Latest news with #Merced
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Scientists discover surprising cause of dangerous dust problem impacting US region: 'A dominant contributor'
Scientists discover surprising cause of dangerous dust problem impacting US region: 'A dominant contributor' Farmland left idle and dormant is creating an unhealthy dust problem in California. Over 1 million acres of fallow farmland are contributing to the growing dust, which has health and climate implications in the state's Central Valley. What's happening? According to the University of California, Merced, approximately 77% of fallowed land in California is connected to 88% of the human-caused dust events. UC Merced professors studied this phenomenon and published their findings in the journal Communications Earth & Environment. The issue is especially prevalent in Fresno, Kern, and King counties, where corn, wheat, and cotton fields are routinely fallowed. Here, unplanted farm fields are susceptible to wind erosion, resulting in dust that is often contaminated with chemicals and pathogens. This effect is linked to human respiratory diseases and even death. Certain fungal diseases spread through dust and disproportionately affect vulnerable populations. The particulate matter may contribute to everything from cardiovascular issues to dementia, as well as traffic fatalities due to reduced visibility on roads. California's Central Valley is a significant source of dust, as it is a major agricultural production region in the U.S. Researchers are studying the impacts of dust on local snowmelt and water resources. "Because our study points to fallowed or idled farmlands as a dominant contributor, that may change how we estimate overall dust impact," said one of the researchers, Adeyemi Adebiyi. Do you worry about air pollution in your town? All the time Often Only sometimes Never Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Why is farmland dust significant? Unfarmed lands have been expanding in recent years due to limited water resources and economic decisions. The Sustainable Groundwater Management Act has also limited the amount of water that farmers can use annually. When these lands remain exposed and uncultivated, they produce more dust, which impacts the environment and surrounding communities. Increased dust activity is affecting the health of people and natural ecosystems. More dust in our atmosphere creates ripple effects and hinders plant growth. Overmining, overgrazing, and extended agricultural breaks are creating conditions where degrading land is fueling our changing climate and threatening the global food supply. What's being done to control harmful dust? In the study, the UC Merced researchers recommended that farmers plant cover crops and ground cover plants to reduce dust and improve soil health. They also suggested land transitions to use fallowed farmlands for habitats and renewable energy. To mitigate public health risks and regional climate change associated with precipitation and snowmelt, agricultural practices in the Central Valley must shift. Fortunately, there are many natural solutions to address air pollution issues, like the increase in dust. Some communities have explored organic and water-based dust suppressants containing biodegradable surfactants to address dust issues. Preventing the spread of dust may also involve reducing vehicle exhaust fumes, maintaining proactive air quality monitoring, and promoting sustainable land use. Increasing dust is one of the many critical climate issues affecting California's Central Valley and other agricultural regions worldwide. By raising awareness of the issue and volunteering your time and efforts, you can take local action in your community to address dust pollution and preserve more breathable air for everyone. 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. Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
04-08-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Greif to shut down steel and polymer drum facility in California, US
Industrial packaging company Greif has confirmed plans to permanently close its steel and polymer drum manufacturing facility located in Merced, California, US. This decision is part of the company's strategy to optimise operations and is expected to take effect in September this year. The Merced facility is responsible for the production of steel drums, as well as large and small polymer containers. Following the closure, customer orders will be managed through Greif's existing global network of steel and polymer production sites. The closure will affect approximately 43 employees at the facility. Greif president and CEO Ole Rosgaard said: 'I want to express my deep gratitude to our colleagues in Merced for their hard work over the years and the positive impact they've had on the company and surrounding community. 'We are committed to doing everything we can to make this transition as easy as possible, including providing severance packages and career placement services. 'We remain confident in the strength of our steel and polymer business and its long-term potential. This is a strategic decision to strengthen our focus in key markets while enhancing the performance of both our existing steel network and broader business portfolio.' Greif, which operates on a global scale, aims to enhance its operations by eliminating costs amounting to $100m from the business. Last month, Packaging Corporation of America finalised an agreement to acquire Greif's Containerboard business for $1.8bn. This business includes two mills with a production capacity of approximately 800,000 tonnes and eight sheet feeders and corrugated plants across the US. Additionally, Greif manages timber properties in the south-eastern US and employs more than 14,000 staff members across over 250 facilities in 37 countries. "Greif to shut down steel and polymer drum facility in California, US" was originally created and published by Packaging Gateway, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
02-08-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Greif to close California facility, cut 43 jobs
This story was originally published on Packaging Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily Packaging Dive newsletter. Greif plans to permanently close a facility in Merced, California, that manufactures industrial steel drums as well as small polymer containers, eliminating 43 jobs. The company intends to cease operations at the plant in September. 'Making the decision to close a facility is always difficult,' said CEO Ole Rosgaard in a Friday news release. 'We are committed to doing everything we can to make this transition as easy as possible, including providing severance packages and career placement services.' This closure aligns with the optimization plan executives announced on an earnings call in December, and they said at that time that plant consolidation and staff reductions could occur. Greif aims to cut $100 million in costs by the end of fiscal year 2027. Late last year, Greif executives also described the completion of a business unit reshuffle that involved moving away from a dual-business structure — global industrial packaging, and paper packaging and services — and splitting the businesses into four material-based segments: customized polymers, durable metals, sustainable fiber and integrated solutions. Executives said the biggest growth opportunities exist in polymer-based products, such as intermediate bulk containers and in the caps and closures business, and that's where the company plans to focus future investments. Metals already was one of Greif's largest business units, and it had essentially maxed out its growth prospects for products like steel drums, Rosgaard said in December. The company plans for future metals business investments to be in plant modernization and automation, as opposed to investing in segment growth. Greif already has offloaded some facilities this year as part of the optimization. In May, it announced a plan to close a paperboard mill in Los Angeles by June, ending its coated paperboard production on the West Coast. In early July, Greif confirmed that it's selling its containerboard business to Packaging Corporation of America. And during an earnings call in February, executives announced their intention to sell Greif's entire 176,000-acre timberland portfolio, managed by wholly owned subsidiary Soterra. Recommended Reading Greif details cost reduction strategy, value in business unit restructuring Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
