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A Tale of Two Cities: The Racial Disparities of Air Pollution and Asthma in South Fresno, California
Get PDFThis paper analyzes the relationship between PM2.5 pollution, asthma rates, and racial disparities in West, Central, and South-Central Fresno, California (WCSCF). Our findings reveal a moderate positive correlation between asthma prevalence and racial demographics, largely due to poor urban planning—for example, residential areas near high-traffic roads, industrial zones, limited green spaces, and political prioritization of economic development over health. The study identifies two policy gaps in California’s air quality legislation: First, SB 1000 has failed to hold Fresno accountable for addressing environmental justice concerns; Second, AB 617’s reallocation of Cap-and-Trade funds toward air quality monitoring does not tackle the root causes of pollution or empower cities to implement justice-based local solutions. The paper argues that Fresno is uniquely positioned to address these issues through short-term mitigation and long-term justice-oriented policies aimed at reducing pollution and asthma rates
“This is one moment in time, sealed in amber”: A Structural and Content Analysis of Queer Characters and Themes in the Audio Drama EOS 10
Get PDFQueer horror and science fiction (sf) audio dramas populate many podcasting platforms, from explicit calls for and queries about Queer representation to general forums discussing horror and sf audio dramas (or podcasts). In this study, I used the principles of a case study to explore the queer nature of EOS 10 (an sf audio drama). I listened to the podcast EOS 10 and coded transcriptions which focused on Queer themes, in reference to sexuality or in relationship to heteronormativity more generally. I focused primarily on the trope of found family, as well as how audio dramas can push back against heteronormative narratives often present in science fiction. By using Queer theory, I am operating from the lens that queering a narrative goes beyond the presence of queer characters. Studying audio dramas and their queer representation is necessary for understanding the feedback loop of audience members and podcast creators, offering potential avenues for more established and traditional media forms to follow as well as provide frameworks to understanding the non-stereotypical inclusion of queer characters
Effects of Vegetation Change on Streamflow in the Tolt River
Get PDFThe City of Seattle depends on the Tolt River for both drinking water and hydropower. Hydrologic models have been employed to assess the future effects of climate change on streamflow in the area, which ultimately impact hydropower generation and the drinking water supply. However, the main issue with these models is that they assume vegetation growth and change to be static, overlooking the potential impact on streamflow. The objective of this study is to investigate the effects of vegetation change on streamflow in the Tolt River by analyzing climate and streamflow data and vegetation indexes. The study examines the impact of climate variability, particularly the Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO), on streamflow. Additionally, the study calculates changes in forest area within the watershed, identifies the year of occurrence, and determines the change in streamflow due to changes in vegetation. The findings show that summer streamflow in the North Fork subbasin decreased after a forest area decreasing event, while decreases in summer streamflow in the South Fork subbasin were due to climate change
