Tag: California

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Indian-American Leader Announces Bid for California State Assembly

Crediting her immigrant parents, Tara said her inspiration for public service came from them as they taught her the value of education and to give back to her community…reports Asian Lite News

 Indian-American community leader Tara Sreekrishnan has announced that she is running for California State Assembly from District 26 as a Democrat.

Located in the heart of Silicon Valley in the Southern area of the San Francisco Bay Area, the district encompasses Santa Clara County including the cities of Sunnyvale, Cupertino, Santa Clara, and North and West San Jose.

Serving on the Santa Clara County Board of Education since 2021, Tara (30) has been charged with overseeing a combined 270,000 students across the County’s 31 school districts and balancing a budget of $300 million.

In her campaign statement, Tara, also a former piano teacher at a Cupertino music academy, said she wants to tackle issues like climate change, education, affordable housing and safe communities.

“It’s crucial to acknowledge the challenges our residents face: housing affordability, climate change, traffic congestion, and an education system that needs strengthening. Addressing these challenges — and spending tax dollars efficiently and effectively — is why I’m running for State Assembly,” her statement read.

“I understand what it takes to make California financially responsible, improve our education system so that our children have future career opportunities, and to make sure our communities are safe, clean and affordable,” she added.

According to Tara, she is the right pick for District 26, having professional experience across all levels of local government — school district, city, county, and state.

“I’ve written and passed legislation that developed housing for the homeless, modernised our schools, curbed youth drug overdoses, and expanded job training and apprenticeship programs,” she said in her campaign website.

Crediting her immigrant parents, Tara said her inspiration for public service came from them as they taught her the value of education and to give back to her community.

Tara graduated from Mills College, the oldest women’s college on the West Coast, following which she set out to work as a community and political organiser for grassroots campaigns.

Having served on several local non-profit boards, she co-founded Silicon Valley Youth Climate Action (SVYCA), which empowered hundreds of students across Santa Clara County to combat climate change through impactful education and policy initiatives.

She has served as a top aide and advisor to State Senator Dave Cortese in the state legislature and the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors, drafting and passing a range of legislation and successfully navigating bureaucracies on behalf of constituents.

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-Top News Crime USA

Concerns Rise as 3 Hindu Temples Attacked in California

In view of the rising threat from pro-Khalistan elements, HAF urged temple leaders across the US to download its safety guide….reports Asian Lite News

 Three Hindu temples have been targeted by unknown miscreants in quick succession in the US state of California’s Bay Area region, leaving members of the community in shock.

The Vijay’s Sherawali Temple in Hayward was vandalised with anti-India and pro-Khalistan graffiti, the Hindu American Foundation (HAF) said in a post on X on Friday.

A few weeks earlier, the outer walls of walls of Shree Swaminarayan Mandir in Newark were defaced with similar graffiti, and a theft was reported at the Shiv Durga temple in the same area, the Hindu advocacy group said.

“Another Bay Area Hindu temple attacked with pro-#Khalistan graffiti,” the Hindu American Foundation said in the post on X.

“The Vijay’s Sherawali Temple in Hayward, CA sustained a copycat defacement just two weeks after the Swaminarayan Mandir attack and one week after a theft at the Shiv Durga temple in the same area.”

Located at 20789 Garden Avenue, the graffiti spray painted with black ink targeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi and eulogised Khalistan.

The group said that is in touch with temple leaders, Alameda Police Department and the Civil Rights Divist of the Department of Justice to address the matter.

In view of the rising threat from pro-Khalistan elements, HAF urged temple leaders across the US to download its safety guide.

“The guide specifically discusses that temple graffiti qualifies as a hate crime and also the importance of installing working security cameras and alarm systems in view of the rising threat from #Khalistan proponents as well as the omnipresent risk from anti-Hindu actors,” HAF wrote and posted the safety guide on X.

Meanwhile, US authorities are investigating the attack on Shri Swaminarayan Mandir Hindu Temple, as a potential hate crime.

“We condemn the vandalism of Shri Swaminarayan Mandir Hindu Temple in California. We welcome efforts by the Newark Police Department to ensure that those responsible are held accountable,” the State Department’s Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs had said in a post on social media platform X.

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar condemned the defacing of the temple, and said that separatists should not get space.

