California’s and the nation’s current pertussis (whooping cough) epidemic has not abated as spring turned to summer. “California is currently experiencing a pertussis epidemic … The last epidemic in California occurred in 2010, however, the overall incidence of pertussis has increased since the 1990s … Young infants are at greatest risk of hospitalization and death…

Proposition 56 (The California Healthcare, Research and Prevention Tobacco Tax Act of 2016) proposes to amend the state constitution to increase current state excise tax on cigarette sales by $2 a pack with equivalent increases on other tobacco products. And, for the first time, electronic cigarette products containing nicotine would be classified as “other tobacco…

Janel Pearl Ramirez, 31, was formally charged with sexual encounters with a minor. Her arraignment scheduled for Thursday, April 26 was moved to May 3 at the request of her lawyer, Virginia Blumenthal. The Riverside County District Attorney filed three felony charges against the former Idyllwild student. If convicted, Ramirez faces jail time of four…