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Meet the Next Chancellor of U.C. Merced Meet the Next Chancellor of U.C. Merced
(3 days later)
Good morning.Good morning.
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It’s hard to overstate the effects the pandemic will have on higher education and on college students, many of whom are navigating a changed life back at home, after venturing away for the first time.It’s hard to overstate the effects the pandemic will have on higher education and on college students, many of whom are navigating a changed life back at home, after venturing away for the first time.
Here in the Golden State, the nation’s biggest public four-year university system, California State University, has already said classes will be online in the fall.Here in the Golden State, the nation’s biggest public four-year university system, California State University, has already said classes will be online in the fall.
And the University of California recently announced that it would phase out the use of the SAT and ACT tests in admissions — a long-sought step leaders said was hastened by coronavirus-driven upheaval.And the University of California recently announced that it would phase out the use of the SAT and ACT tests in admissions — a long-sought step leaders said was hastened by coronavirus-driven upheaval.
Even if none of this were taking place, Juan Sánchez Muñoz would have his work cut out for him.Even if none of this were taking place, Juan Sánchez Muñoz would have his work cut out for him.
[See California’s coronavirus cases mapped by county.][See California’s coronavirus cases mapped by county.]
Dr. Muñoz was recently selected to become the fourth chancellor of the University of California, Merced, the newest U.C. campus and one that has quickly solidified its place as a top educator of first-generation and Latino students — both groups that have been historically underrepresented at the University of California.Dr. Muñoz was recently selected to become the fourth chancellor of the University of California, Merced, the newest U.C. campus and one that has quickly solidified its place as a top educator of first-generation and Latino students — both groups that have been historically underrepresented at the University of California.
As a first-generation college student and U.C. alum himself, he said he was drawn back to California to be closer to family and to help shape a fast-growing institution.As a first-generation college student and U.C. alum himself, he said he was drawn back to California to be closer to family and to help shape a fast-growing institution.
“When you’re a new campus, you have the ability to create new traditions, a new ethos,” Dr. Muñoz told me recently. “A new DNA.”“When you’re a new campus, you have the ability to create new traditions, a new ethos,” Dr. Muñoz told me recently. “A new DNA.”
He spoke from his home in Texas, where he’s served as president of the University of Houston-Downtown since 2017.He spoke from his home in Texas, where he’s served as president of the University of Houston-Downtown since 2017.
[Read about how U.C. Merced’s most recent chancellor approached growing the campus.][Read about how U.C. Merced’s most recent chancellor approached growing the campus.]
That means he’s no stranger to dealing with disaster: That year, Hurricane Harvey overwhelmed Houston, dumping feet of rain, turning roads into rivers.That means he’s no stranger to dealing with disaster: That year, Hurricane Harvey overwhelmed Houston, dumping feet of rain, turning roads into rivers.
Last year, Tropical Depression Imelda flooded the city again.Last year, Tropical Depression Imelda flooded the city again.
Dr. Muñoz said that Harvey in particular highlighted the need to ensure that technological infrastructure is in place for remote learning.Dr. Muñoz said that Harvey in particular highlighted the need to ensure that technological infrastructure is in place for remote learning.
It also meant that as soon as reports of the novel coronavirus began circulating, his team in Houston started preparing.It also meant that as soon as reports of the novel coronavirus began circulating, his team in Houston started preparing.
“We began to think about this a little bit sooner, which turned out to be of some benefit to us,” he said.“We began to think about this a little bit sooner, which turned out to be of some benefit to us,” he said.
Going forward, he knows that there will be debates about online learning, he said, and he didn’t know exactly what the balance would be for U.C. students once stay-at-home orders are lifted; he doesn’t start until July.Going forward, he knows that there will be debates about online learning, he said, and he didn’t know exactly what the balance would be for U.C. students once stay-at-home orders are lifted; he doesn’t start until July.
But Dr. Muñoz said the pandemic had underscored the need to make courses flexible.But Dr. Muñoz said the pandemic had underscored the need to make courses flexible.
That flexibility will also be important, he said, for first-generation students, particularly as the economic fallout of the pandemic becomes clearer.That flexibility will also be important, he said, for first-generation students, particularly as the economic fallout of the pandemic becomes clearer.
