Which Way, L.A.?
Is Parental Choice a Threat to Public Health?
Vaccines have largely eliminated measles, whooping cough and other diseases—and a growing number of California parents believe that’s made the world safe enough that their kids don’t need to be immunized. Even advocates for choice admit it’s not good for public health.
By Warren Olney • • 25m ListenVaccines have largely eliminated measles, whooping cough and other diseases—and a growing number of California parents believe that’s made the world safe enough that their kids don’t need to be immunized. Even advocates for choice admit it’s not good for public health. And, sure enough, measles is coming back, and there’s an epidemic of whooping cough.
Also, California supplies much of the world with almonds—and each nut requires more than a gallon of water. But almond groves are increasing despite the drought.
Banner Image: A nurse wearing blue gloves administers a vaccine into a male patient's arm; Credit: Rhoda Baer, National Cancer Institute (NCI)
In this episode
3 storiesSecretary of State Debra Bowen’s Depression
Two months before the next statewide election, California’s elections officer has told the LA Times she’s away from the office a lot more than she wants to be. Depression—which she has suffered from since college—has returned with a vengeance.
Read the story7 minVaccine Exemptions Soar in California – Along With Debate
State law requires that California kindergartners be vaccinated against nine diseases, but it also allows parents to get exemptions according to their personal beliefs.
Read the story13 minAlmonds Are Sucking California Dry
California supplies 80% of the world’s almonds, now producing 2.1 billion pounds a year—three times more than it did just 14 years ago. But there’s a hidden cost. Each individual nut requires 1.1 gallons of water. New groves of almond trees are still being added—despite years of drought, which we all know is likely to continue.
Read the story6 min