“As you know that we are worried that… outside India the extremism and separatists should not be given space. Our Consulate there complained to the government and the police and I think an inquiry is underway.”

Mihir Meghani, co-founder of HAF, had told CBS News that the Indian-American community in the Bay Area is growing, and these political issues are now becoming a part of the division here.

These attacks on Hindu temples, occurring between December 2023 and the first week of the New Year, follow US indictment against an Indian national for his alleged involvement in a foiled plot to kill New York-based Khalistan leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun.

According to US-based advocacy organisation, Coalition of Hindus of North America (CoHNA), a thorough and urgent action is needed to address growing Hinduphobia in the region.

“Freedom of religion means little when sacred spaces that are meant to be an oasis of peace and calm, are vandalised with no consequences. We are sad but not shocked — authorities, media and other groups have regularly downplayed or ignored the growing #Hinduphobia in the region,” CoHNA said in an earlier post on X.

“People who put those symbols and names up…what they are promoting is a separate state of Khalistan… So if those people who did this want that, that’s something that I think most Americans, most Indians, most Hindus don’t want,” Meghani had said.

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-Top News Tech Lite

Musk’s X loses appeal to block California law

Mark Schobinger, the former senior director of compensation for Twitter, had filed suit against Twitter on behalf of himself and other current and former Twitter employees in June, reports Courthouse News Service…reports Asian Lite News

Elon Musk-run X (formerly Twitter) has lost a bid to block a California law requiring social media companies to disclose how they handle content moderation on their platforms.

In September, X sued California to undo the state’s content moderation law, saying it violated free speech rights under the US Constitution’s First Amendment and California’s state constitution, reports Deadline.

On Thursday, US District Judge William Shubb dismissed the company’s request in an eight-page decision.

The law mandates that large social media companies issue semiannual reports describing their content moderation practices, including data on objectionable posts and how they were addressed, the report mentioned.

“While the reporting requirement does appear to place a substantial compliance burden on social media companies, it does not appear that the requirement is unjustified or unduly burdensome within the context of First Amendment law,” Shubb wrote.

Meanwhile, a US federal judge has ruled that X violated a contract when it failed to pay tens of millions of dollars in bonuses to its employees promised after Elon Musk acquired the platform for $44 billion.

Mark Schobinger, the former senior director of compensation for Twitter, had filed suit against Twitter on behalf of himself and other current and former Twitter employees in June, reports Courthouse News Service.

In the verdict, US District Judge Vincent Chhabria said that Schobinger stated a breach of contract claim under California law and that Schobinger was covered by the bonus plan and followed all of Twitter’s directions.

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-Top News India News

Goyal visits Tesla’s manufacturing facility in California

He also met US Trade Representative Ambassador Katherine Tai on the sidelines of the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) in San Francisco. The two leaders held talks on the IPEF and trade pillars…reports Asian Lite News

Union Minister for Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal on Monday (local time) visited Tesla’s manufacturing facility in California’s Fremont and said that the US electric car maker is on its way to double its components imports from India.

Goyal stressed that he is proud to see the growing importance of auto component suppliers from India in the Tesla EV supply chain.

He said that he missed meeting Tesla CEO Elon Musk and wished him a speedy recovery. He said that he is “delighted” to see Indian engineers and finance professionals working in senior positions and contributing to Tesla’s journey to transform mobility.

Taking to social media app X, Goyal stated, “Visited @Tesla ‘s state of the art manufacturing facility at Fremont, California. Extremely delighted to see talented Indian engineers & finance professionals working at Senior positions and contributing to Tesla’s remarkable journey to transform mobility. Also proud to see the growing importance of Auto component suppliers from India in the Tesla EV supply chain. It is on its way to double its components imports from India. Missed Mr @ElonMusk’s magnetic presence and I wish him a speedy recovery.”

Goyal, who is on a visit to the United States from November 13 to 16, arrived in San Francisco Monday morning (local time), will participate in the third in-person Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) Ministerial meeting from November 13-14, 2023. During his visit, he will also attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit in San Francisco.

Just shortly upon arrival in the US, Goyal met with Singapore’s Minister for Trade and Industry Gan Kim Yong. The two leaders discussed ways to accelerate cooperation across sectors to further deepen economic partnership between India and Singapore.

Taking to X, Goyal stated, “Met H.E. Gan Kim Yong, Minister of Trade & Industry, Singapore, and discussed ways to accelerate cooperation across sectors to further deepen our economic partnership.”

