California
Bird flu spreads to California’s dairy cows
A form of avian influenza that is highly fatal in birds has been confirmed in California dairy cattle, the state’s Department of Food and Agriculture announced on Friday afternoon.
No human cases have been confirmed and the virus, an influenza subtype known as H5N1, is not considered a significant public health threat, according to state health officials. At this stage, there is no concern about the safety of the commercial milk or food supply, they said.
But doctors are monitoring the farm workers who may be exposed to infected animals to ensure quick isolation and care, should they sicken, said the California Department of Public Health. Officials said they would provide official confirmation of any human cases associated with this outbreak.
It is the first time that cows infected with the virus have been identified in the state. California is the 14th state in the nation to report H5N1 infection in dairy cows.
The animals, located in the Central Valley, showed signs of illness on Sunday, reported CDFA. Test results were confirmed on Friday by the nation’s veterinary testing lab. The herds have been quarantined.
“We have been preparing for this possibility since earlier this year when … detections were confirmed at dairy farms in other states,” said CDFA Secretary Karen Ross. “Our extensive experience in poultry has given us ample preparation and expertise to address this incident, with workers’ health and public health as our top priorities.”
Other states have reported four human cases in dairy workers since April 2024: one each in Texas and Colorado, and two in Michigan. All four of those people recovered and there have been no reports of further spread among the people around them.
Until recently, California’s dairy farms seemed to have been spared from the crisis. The state’s 1.7 million dairy cows supply about 20% of the nation’s milk.
“This is a tough time for our dairy farmers given the economic challenges they’re facing in a dynamic market,” said Ross, “so I want to assure them that we are approaching this incident with the utmost urgency.”
Experts say it is crucial to gain more information about how the people were infected, and whether the virus has evolved to infect people more readily.
There is no state or federal requirement to routinely sample cows or milk. Clinical signs of flu occur in only a fraction of cases, so some experts fear that the virus may be hiding in untested animals.
State health officials recommend that personal protective equipment, or PPE — masks, gloves, caps, face shields, and safety goggles — be worn by farm workers and emergency responders when working with animals or potentially infected materials.
“I’ve been worried about this for months,” Krutika Kuppalli, medical officer for COVID-19 Health Operations at the World Health Organization, said in a social media post. “This is why we need enhanced surveillance and transparency of testing protocols.”
Over the past three years, the deadly and highly contagious virus has circled the globe, taking a staggering toll on birds in more than 80 nations.
After emerging in 2020, the virus triggered major outbreaks in Europe, Africa and Asia. It arrived in the U.S. in January 2022 and stormed through the nation’s largest concentrations of poultry farms in the East and Midwest, pushing up egg prices.
The virus has become so widespread in wild birds that it has repeatedly spread to mammals, especially species, such as foxes, that feed on infected birds.
Signs of H5N1 bird flu virus have been detected in wastewater sites in San Francisco, Palo Alto and the West County Wastewater facility in Richmond, among other sites.
But it is thought to have originated from wild bird waste in the sewer system that collects and treats both wastewater and stormwater.
The virus has already been found in wild birds and domestic poultry in the state. Last winter, it barreled through Sonoma County’s historic poultry region, forcing the slaughter of 1.1 million birds.
The source of the new cattle infections is not known. The federal government requires that lactating dairy cattle must be tested for the virus before they can be moved across state lines.
“The main reservoir of the virus are waterfowl — the ducks and geese that like the really rich habitat that California supplies,” said veterinarian Maurice Pitesky of the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine. Pitesky studies the spread of avian diseases.
For the most up-to-date information regarding avian influenza in livestock in California, go to the Department of Food and Agriculture’s website at www.cdfa.ca.gov/AHFSS.
Originally Published:
California
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California
One Of California’s Wealthiest Suburbs In 2025 Has Small-Town Charm And A Fun Social Scene Outside LA – Islands
Coto de Caza in Orange County, California, about an hour south of Los Angeles, may not be a household name. But viewers of “The Real Wives of Orange County” might recognize the wealthy, gated residential community as the former home base of the glitzy Bravo reality series. While stars of the show — currently in its 19th season — now live in other affluent areas, the imagery of Coto de Caza is still appealing for those contemplating a luxurious move. Coto boasts a private setting where high-profile celebrities, executives, and wealthy professionals live amid abundant open space, well-regarded schools, community events, a family-friendly atmosphere, and easy access to the county’s bounty. Indeed, in this well-to-do development of about 15,363 people, where the mean household income is $232,470 (more than double the state’s average), the most recent median list price of a single-family home was $2 million. There are splashier compounds in Coto, including the late real estate mogul William Lyon’s home selling for $125 million, which includes 20 bathrooms.