01-07-2025
- Yahoo
Cats press against windshield of U-Haul van outside Taco Bell. Officers take 134 from vehicle
A U-Haul van was found in a California Taco Bell parking lot on Sunday evening crawling with cats. Officials said the van contained 134 cats, most in distress and about one-fifth of them dead. Disturbing images provided by the Merced County Sheriff's Office show cats pressed up against the front windshield of the vehicle. More of the animals — some kittens as young as a week old — were found squeezed into cardboard boxes in the back. A Long Beach woman was arrested on 93 counts of animal cruelty after 106 "extremely emaciated" cats and 28 dead cats were taken from the van, according to the Sheriff's Office. According to a release posted to Facebook, a deputy discovered the cats in the van parked outside of the Taco Bell in Santa Nella. They immediately saw at least 20 cats in need of assistance through the car windshield. Animal control officers removed the sick and dead cats. They found that there was no food or water inside the vehicle, the release said. Officials said the cats' ages ranged from 1 week to 8 years old. The emaciated cats were taken to the Merced County Animal Services shelter to receive treatment. The animals will be available for adoption once they are medically cleared, the release said. Authorities identified the cats' owner as 69-year-old Jeannie Maxon, from Long Beach. She was booked into Merced County Jail. The case was under investigation, officials said. The Sheriff's Office noted that the incident occurred on a summer day — the temperature in Merced County reached a high of 100 degrees on Sunday — and took the opportunity to remind pet owners of the dangers of leaving any animal in a car. "The Merced County Sheriff's Office would like to remind the public that leaving any animal in a vehicle during the summer months is very dangerous," the release said. "Please ensure that when you're traveling with your pet, they're provided with a cool place to stay, offering plenty of shade, lots of water, and food." Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
CNBC
13-06-2025
- Health
- CNBC
Here's the No. 1 phrase dads 'hate hearing' on Father's Day, says parenting expert—what to say instead
As a child, I was often curious about my father's absence. My mother navigated those awkward questions with grace, never speaking negatively of him, even on Father's Day. She'd soften the truth without burdening me with the complexities of his situation: "He loves you, even if you can't see him." Her words resonated deeply, illuminating feelings I didn't fully comprehend until I became a father myself. Now, as a therapist and the author of "Present: The Crisis of American Fatherhood and the Power of Showing Up," I've dedicated over a decade to supporting fathers who want to reconnect with their kids. Many of these dads are often misunderstood. They face barriers like divorce, incarceration, substance use, unemployment and mental health challenges. A common narrative paints them as uncaring simply because they aren't physically present. So let's pause and challenge this assumption. One phrase I hate hearing on Father's Day is, "You should step it up." (A similar one is, "Why aren't you more present?") Instead, we should acknowledge these fathers. A simple gesture can go a long way: "You are important, and we celebrate you today. Support is here if you ask for it." Here are a few things I've learned over the last decade in working with dads. It's tempting to join the chorus of voices that equate physical absence with emotional unavailability or lack of interest. Yet, if we take a moment to reflect on that first time we held our children, we realize that no father dreams of being apart from their child, especially on special days like Father's Day. For many dads, the day is a painful reminder of their absence, and acknowledging them can provide a much-needed lifeline. As a therapist, it would be remiss of me not to say that it is okay to go to therapy as a man. Just like athletes rely on coaches and teammates, parents need their own support systems. Do you have someone to call when you're feeling under the weather? If not, consider finding a trusted doctor. Do you have a friend you can lean on when you're feeling down? If not, think about reaching out someone you've always felt comfortable talking to. Every parent, especially fathers facing challenges, benefits from a supportive community. Parenting isn't something we can do effectively in isolation. For many, this involves grappling with past choices, regrets and the journey toward reconciliation. Instead of labeling themselves as "bad fathers," many dads might shift their narrative to: "I am an imperfect father who tries my best." This re-translation of self-perception is crucial for healing. They might acknowledge, "I've made mistakes, but I'm working on making things right." When you confront your past, you can set the stage for growth and connection. Recent studies, including a working paper from economists at the University of California, Merced, the U.S. Census Bureau and the University of Maryland, reveal the profound effects parental separation has on children, particularly due to divorce. Factors such as lost financial resources, changes in neighborhood quality and reduced parental involvement account for a significant portion of the negative outcomes children face. Despite the challenges, one truth remains: Separated or struggling parents, whether mothers or fathers, always want the best for their children. Two narratives can coexist — one of struggle and one of care. Dads may be distant for various reasons, but that doesn't mean they don't love and want to support their children. Recognizing the duality in these stories enables us to approach Father's Day with empathy and understanding. Let's rewrite the narrative surrounding fathers, especially those who are struggling or absent. Let's offer recognition and support. A simple acknowledgment can remind these fathers that their roles matter and that they are not alone in their journey. By understanding that all fathers, regardless of their struggles, want to do their best for their children, we can help create an environment where all dads feel valued and supported. Such acknowledgment transforms Father's Day into a celebration not just of fathers, but of the unbreakable bond of love and dedication they strive to uphold even in their weakest moments.