He also met US Trade Representative Ambassador Katherine Tai on the sidelines of the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) in San Francisco. The two leaders held talks on the IPEF and trade pillars.

Goyal is scheduled to hold a bilateral meeting with US Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo and representatives from various sectors and industries, according to the Ministry of Commerce and Industry earlier press release. These meetings will focus on addressing trade barriers, promoting investments, and fostering greater cooperation in areas such as technology and innovation.

One of the key focus of the visit will be the joint event, co-chaired with US Commerce Secretary, Gina Raimondo on “India-USA Innovation Handshake Initiative”, with the aim to lift up and connect the two sides’ dynamic startup ecosystems, address specific regulatory hurdles to cooperation, and promote further innovation and job growth, particularly in emerging technologies.”

During his visit to the US, Goyal will also participate in the investors’ roundtable along with one-to-one meetings with CEOs, according to the press release. He will also interact with various stakeholders such as students, entrepreneurs, venture capitalists and the Indian diaspora.

Piyush Goyal is expected to interact with globally renowned technology, entrepreneurship, and academic communities in the Bay Area, particularly, in Silicon Valley to undertake focused discussions with American companies looking to invest or expand in India across sectors – Electronics (including semiconductors), Technology, FinTech etc. (ANI)

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Lite Blogs Travel Travel & Tourism

California’s Luxury Haven: The Ultimate Getaway Experience

Elevating the hospitality landscape in Southern California’s premier mountain town of Big Bear Lake is Marina Riviera, with the opening of its redesigned guestrooms and cabins. The 1968 Viking-inspired lodge has been lovingly restored by Casetta Group, creating a design-driven, elemental boutique experience within the year-round destination…reports Asian Lite News

California is a haven for luxury experiences, offering everything from opulent stays,luxurious massages, high-end shopping, and culinary delights. Guests can unwind in plush, well-appointed rooms, embracing modern sophistication while being surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty. Each location offers a unique backdrop for relaxation and adventure, from panoramic ocean views to majestic mountain landscapes and cityscapes. World-class dining options, wellness centres, and concierge services add to the lavish experience, making these three new hotels the perfect choice for those seeking the ultimate Californian getaway.

Marina Riviera, Big Bear

Elevating the hospitality landscape in Southern California’s premier mountain town of Big Bear Lake is Marina Riviera, with the opening of its redesigned guestrooms and cabins. The 1968 Viking-inspired lodge has been lovingly restored by Casetta Group, creating a design-driven, elemental boutique experience within the year-round destination. In the San Bernardino Mountains on the lake’s south shore edge, Marina Riviera embodies the great outdoors, immersed in refined modern mountain comfort. The hotel comprises 42 guest rooms in the main lodge – all with beautiful lake views, many with private balconies – and six two-bedroom cabins located across Big Bear Blvd. Marina Riviera is a 10-minute shuttle ride to Big Bear Mountain Resort and within a five-minute walk to the shops, dining, and entertainment in The Village at Big Bear Lake. Slated to open later in 2023 are an onsite private beach, swimming pool, hot tub, sauna, and outdoor fire pits, with a bar and restaurant yet to come.

Palihotel, San Diego

For someone who appreciates historic contexts in architecture, a visit to Palihotel San Diego is highly recommended. Palisociety reimagined the Hotel St. James, originally built in 1912, into Palihotel San Diego, a vibrant and bustling mainstay that opened in 2023 in the heart of San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter. Featuring 122 guest rooms, Palihotel San Diego brings a youthful, design-centric offering to San Diego’s hotel landscape, showcasing a preppy, nautical-inspired charm, a new restaurant, and a guest-exclusive roof deck offering daily social hour and the best views of the city. The hotel features Saint James French Diner, an all-day dining room that will blend the approachable nature of an American diner with the subtle elegance of a French bistro.

Imperial Hotel, Amador City

The Imperial Hotel, a new addition to San Francisco’s luxury hotel offerings, is undeniably a destination well worth your booking and exploration. Built in 1879, this brick building replaced a wood-frame hotel destroyed by fire in 1878. The Imperial Hotel was extensively restored in 1968 and 1988 and again proudly serves its original purpose in California Gold Country. The new owners (who also own the nearby Break Even Beermakers) took over the property in fall 2022. They brought modern updates and a new interior that honours the property’s history through its original brick walls, massive wood beams, high ceilings and wood floors. The property features six guest rooms in the main building, with an additional three luxurious cottage rooms a block away.

