Latest news with #BakersfieldNow
Yahoo
30-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Firefighters Credit Heroic Golden Retriever with Saving Family from Dangerous Blaze
A house in Bakersfield, California, caught fire in the early hours of May 24 The family dog, Lulu, noticed something was wrong, woke everyone up, and helped everyone get out of the house The Bakersfield Fire Department is praising Lulu for her "heroic efforts"A family escaped a house fire — thanks to their "heroic" dog. On May 24, the Bakersfield Fire Department responded to a call about a house fire in southwest Bakersfield, California, per local outlet BakersfieldNow. The family inside was still asleep when the blaze began. Luckily, their attentive dog Lulu noticed something was wrong. According to a Facebook post from the fire department, Lulu the golden retriever noticed flames outside her home and woke up her family before the fire spread enough to trap them inside the burning house. "The Bakersfield Fire Department was quick to respond to a house fire in Southwest Bakersfield this morning. The family is safe thanks to the heroic efforts of the family dog Lulu. The fire started on the outside of the house. All of the family are safe because she woke them up and helped them get out of the house quickly," the agency shared in a social media post alongside a photo of brave Lulu. The family, including Lulu, escaped the two-alarm without any injuries, per BakersfieldNow. Never miss a story — sign up for to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. The outlet added that firefighters arrived around 4 a.m. local time and spent over four hours putting out the blaze. The house sustained substantial damage from the fire. Thousands of animal lovers reacted to the Bakersfield Fire Department's post about Lulu's life-saving, with many complimenting the dog. "Get that dog a giant steak! Well done!" one commenter wrote. Aww Way to go Lulu!! Dogs are so smart and so loyal!!" wrote another. Read the original article on People
Yahoo
06-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Economists predict perfect storm of factors that could send grocery prices skyrocketing: 'It is very concerning'
Earth's rising temperatures can directly impact your wallet when shopping for groceries. Economists in California's Central Valley are currently monitoring how climate challenges combined with recent policy factors (such as tariffs and immigration raids) may create a perfect storm that drives food costs higher for American families. California farmers face multiple climate-related challenges affecting crop production. Despite some recent rainfall, parts of the state still experience drought conditions with snowpack at only 83% of normal levels. Unpredictable weather patterns across major agricultural regions disrupt growing seasons — and ultimately increase prices at checkout. Adding to these climate pressures, ongoing tariff tensions between the United States and its North American neighbors contribute to rising goods costs. Dr. Gokce Soydemir of Stanislaus State University warns that these trade disputes "may slow down the economy and, because of higher prices resulting from tariffs, inflation may start increasing again," in an article appearing in Bakersfield Now. Immigration raids in farmworker communities can also have a major impact. These enforcement actions reduce the available workforce needed for harvesting, with experts cautioning that crops left unpicked reduce the available supply and create potential food safety concerns. "They are going to lose their jobs, and the food quality will be impacted … the fruits and vegetables have to be picked in a certain amount of time. And if they do not then we may be facing outbreaks like salmonella, so it is very concerning," Dr. Soydemir said. When crops fail or yields decrease due to extreme weather, families feel the impact immediately through higher grocery bills. Lower-income households typically spend a larger percentage of their income on food, making them especially vulnerable to these price increases. Beyond the immediate financial strain, disrupted food systems threaten food security nationwide. Dr. Soydemir notes that climate impacts combined with other factors create "a growth scare along with fears of resurgence in inflation." Food quality can also suffer when crops must be harvested under suboptimal conditions. The situation highlights how climate issues directly affect our daily life. When farmers can't get enough water or face unpredictable growing conditions, we all pay more for food while potentially receiving lower-quality produce. Many farmers adopt climate-smart agricultural practices to build resilience against unpredictable weather, including drought-resistant crop varieties, improved irrigation techniques, and soil management practices to retain more moisture. Policy initiatives can also address these challenges. Programs supporting sustainable farming practices and water conservation help ensure continued food production despite climate challenges. Do you worry about how much food you throw away? Definitely Sometimes Not really Never Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. For shoppers looking to better manage their bills, check out The Cool Down's starter's guide for practical strategies to shop smarter at the grocery store. Simple steps like meal planning and reducing food waste can help offset rising prices while also reducing your environmental footprint. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
