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 Colds and the flu are both caused by viruses. Although they share many of the same symptoms, there are a few key differences.
• Colds can occur throughout the year. Flu season generally runs from late fall through early spring.
• The symptoms of a cold include a stuffy or runny nose, sneezing, sore throat, and a cough.
• Flu symptoms are usually more severe than those of a cold and tend to come on suddenly. They can include weakness, fatigue, muscle aches, headache, fever (101 to 102 degrees F), chills, a cough, and sometimes sneezing, and a stuffy or runny nose.
Some flu viruses can be prevented with an annual flu shot, but there are no vaccines for cold viruses.
Many people think that "the flu" is any illness with fever or cold-like symptoms, or any illness with stomach or intestinal problems. But what is commonly called "stomach flu" is caused by an unrelated gastro-intestinal virus.
• Symptoms of gastroenteritis may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and a low fever (less than 101 degrees F).
• Flu shots are effective only against flu viruses, and not against colds or gastro-intestinal illnesses caused by other viruses. These simple steps can go a long way to reduce your chances of catching a cold, flu, and other viruses.
• Get a flu shot. The best protection you and your loved ones have against the flu is to get a flu shot each fall.
• Wash your hands often. Hand washing is the most important thing you can do to keep from getting and spreading colds and the flu. Carry an alcohol-based hand gel (such as Purell) to use when you can't wash.
• Cover your cough. Cold and flu viruses are spread by airborne particles. Cough and sneeze into your sleeve or a tissue instead of your hands.
• Avoid touching your face. Cold and flu viruses are often spread by touching something or someone that is contaminated with germs.
• Clean surfaces (such as counter tops, telephones, toys, cups, bathroom sinks) that may have become contaminated.
• Don't smoke.
• Stay healthy. Eat a healthy diet and exercise.
• Get plenty of rest. Sleep helps build your body's natural defenses for fighting off infection.
• Reduce stress. Chronic stress can compromise your immune system. |
 The Grass Valley Police Department was recently awarded a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety. This particular grant provides the necessary funding for a specially equipped vehicle and the personnel costs necessary to more effectively identify and remove the impaired driver from the highway.
Working in partnership with the other primary law enforcement agencies in the county (Grass Valley Police Department, Truckee Police Department, California Highway Patrol, the Nevada County Sheriff's Department and Nevada City Police Department), we now have a variety of educational and enforcement tools at our disposal.
Education is a primary component of our efforts. It involves reaching out to our teenage drivers by bringing the message to schools, career fairs and downtown events. It also includes getting the word out through the media, the city's website, a variety of promotional materials and by word-of-mouth. Our interest is not just catching the drunk driver; we want to keep them from getting on the road in the first place.
Another component is the enhancement of our enforcement efforts. One of the most effective tools available to law enforcement is the DUI Checkpoint. In this case, drivers passing through a particular area are greeted and given educational material about driving safety. If signs of intoxication or impairment are observed, then the driver is detained for further evaluation. Another tool is the saturation patrol. In this case a team of officers are on the street, specifically looking for impaired drivers. They concentrate their efforts and are not distracted with the every-day calls for service.
The devastating impact of impaired driving cannot be over-stated. Many innocent people have died or have received life-changing injuries because of those who get behind the wheel while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. With the assistance of the Office of Traffic Safety, the five primary law enforcement agencies in this county have taken a stand and will use whatever tool at their disposal to combat this problem. It may not always be popular, but it is the right thing to do.
So remember…"Avoid the Five: Don't Drink and Drive.” |
Stormwater Pollution: What Can You Do? |
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 Water pollution is everyone’s problem, and it will take everyone working together to reduce the impact of stormwater pollution. Water quality is most directly affected by fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides that we put on our lawn every year. During heavy rains, excess products on your lawn are washed into nearby storm drains or washed directly into a nearby stream. Once in the stream, these products continue to do their work, killing bugs (pesticides) or making plants grow (fertilizers). This means they are altering the ecosystem of the stream, removing food sources and reducing oxygen levels, thereby killing aquatic life.
Another source of water pollution from household runoff is yard trimmings. Yard trimmings decomposing in a stream can use up the oxygen that aquatic animals need to survive. Again, this situation can kill aquatic life.
Think about what all of the above situations had in common; excess matter or chemicals in our yards being carried off when it rains.
Therefore, the easiest way to stop this pollution is to make it as difficult as possible for rain to carry anything off of our yards. This is done by a combination of easy steps, ranging from growing native vegetation on hillsides and bare spots in the lawn, to carefully choosing plants that will not require much fertilizer and pesticides. Do not – Fertilize before heavy rainfall. Do not – Sweep yard debris into the storm drain or ditch. |
Code Enforcement Investigation Request Form |
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 The City’s Code Enforcement Division can work with property owners, residents and businesses to resolve neighborhood issues such as accumulations of debris or rubbish, hazardous building conditions or illegal uses of property. To help in reporting neighborhood issues to the City, an Investigation Request Form is now available for access on the City’s website. This will enable requests to be made in person, by mail, or by way of the internet. Additional information on how to submit a request for assistance is also on the website.
Questions can be directed to Steve Fawcett, Code Compliance Specialist, at 274-4348.
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