High Levels of Rotavirus Detected in Several Bay Area Cities A concerning rise in rotavirus activity has been identified in multiple locations across the San Francisco Bay Area, according to recent wastewater data. The virus, which can lead to severe gastrointestinal symptoms, is currently showing elevated levels in San Jose, Fremont, Redwood City, and Marin County. In contrast, moderate levels have been reported in Sunnyvale, San Francisco, and Novato. Rotavirus is a highly contagious pathogen that primarily affects the digestive system, causing symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, fever, and stomach pain. These symptoms can be particularly severe in infants and young children, who are more vulnerable to complications from the infection. The virus spreads easily in environments such as hospitals, child care centers, and other communal settings where close contact is common. Public health officials emphasize that while the virus poses a significant risk, especially to young children, there is a vaccine available to prevent infection. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 75% of children in the United States have received the rotavirus vaccine. This immunization has been a critical tool in reducing the incidence of severe cases and hospitalizations associated with the virus. The wastewater data, which serves as an early indicator of viral activity in communities, highlights the need for heightened awareness and preventive measures. Health experts recommend that caregivers and parents ensure children are up to date with their vaccinations and practice good hygiene, such as frequent handwashing, to minimize the spread of the virus.#san_jose #marin_county #san_francisco_bay_area #fremont #redwood_city
Anne Lamott and Neal Allen Launch New Writing Guide 'Good Writing' Anne Lamott, the acclaimed author of the writing manual Bird by Bird, has released a new book titled Good Writing in collaboration with her husband, Neal Allen, on March 17, 2026. The book, published by Avery/Penguin Random House, offers 36 practical rules for refining sentences and is positioned as a companion to Lamott’s 1994 classic. Priced at $27 for the hardcover edition, the book also includes an audiobook narrated by both authors. Lamott, 71, and Allen, 69, have worked together on this project, blending Allen’s decades of collected writing rules with Lamott’s signature warmth and encouragement. Their collaboration began in 2016 when they met on a dating site for people over 50. After nine months, they purchased a home in Marin County and formed a partnership that has spanned a decade. Lamott humorously noted that she threatened to undermine their marriage if Allen didn’t allow her to contribute to the project. Good Writing does not aim to replace Bird by Bird but instead focuses on the second draft, offering guidance for refining completed work. The book’s structure features a call-and-response format, with Allen presenting a rule and Lamott providing a humanizing perspective. For example, Allen’s rule “Use Strong Verbs” is paired with Lamott’s reassurance that even seasoned writers struggle with this. The book’s chapters include titles like “Sound Natural,” “Keep It Active,” and “Write the Hard Stuff,” all targeting the polishing phase of writing. Allen, a former journalist and spiritual coach, compiled his rules over years of professional experience, noting that many writers had developed their own sets of guidelines.#penguin_random_house #anne_lamott #neal_allen #marin_county #bird_by_bird