California’s luxury hotels set the stage for unforgettable experiences in a state known for its diverse landscapes and vibrant culture. Whether it is a coastal escape, a mountain retreat, or an urban oasis, these establishments deliver the highest standard of comfort and hospitality. With a variety of opulent options to choose from, California invites travellers to indulge in the very best that the West Coast has to offer, making it a top destination for those seeking luxury, relaxation, and indulgence.

ALSO READ-Luxury to culinary bliss: California’s latest travel experiences

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-Top News Business USA

Tentative Deal Reached After Largest US Healthcare Strike

More than 75,000 workers with the California-based healthcare provider went on strike for three days last week, demanding better pay and benefits.

 Kaiser Permanente, the largest healthcare nonprofit organization in the US, has reached a tentative deal with the unions representing over 75,000 employees, after the largest healthcare workers’ strike on record in the country.

“The frontline healthcare workers of the Coalition of Kaiser Permanente Unions are excited to have reached a tentative agreement with Kaiser Permanente,” union officials said on X on Friday.

Kaiser Permanente also posted a similar announcement on the platform.

Both sides expressed their gratitude to the instrumental involvement of Acting US Labor Secretary Julie Su.

More than 75,000 workers with the California-based healthcare provider went on strike for three days last week, demanding better pay and benefits.

Union officials had warned that the three-day strike “will be the initial demonstration of our strength to Kaiser” and “another longer and stronger” strike would be staged next month if a new contract agreement couldn’t be reached by then.

Kaiser admitted staff shortages in a statement, saying it’s a problem that every healthcare provider in the nation has been facing.

The organisation’s data confirm a chronic trend of staff shortages in the US healthcare industry, which was exacerbated by the pandemic.

This year saw a record of labor activities in the US, as the number of workers involved in strikes has reached at least 411,000, the highest since 2019, recent data showed.

This year’s strikes also lasted longer than those in recent history, according to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and Cornell University’s Labor Action Tracker.

Workers have walked out from various industries such as healthcare, entertainment, automobile, hotel and airlines.

Negotiations between Hollywood studios and the US entertainment industry’s largest union representing 160,000 actors and performers were suspended on Wednesday night after the two sides failed to reach a deal.

Hollywood has shuddered to standstill since the start of the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) strike in mid-July.

In another high-profile strike, more than 34,000 auto workers from the “Big Three” automakers — Ford, General Motors and Stellantis — are on strike, which has lasted nearly one month.

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Food Lite Blogs USA

Where Global Flavors Meet Fine Dining

Beverage Director Vincent Balao, formerly the Lead Sommelier at Atelier Crenn, designed a program that features classic old-world and new-world wines, champagnes, beers, ciders, sake, and alcohol-free spirits…reports Asian Lite News

California’s ever-evolving culinary landscape is a vibrant mosaic of innovation and cultural fusion. It isn’t just about sustenance, but a dynamic reflection of the state’s creativity, sustainability, and appreciation for diverse tastes and traditions. Savor varied gastronomic adventures at these 5 new dining destinations that celebrate taste, culture, and ingenuity. From farm-to-table emphasis to global influences and elevated classics to bold fusions, each restaurant offers a unique experience.

The Newly-Opened Kiln, San Francisco

Opened in Hayes Valley, Kiln is a new 3,400-square-foot fine-dining concept from Partner/Chef John Wesley and Partner/General Manager Julianna Yang, who previously worked together at Michelin-starred Sons & Daughters. Wesley and Yang were inspired to introduce a transformative dining experience that showcases worldly ingredients, high-level technique, and excellent hospitality. The Tasting Menu (18-20 courses, $225) and Bar Menu (810 courses, $135) study intention, simplicity, and purity of flavour with an ingredient-forward and technique-driven approach to global cuisine. Kiln’s purveyors include 90% local farmers, sustainably sourced meats, and wild-caught seasonal seafood – all of which share the restaurant’s dedication to the finest products. Beverage Director Vincent Balao, formerly the Lead Sommelier at Atelier Crenn, designed a program that features classic old-world and new-world wines, champagnes, beers, ciders, sake, and alcohol-free spirits.

