Pigs Seen Flying Over California

Just when you thought the state couldn't get any more bad news comes a report that one in four Californians will contact H1N1 - better known as the swine flu - this fall.

According to the Los Angeles Times (www.latimes.com), state health officer Dr. Mark Horton is predicting just that. In a letter released by the Department of Health, Horton says, "All of us must prepare for the disruptions the novel H1N1 influenza virus may have on our daily lives."

Let's do a quick tally of some major issues in the news right now: the state's broke, unemployment is higher here than anywhere else in the country, half the place is on fire and now many of us are going to be getting the flu. I thought you were an action hero, Mr. Schwarzenegger - aren't you supposed to be saving us from our pending doom?

It makes me wonder if God is angry with California for all the porn being made in the San Fernando Valley. Surely someone must have a grudge with this state.

But seriously, the article goes on to say that health officials believe the combination of H1N1 and the regular flu season will strain the state's health care system as people overflow emergency rooms. Since H1N1 was first detected this spring, 125 Californians have died.

According to the Department of Health, everyday actions that can be taken to help protect against and prevent the spread of germs that cause the flu include:

- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.

- Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.

- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.

- Try to avoid close contact with sick people.

- Stay home if you are sick for 7 days after your symptoms begin or until you have been symptom-free for 24 hours, whichever is longer. This is to keep from infecting others and spreading the virus further.

If you're looking for more information, go to www.cdph.ca.gov or call 1-888-865-0564.

OUT IN THE FIELD: We changed the playing field today from Salinas to Soledad and had a strong showing from a team perspective. For me, it was a mixed bag with six new Democrats. I really do need to pick up some Spanish learning tapes at the library. I'm picking up a little each day, but I'm still pretty lost unless the person has at least a working knowledge of English.

CURRENT HIT TALLY

TOTAL OF 56 NEW DEMOCRATS

7 REPUBLICAN KILLS