◇ Program summary
1. More than 60% of California voters voted against rent control proposals
California voters rejected Proposition 33, which would have given cities and counties the power to control residential rent standards, according to unofficial election tallies.
Proposition 33, known as the Justice for Renters Act, aims to prohibit state governments from restricting cities and counties from enacting various types of rent control regulations.
The proposal would also eliminate an existing law, the Costa-Hawkins Rental Housing Act, which prohibits the construction of single-family homes, condominiums and new construction housing (generally dated February 1, 1995). (built after 2020) will be subject to rent control. The Costa-Hawkins Act also prohibits “vacancy controls,” which restrict or deny landlords the right to raise rents for new tenants.
According to preliminary results released by the California Secretary of State as of November 17, Proposition 33 failed by a margin of nearly 3 million votes, with more than 60% of California voters voting against it.
2. The first case of new monkeypox virus in the United States appears in California
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced on the 16th that the California Department of Public Health confirmed through laboratory testing that monkeypox clade I virus was detected in a patient who had recently returned to the United States from Africa. This is the first time such an infection has been detected in the United States.
The patient was treated in San Mateo County and is currently in isolation at home with only mild symptoms. Officials stressed that the risk posed by the new disease to the public remains very low.
The latest strain, discovered in eastern Congo earlier this year, is spread through close skin-to-skin contact, including through sexual contact, and can cause more severe illness and death, according to the CDC. The CDC said there have been no reported deaths caused by the new strain.
Another strain of monkeypox, called clade II, has been circulating in the United States since a major outbreak two years ago.
Officials recommend that people get tested if they: develop an unexplained rash; have traveled to a country where monkeypox has been reported in the past 30 days; or have had close or sexual contact with a confirmed or suspected case of monkeypox.
3. Starting from the 18th, tourists can make an appointment to visit Yosemite’s natural fire waterfall.
Starting November 18, tourists can start booking to enjoy the spectacular sight of the natural Firefall in Yosemite National Park. Appointments for day visits open from 8 a.m. on Monday (November 18). 50% of the park’s daily day-use reservations will be reserved exclusively for visitors who wish to view the fire falls.
Since it was discovered in February 1973 that Horsetail Falls will shine with a flaming orange light at sunset, thousands of tourists will come to visit Horsetail Falls every February. Even if tourists do not plan to visit Mawei Falls, they must make a reservation in advance for day use if they want to enter the park. Visitors arriving from Monday to Friday do not need to make a reservation, except for February 17. During the three weekends in February (8-9, 15-17 and 22-23), reservations are required to enter the park.
How can public health officials effectively respond to emerging infectious diseases like the new monkeypox strain while maintaining public confidence?
[Interviewer: Donghai]
Donghai: Good evening, everyone. Today, we have with us two distinguished guests to discuss some of the major news stories from around the world. First of all, let’s talk about the election results in California. Dr. Johnson, as a political analyst, what are your thoughts on the widespread rejection of rent control proposals by Californians?
Dr. Johnson: Hello, Donghai. Well, it’s clear that California voters have once again rejected attempts to implement statewide rent control, which is somewhat surprising given the ongoing housing crisis in the state. However, people probably recognize the unintended consequences that can come with these types of policies, such as decreased housing supply and higher costs for everyone. It seems like voters want market-based solutions to the problem instead of government intervention.
[Interviewer: Donghai]
Donghai: Absolutely. And turning to matters of public health, we have Dr. Smith, an infectious disease specialist with us. Doctor, can you tell us more about the first reported case of the new monkeypox strain in the US? What does this mean for public health efforts?
Dr. Smith: Thank you for having me, Donghai. The detection of this new monkeypox strain in California is certainly concerning, but we should also remember that there was only one confirmed case and the patient has since recovered. The CDC is right to emphasize that the risk to the general public is low. This is a reminder that we need to stay vigilant when it comes to emerging infectious diseases and continue to monitor for potential new strains that may pose a threat. It’s also important for individuals to stay informed about vaccination and prevention measures.
[Interviewer: Donghai]
Donghai: Definitely. Moving on to Yosemite National Park, we’re now able to make appointments to view the famous Firefall. Laura, as a travel writer, what can visitors expect from this unique experience?
Laura: Hi Donghai. The Firefall is a must-see for anyone visiting Yosemite in the winter. It’s an awe-inspiring natural phenomenon where the sun hits Horsetail Falls at a certain angle