Luxury Dining at Kimpton Alma San Diego’s Leave of Absence

Kimpton Alma San Diego, the recently opened boutique hotel in the heart of the historic Gaslamp Quarter, debuted its newest dining venue, Leave of Absence, a rooftop, poolside hangout serving fresh fare and delectable cocktails. Leave of Absence is located on the hotel’s pool deck and features a menu of delicious finger foods straight out of the stone, wood-fired oven, and handcrafted cocktails meant to be enjoyed in the sun and by the pool. This venue marks the third dining destination spearheaded by acclaimed Los Angeles-based chef-restaurateur Jason Neroni within Kimpton Alma. Some menu items include chicken shawarma meatballs, Hanger steak shashlik, baked rigatoni, wood-fired flatbreads, the Raspado, a Jamaican-inspired slushy spiked with mezcal; the Taiji cocktail and more.

Liquid Gravity Brewing Company’s New Taproom, Old Town Orcutt

Liquid Gravity Brewing Company was founded by San Luis Obispo native Brendan Gough. A brewing industry veteran, Gough has spent his career brewing on the Central Coast. After working for Doc Cellars, Central Coast Brewing and Firestone Walker, to name a few, Gough decided to venture on his own and Liquid Gravity was born. The beers brewed and developed at Liquid Gravity Brewing Company push boundaries. By focusing on big, bold, flavour-rich beers, exotic ingredients, and cutting-edge brewing techniques, Liquid Gravity aims to offer an experience unlike any other on the Central Coast. In May 2023, Liquid Gravity opened its second taproom in Old Town Orcutt. Located at 156 Broadway Street, Ste. F, the new taproom opens at noon Tuesday through Sunday.

Fess Parker’s Newly Renovated Epiphany Tasting Room, Santa Ynez Valley

The recent renovation of Fess Parker’s Epiphany Tasting Room in the Santa Ynez Valley of Santa Barbara County, California, caters to discerning leisure travellers and wine enthusiasts. The renovation enhances the outdoor tasting experience, introducing new pavers and shade sails, perimeter bench seating, upgraded cushions and finishes for the lounge furniture, and a new outdoor service bar in the expansive garden area. These enhancements are designed to create a comfortable and functional space where guests can savour Rhône varietal wines while immersing themselves in the surrounding area’s natural beauty. Overseeing the renovation was Josh White, a dedicated family member committed to preserving the legacy of Fess Parker as a family-owned and operated business.

Late-Night Fun at New Oceanside Speakeasies   

Oceanside’s nightlife scene has doubled with two new speakeasies offering creative craft cocktails and immersive themed experiences. Ladies Love Outlaws is located inside Heritage Barbecue & Beer Co. and boasts a dark and moody atmosphere with a laid-back Honky Tonk vibe. The bar’s vintage jukebox is loaded with classic country gold, and the bar features aptly named cocktails like “Big Buckle Energy.” The Space Pad at Kilowatt Brewery is an otherworldly cocktail lounge inspired by the planet Rillispore. Guests enter through a space elevator to experience the 1950s atomic era-styled cosmic ambience and can choose from a menu of innovative cocktails designed by Mixologist Cristian Diaz, known for his work at Disneyland’s Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar. Menu items include cocktails with flavoured smoke bubbles, lava lamp drinks that change colour, and spherefied cocktails that patrons can bite into.

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-Top News Environment USA

California braces as hurricane Hilary intensifies to category 4

The storm is forecast to begin weakening on Saturday as it encounters cooler water temperatures and then become a tropical storm by Sunday as it approaches the US…reports Asian Lite News

Hurricane Hilary strengthened to Category 4 early Friday and is expected to weaken as it barrels toward the US state of California.

The US National Weather Service tweeted that the storm would “lead to significant impacts” to the southwestern US this weekend into early next week, with rainfall totals of 3 to 6 inches and isolated amounts of up to 10 inches for parts of southern California and southern Nevada.

Within 24 hours, Hilary has rapidly intensified from a 70 mph tropical storm to a “large and powerful” 140 mph Category 4 hurricane as of early Friday, Xinhua news agency reported, citing the National Hurricane Center.

The storm is forecast to begin weakening on Saturday as it encounters cooler water temperatures and then become a tropical storm by Sunday as it approaches the US.