Many of those students, he said, have families who work in decimated food or service industries.Many of those students, he said, have families who work in decimated food or service industries.
“Anything that affects their families we need to be considerate of,” he said. “How do we create an environment to mitigate those kinds of stressors?”“Anything that affects their families we need to be considerate of,” he said. “How do we create an environment to mitigate those kinds of stressors?”
Dr. Muñoz said he’s still learning the ins and outs of the U.C. system, to be sure. And he knows that continuing to recruit graduate students and faculty to a younger campus in a more rural area is a challenge.Dr. Muñoz said he’s still learning the ins and outs of the U.C. system, to be sure. And he knows that continuing to recruit graduate students and faculty to a younger campus in a more rural area is a challenge.
After being able to walk from his office to Astros and Rockets games, he knows Merced “will be different,” he said with a laugh. But he said there are “tremendous opportunities.”After being able to walk from his office to Astros and Rockets games, he knows Merced “will be different,” he said with a laugh. But he said there are “tremendous opportunities.”
We often link to sites that limit access for nonsubscribers. We appreciate your reading Times coverage, but we also encourage you to support local news if you can.We often link to sites that limit access for nonsubscribers. We appreciate your reading Times coverage, but we also encourage you to support local news if you can.
Almost two dozen states, led by California, sued the Trump administration over its reversal of fuel efficiency standards for cars. Although the state has sued the administration dozens of times, the move to roll back pollution rules has touched off a particularly rancorous fight. [The New York Times]Almost two dozen states, led by California, sued the Trump administration over its reversal of fuel efficiency standards for cars. Although the state has sued the administration dozens of times, the move to roll back pollution rules has touched off a particularly rancorous fight. [The New York Times]
Former Gov. Jerry Brown weighed in on the matter in a tweet: “Thank God for the 23 states suing to stop Trump’s insane move to make American cars more polluting.” [Jerry Brown]Former Gov. Jerry Brown weighed in on the matter in a tweet: “Thank God for the 23 states suing to stop Trump’s insane move to make American cars more polluting.” [Jerry Brown]
And if you missed it, read about why Mr. Brown sees teaming up with China as the only way to really address climate change. [The New York Times]And if you missed it, read about why Mr. Brown sees teaming up with China as the only way to really address climate change. [The New York Times]
“The state modifications are being made without a real understanding of the consequences.” Dr. Sara Cody, Santa Clara County’s top public health official, said she was concerned about how quickly businesses were being allowed to reopen in the state. [ABC7]“The state modifications are being made without a real understanding of the consequences.” Dr. Sara Cody, Santa Clara County’s top public health official, said she was concerned about how quickly businesses were being allowed to reopen in the state. [ABC7]
If you missed it, here’s a conversation with Dr. Cody, who was the driving force behind the nation’s first shelter-in-place order. [The New York Times]If you missed it, here’s a conversation with Dr. Cody, who was the driving force behind the nation’s first shelter-in-place order. [The New York Times]
Sonoma County’s public health officer tapped the brakes on reopening more businesses after new cases doubled in the past two weeks and the number of patients requiring intensive care rose. [The Press Democrat]Sonoma County’s public health officer tapped the brakes on reopening more businesses after new cases doubled in the past two weeks and the number of patients requiring intensive care rose. [The Press Democrat]
Tulare County, where nursing homes have been hard-hit by Covid-19, has been given the green light to reopen stores and dine-in restaurants. [The Fresno Bee]Tulare County, where nursing homes have been hard-hit by Covid-19, has been given the green light to reopen stores and dine-in restaurants. [The Fresno Bee]
[Read more about California’s reopening process.][Read more about California’s reopening process.]
