A tail of two cities: SF's dog groomers reopen, while Oakland's say ongoing shutdown endangers dogs
Dog grooming isn't purely cosmetic — and local groomers say they're seeing dogs with serious health issues after two months without a trim.
Yellow Fever Mosquito Resurgence in North Concord Raises Public Health Concerns
Invasive Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, carriers of multiple viruses, were detected in North Concord, reigniting public health concerns, despite ongoing surveillance since their last sighting in Martinez two years ago.
Oakland's Highland Hospital ER Introduces Pioneering Opioid Treatment Program, Over 80% of California Hospitals Follow Suit
Wilma Chan Highland Hospital in Oakland is using its ER to initiate immediate treatment for opioid use disorder, aiding in California's broader adoption of emergency department-based interventions using buprenorphine.
West Nile Virus Alert: Second Infected Crow Found in Walnut Creek Amid Rising Temperatures
A second crow tested positive for West Nile virus in Walnut Creek, with increased mosquito breeding and WNV risk due to hot weather. Residents are urged to eliminate standing water and use repellent.
Cannabis Marketed in SF Shops For Pain And Sleep Despite Lack of Clinical Evidence: UCSF
A UCSF secret‑shopper study found Bay Area budtenders often recommend topicals for pain and edibles for sleep — despite limited clinical evidence. Researchers say more research and training are needed.
Measles Scare Shadows Holiday Shoppers In Walnut Creek
Contra Costa Health says a confirmed measles case may have exposed shoppers at multiple Walnut Creek stores and the Kaiser emergency department; unvaccinated people should check their status.
Feds Forced To Tackle ‘Rocket Fuel’ Chemical In Bay Area Taps
The EPA says it will propose a federal limit for perchlorate in tap water after a court order. The agency argues few systems are affected, but testing and public comment will follow.
California Newborns 2X as Likely to Face Opioid Withdrawal as Prenatal Drug Use Surges in a Decade
An analysis of millions of California pregnancies reveals a sharp rise in prenatal opioid use over the past decade, with newborns increasingly born into withdrawal and requiring intensive medical care. The surge is fueling calls for expanded maternal treatment programs.
California's 988 Lifeline Stalls Out as State Fumbles Crisis Deadlines
A statewide plan to wire 9‑1‑1 into California’s 988 lifeline has stalled, leaving crisis centers unpaid and callers facing uneven routing. Providers and advocates are pressing for faster action as demand surges.
Mumps Scare Rattles Berkeley High, Parents Put On Alert
Berkeley High warned that people on campus on Feb. 2 may have been exposed to mumps as city health officials open an investigation. Families are being urged to check vaccination records and call a doctor if symptoms appear.
California Schools Face Financial Strain as Measles Cases Rise
State audits flagged 428 schools and the State Controller’s Office says districts lost more than $2.2M in attendance funding as measles activity climbs. Districts are tightening enrollment checks and running catch‑up clinics.
Bottle-Cap Mosquito Invades Bay Area, Officials Sound Alarm
Aedes aegypti — a bottle‑cap‑breeding, day‑biting mosquito that can spread dengue and Zika — has been detected in parts of the Bay Area; officials urge residents to clear standing water.
Rabid Bat In Fremont’s Glenmoor Neighborhood Triggers Door-to-Door Scare
A dead bat found on Logan Drive in Fremont’s Glenmoor neighborhood tested positive for rabies. County vector control will notify nearby homes and health officials urge reporting exposures.
Stanford Blood Bank Runs on Fumes as Bay Area Surgeries Hang in the Balance
Stanford Blood Center says reserves are critically low and type‑O units are especially scarce. The center and local partners are asking area donors to schedule appointments or visit nearby drives.
California Tightens Screws On Manganese In Your Tap Water
State water regulators set manganese notification at 0.05 mg/L and response at 0.20 mg/L, citing infant health concerns. Public water systems must report exceedances and may need to act quickly.


























































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