Weekend flood watches have been issued across southern California, stretching from San Diego to Los Angeles. The National Weather Service in Los Angeles has also warned of the potential for dangerously high surf, rip currents and coastal flooding.

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-Top News Crime USA

Cyberattack hits California-based healthcare system

Fraudsters get creative, come up with newer ways to dupe people. (Photo:Unsplash)

Ransomware attacks, including on medical systems, have become increasingly common as they digitize patient records and upgrade to cloud-based servers…reports Asian Lite News

A California-based health-care system faced a cyberattack this week. As a result, some services at affiliated locations were shut down, forcing reliance on paper records, The Washington Post reported.

Prospect Medical Holdings owns more than a dozen hospitals in California, Connecticut, Pennsylvania and Rhode Island, and it also operates a network of more than 160 outpatient centers and clinics, its website says.

Prospect in an emailed statement to The Washington Post, confirmed that the attack “has disrupted our operations” and said its offices were in touch with the FBI and third-party cybersecurity specialists.

The statement said: “Upon learning of this, we took our systems offline to protect them and launched an investigation. This incident is a firm reminder that cybersecurity threats pose a real risk for health-care organizations across the nation. Prospect Medical Holdings is not the first health system that has been targeted by bad actors and, unfortunately, it will not be the last. We are working with investigators and law enforcement agencies to address this urgent situation.”

Eastern Connecticut Health Network, which is within the Prospect system, said it was “experiencing IT complications” on its website as of Saturday evening, shutting its outpatient medical imaging and outpatient blood draw services, among others. Emergency rooms for two hospitals in the network diverted patients on Thursday, the Hartford Courant reported, as per The Washington Post.

CharterCARE Health Partners in Rhode Island on Thursday wrote on Facebook that its “computer systems are down and temporarily affecting inpatient and outpatient operations.” It added its staff was “following downtime procedures, including the use of paper records, until this is resolved.”

On Saturday, Waterbury Hospital in Connecticut said on Facebook that the incident “is affecting all Prospect Medical Holdings Inc. affiliates.” It added that “a few of its outpatient services” were not available Friday and Saturday, including outpatient blood draw and diagnostic imaging services. The hospital previously posted that it also relied on paper records for parts of this week as a result of the attack.

The Philadelphia Inquirer reported that systems were also down on Thursday in Pennsylvania-based Crozer Health, which experienced a similar attack in 2020.

Ransomware attacks, including on medical systems, have become increasingly common as they digitize patient records and upgrade to cloud-based servers. Hackers deploy them to block an organization’s access to its own computer network and to extort a ransom from it, as per The Washington Post.

Prospect Medical Holdings’s statement read: “While our investigation continues, we are focused on addressing the pressing needs of our patients as we work diligently to return to normal operations as quickly as possible.” (ANI)

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Environment USA

California drought conditions ease

This photo taken on Jan. 16, 2023 shows a flooded area in Byron, Contra Costa County, California, the United States. (Photo by Li Jianguo/Xinhua/IANS)

Three month ago, the data showed that all of California was in drought, including at extreme and exceptional levels….reports Asian Lite News

The recent rain and snow from a series of winter storms topped annual precipitation averages across the US West, especially over the Sierra and coastal ranges and Rocky Mountains, resulting in freeing half of California from drought.

According to the latest data released by US Drought Monitor (USDM) on Thursday, moderate or severe drought still covered about 49 per cent of the Golden State, while nearly 17 per cent of the state was free of drought or a condition described as abnormally dry. The remainder is still abnormally dry.

It said central California’s Sierra Nevada mountains and foothills were free of drought and abnormal dryness for the first time since January 2020.

The central coast from Monterey Bay to Los Angeles County was also drought-free, along with two counties on the far north coast.

Three month ago, the data showed that all of California was in drought, including at extreme and exceptional levels.

“The rain has improved California soil moisture and streamflow levels, while the snow has increased mountain snowpack to much above-normal levels. Most California reservoirs have refilled with water levels near or above average, but groundwater levels remain low and may take months to recover,” the summary of the USDM’s weekly report read.

California Water Watch issued by the state’s Department of Water Resources found that as of Thursday major reservoir levels were at 96 per cent of average lever and statewide snowpack, which provides about a third of the state’s water resource, was about 170 per cent of the historical average level.

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