A former staff member for City Councilman Jose Huizar in Los Angeles agreed to plead guilty in an ongoing corruption probe. [The Los Angeles Times]A former staff member for City Councilman Jose Huizar in Los Angeles agreed to plead guilty in an ongoing corruption probe. [The Los Angeles Times]
Protesters halted traffic on the 101 Freeway in downtown Los Angeles as demonstrations raged in Minneapolis over the death of George Floyd, a black man who suffocated under the knee of a white police officer. [The New York Times]Protesters halted traffic on the 101 Freeway in downtown Los Angeles as demonstrations raged in Minneapolis over the death of George Floyd, a black man who suffocated under the knee of a white police officer. [The New York Times]
The much-anticipated SpaceX launch of two NASA astronauts on a rocket was postponed because of poor weather. [The New York Times]The much-anticipated SpaceX launch of two NASA astronauts on a rocket was postponed because of poor weather. [The New York Times]
Del Seymour, “Mayor of the Tenderloin,” has for years built bridges and is now on the front lines of the coronavirus pandemic. [The New York Times]Del Seymour, “Mayor of the Tenderloin,” has for years built bridges and is now on the front lines of the coronavirus pandemic. [The New York Times]
After the activist and writer Larry Kramer wrote an open letter published in The San Francisco Examiner in 1988 calling him a killer and “an incompetent idiot,” Dr. Anthony S. Fauci got the message about the seriousness of the AIDS crisis. The two became grudging friends after that. Mr. Kramer died on Wednesday. [The New York Times]After the activist and writer Larry Kramer wrote an open letter published in The San Francisco Examiner in 1988 calling him a killer and “an incompetent idiot,” Dr. Anthony S. Fauci got the message about the seriousness of the AIDS crisis. The two became grudging friends after that. Mr. Kramer died on Wednesday. [The New York Times]
A preview for Disneyland? Read about plans to reopen the other Magic Kingdom in Orange County. (Disney World. In Orlando.) [The New York Times]A preview for Disneyland? Read about plans to reopen the other Magic Kingdom in Orange County. (Disney World. In Orlando.) [The New York Times]
With everything happening, this week has somehow managed to feel heavier than the last few.With everything happening, this week has somehow managed to feel heavier than the last few.
So, here’s yet another reminder to try to take a minute for yourself.So, here’s yet another reminder to try to take a minute for yourself.
We’ve said it before, but The Times’s At Home section has a lot of ideas for occupying your time, from the tactile and elaborate (paper dolls, anyone?) to the virtual and low commitment. (I got through about half of this “pulse-slowing playlist” featuring Philip Glass and Satie, but I’m not mad about it.)We’ve said it before, but The Times’s At Home section has a lot of ideas for occupying your time, from the tactile and elaborate (paper dolls, anyone?) to the virtual and low commitment. (I got through about half of this “pulse-slowing playlist” featuring Philip Glass and Satie, but I’m not mad about it.)
Updated June 5, 2020 Updated June 12, 2020
Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.
So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement.So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement.
A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study.A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study.
The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.
Mass protests against police brutality that have brought thousands of people onto the streets in cities across America are raising the specter of new coronavirus outbreaks, prompting political leaders, physicians and public health experts to warn that the crowds could cause a surge in cases. While many political leaders affirmed the right of protesters to express themselves, they urged the demonstrators to wear face masks and maintain social distancing, both to protect themselves and to prevent further community spread of the virus. Some infectious disease experts were reassured by the fact that the protests were held outdoors, saying the open air settings could mitigate the risk of transmission.Mass protests against police brutality that have brought thousands of people onto the streets in cities across America are raising the specter of new coronavirus outbreaks, prompting political leaders, physicians and public health experts to warn that the crowds could cause a surge in cases. While many political leaders affirmed the right of protesters to express themselves, they urged the demonstrators to wear face masks and maintain social distancing, both to protect themselves and to prevent further community spread of the virus. Some infectious disease experts were reassured by the fact that the protests were held outdoors, saying the open air settings could mitigate the risk of transmission.
