\n 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\u2019s carbon reduction goals.<\/p>\n Studies show that biomass plants emit more CO2 than natural gas, challenging the idea of \u201ccarbon neutrality\u201d in forest waste. Furthermore, while removing dead trees helps reduce fuel loads, relying on biomass is not the most effective wildfire prevention strategy.<\/p>\n 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\u2019s communities and environment.<\/p>\n Jennifer Normoyle<\/p>\n Hillsborough<\/p>\n Protect BioMAT program<\/p>\n