In CA: Newsom gets high approval rating in new poll
This is Megan Diskin of the Ventura County Star sending you positive affirmations and a bevy of news.
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COVID-19 response earns Newsom high approval rating
Results of a poll released by the UC Berkeley Institute of Governmental Studies show that 64% of likely California voters approve of the job Gov. Newsom has done. Another 36% disapprove.
The Los Angeles Times reports that this rating is being boosted by Newsom's response to the coronavirus pandemic. The poll sampled opinions on Newsom's performance in relation to 13 different categories.
Nearly 50% of those surveyed said Newsom has done a good or excellent job handling the public health crisis. On the other hand, there is some dissatisfaction among voters of his efforts to address homelessness and high housing costs in the state.
Still, the poll found that Newsom's approval rating is among the highest of any governor the state has had in the past 50 years during the same point in their term.
Swing and slide to your heart's content
It doesn't matter what the color of your county's tier is. Children and adults (no shame in my game) can visit their local playground now, as long everyone maintains 6 feet of distance from each other.
There are some other rules, too. The Desert Sun informs us that everyone must wear a mask, except for visitors younger than 2. No eating and drinking is allowed and visits are limited to 30 minutes per day.
The state's public health officials announced the change this week as many counties moved tiers, prompting other activities to reopen.
In Sacramento County, that means museums, zoos, movie theaters and indoor worship services can start up again as long as their capacity is limited.
'I can't keep up with this crap.'
Michele Smith said those words about the wildfires seeming to constantly threaten her home. The Redding Record Searchlight reported Smith made the statement while watching some smoke from a new blaze, the deadly Zogg Fire, billow nearby.
The blaze has claimed the lives of three people and destroyed dozens of structures, becoming another wildfire of devastation to plague the state this year.
One might argue Smith's sentiment reflects that of all Californians... and its firefighters.
The Zogg Fire is burning near Smith's home of Igo, which is near Redding. Smith and others remember the 2018 Carr Fire burning right up near and around their homes. Now, they're back considering whether they should evacuate.
Smith said she had something else on her mind too: selling her home.
Where are the COVID-19 outbreaks occurring?
In Riverside County, most of the outbreaks have been reported at grocery stores, according to The Desert Sun. There were 48 outbreaks at these establishments between July and September, said Riverside County Public Health Director Dr. Kim Saruwatari.
The data show these outbreaks affected customers and employees alike. An outbreak is defined as at least three cases known to be related to one business, Saruwatari said.
For months, grocery shopping has been one of the only trips outside a home that state and local officials have condoned.
There are some hiccups with the data, however, and it should be looked at with caution. Saruwatari said about 50% of the occupational sector data is missing because people declined to answer contact tracers' questions or they could not be located.
Help make a senior smile
The Ventura County Area Agency on Aging is teaming up with Meals on Wheels America to send food and heartfelt notes to seniors living alone during the pandemic.
The effort is called the "Letters of Support Campaign," and nearly 200 messages have been received since it launched in mid-September.
Ventura County Star reporter Tom Kisken writes that COVID-19 has turned the outside world into a mine field for seniors, especially those with diabetes, asthma or other pre-existing conditions.
Senior centers have been closed for visitors, and the loved ones of seniors who live alone are encouraging them to stay home, said Dr. Jeffrey Allan, a geriatrics specialist in the county.
"I think the unsung casualties of COVID-19 are the isolated elderly," said Allan, applauding the letters or notes of support. "Anything that can help divert people’s attention from what they’re going through would help them."
Messages should be sent to the Ventura County Area Agency on Aging, 646 County Square Drive, Suite 100, Ventura, CA 93003. Write "Letters of Support Campaign" on the envelope. All letters will be reviewed.
Living a miracle
Rich Haggerty, 54, of Ventura, nearly died in a June 2019 mountain bike crash that left doctors wondering if he'd ever walk again. He made a miraculous recovery, took up paddle boarding because it was safer than surfing and paddled 14 miles... because he could.
This Huntington Beach restaurant takes its anti-mask stance and love of "The Godfather" movies very seriously. The eatery has a billboard that states: "Leave the mask, take the cannoli."
According to the Federal Trade Commission, scammers have taken $20 million from Californians in coronavirus-related ruses.
Disneyland parks weren't quite the happiest place on Earth Tuesday. Park officials laid off 28,000 workers from the Disneyland and Disney World parks due to the pandemic.
In California is a roundup of news from across USA TODAY Network newsrooms. Also contributing: L.A. Times, Orange County Register, Sacramento Bee
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: In CA: Newsom gets high approval rating in new poll