Exercise researchers and physicians have some blunt advice for those of us aiming to return to regular exercise now: Start slowly and then rev up your workouts, also slowly. American adults tended to be about 12 percent less active after the stay-at-home mandates began in March than they were in January. But there are steps you can take to ease your way back into regular exercise safely. First, “start at no more than 50 percent of the exercise you were doing before Covid,” says Dr. Monica Rho, the chief of musculoskeletal medicine at the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab in Chicago. Thread in some preparatory squats, too, she advises. “When you haven’t been exercising, you lose muscle mass.” Expect some muscle twinges after these preliminary, post-lockdown sessions, especially a day or two later. But sudden or increasing pain during exercise is a clarion call to stop and return home.Exercise researchers and physicians have some blunt advice for those of us aiming to return to regular exercise now: Start slowly and then rev up your workouts, also slowly. American adults tended to be about 12 percent less active after the stay-at-home mandates began in March than they were in January. But there are steps you can take to ease your way back into regular exercise safely. First, “start at no more than 50 percent of the exercise you were doing before Covid,” says Dr. Monica Rho, the chief of musculoskeletal medicine at the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab in Chicago. Thread in some preparatory squats, too, she advises. “When you haven’t been exercising, you lose muscle mass.” Expect some muscle twinges after these preliminary, post-lockdown sessions, especially a day or two later. But sudden or increasing pain during exercise is a clarion call to stop and return home.
States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.
Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.
Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.
If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)
Taking one’s temperature to look for signs of fever is not as easy as it sounds, as “normal” temperature numbers can vary, but generally, keep an eye out for a temperature of 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. If you don’t have a thermometer (they can be pricey these days), there are other ways to figure out if you have a fever, or are at risk of Covid-19 complications.Taking one’s temperature to look for signs of fever is not as easy as it sounds, as “normal” temperature numbers can vary, but generally, keep an eye out for a temperature of 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. If you don’t have a thermometer (they can be pricey these days), there are other ways to figure out if you have a fever, or are at risk of Covid-19 complications.
The C.D.C. has recommended that all Americans wear cloth masks if they go out in public. This is a shift in federal guidance reflecting new concerns that the coronavirus is being spread by infected people who have no symptoms. Until now, the C.D.C., like the W.H.O., has advised that ordinary people don’t need to wear masks unless they are sick and coughing. Part of the reason was to preserve medical-grade masks for health care workers who desperately need them at a time when they are in continuously short supply. Masks don’t replace hand washing and social distancing.The C.D.C. has recommended that all Americans wear cloth masks if they go out in public. This is a shift in federal guidance reflecting new concerns that the coronavirus is being spread by infected people who have no symptoms. Until now, the C.D.C., like the W.H.O., has advised that ordinary people don’t need to wear masks unless they are sick and coughing. Part of the reason was to preserve medical-grade masks for health care workers who desperately need them at a time when they are in continuously short supply. Masks don’t replace hand washing and social distancing.
If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.
If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested.If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested.
Maybe you have a dog and it would put you at ease to start preparing for when you have to leave your canine friend at home for longer stretches again. Maybe you want to take a video tour of a $7.5 million San Francisco “midcentury specimen” with views of a bridge. If so, here are some options from Curbed San Francisco.Maybe you have a dog and it would put you at ease to start preparing for when you have to leave your canine friend at home for longer stretches again. Maybe you want to take a video tour of a $7.5 million San Francisco “midcentury specimen” with views of a bridge. If so, here are some options from Curbed San Francisco.
Maybe it soothes you to eat tacos and you’d also like to read about them. You can do that at L.A. Taco, whose editor Javier Cabral just won a James Beard Award.Maybe it soothes you to eat tacos and you’d also like to read about them. You can do that at L.A. Taco, whose editor Javier Cabral just won a James Beard Award.
Whatever it is, I hope you find something that works for you.Whatever it is, I hope you find something that works for you.
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Jill Cowan grew up in Orange County, went to school at U.C. Berkeley and has reported all over the state, including the Bay Area, Bakersfield and Los Angeles — but she always wants to see more. Follow along here or on Twitter.Jill Cowan grew up in Orange County, went to school at U.C. Berkeley and has reported all over the state, including the Bay Area, Bakersfield and Los Angeles — but she always wants to see more. Follow along here or on Twitter.
California Today is edited by Julie Bloom, who grew up in Los Angeles and graduated from U.C. Berkeley.California Today is edited by Julie Bloom, who grew up in Los Angeles and graduated from U.C. Berkeley.