These prices are a long way from the area’s humble origins of barley fields and grazing sheep, according to the Los Angeles Times. Once a private hunting lodge, the area’s first homes were built in 1975, eventually transforming into a 5,000-acre master-planned community with about 4,000 homes and condominiums. Nestled against the Cleveland National Forest and just east of the SR 241 toll road, Coto de Caza strives to offer residents not just a home, but a lifestyle. Recreation is never far with area baseball fields, basketball courts, volleyball courts, parks, and picnic areas. Outdoor pursuits continue at the adjacent Thomas F. Riley Wilderness Park, a 544-acre wildlife sanctuary filled with groves of Western Sycamores and Coast Live Oaks and five miles of trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding.
Golf and mingle
A big attraction to the development is the 36-hole Coto de Caza Golf & Racquet Club, a central hub offering youth summer camps for kids and social events like trivia nights, comedy nights, and brunch with Santa. A yearly social membership can cost $2,880 with $180 in monthly dues. A golf upgrade can hike the initiation fee up to $30,000 with $750 monthly dues. Joining the club is optional, but your monthly Homeowners Association (HOA) fees aren’t. Those range from $300 to $475, and cover 24-hour manned guard gates, daily patrols, and landscape maintenance of common areas. A cheaper ticket to fun is connecting with neighbors for poker nights, movie screenings, and monthly mixers.
This is a neighborhood where you can stay put for your child’s entire education. Parents send their kids to top-notch schools, including Wagon Wheel Elementary, Las Flores Middle, and Tesoro High, in the Capistrano Unified School District, all within a short 2.5 to 5.5 mile drive away. Grocery shopping also is fairly close, about 10 minutes to Rancho Santa Margarita stores such as Ralph’s and Trader Joe’s. To really shop, like at Bloomingdale’s and Gucci, the Valhalla of retail — South Coast Plaza — and the vibrant arts city of Costa Mesa are just a 30-minute drive. Plus the glorious Pacific Ocean is about 17 miles away in breath-taking Laguna Beach.
Coto de Caza’s charms are many. A few cons to keep in mind: With a location about 10 miles inland from Interstate 5, Coto de Caza is more remote so commutes may take longer; busy professionals need their shut-eye so nightlife peters out by 9pm; and wildfire risks mean finding insurance can be a challenge. For a buzzier locale, check out the iconic coastal escape of nearby Newport Beach.
California
Disneyland, California Adventure has new treats, drinks to try in 2026
Siblings with hearing loss have magical ASL chat with Buzz Lightyear
A trip to Disneyland in Anaheim, CA, turned magical for siblings Jabez and Evelyn when they met Buzz Lightyear, who knew American Sign Language.
A boozy matcha beverage and pork belly bao buns are among the many new treats coming to Disneyland and Disney California Adventure, adding to the dizzying number of things you’ll want to try amid events like the return of Sweetheart’s Nite to the debut of “Bluey.”
Disney Parks Blog unveiled the lineup of dishes, desserts and drinks coming to both barks in Anaheim beginning on different dates throughout January. Among the major news is a menu change at Flo’s V8 Cafe at Cars Land at California Adventure; that includes a cheeseburger topped with caramelized onions and a pepperoncini cheese sauce and chicken and waffles.
The new items across both parks take inspiration from cuisines across the globe. Here’s a look at just some of the new options coming to both parks and where you’ll be able to find them, plus a look at the calendar of events for both parks in 2026.
Disneyland food coming in 2026: 8 options to know
- Lemon chiffon tea: A sweet tea topped with lemon chiffon foam at the Jolly Holiday Bakery Cafe at Main Street, U.S.A.
- Yuzu lemonade: Lemonade with a “touch” of floral yuzu juice and a rainbow jelly topping at the Harbour Galley in New Orleans Square.
- Sweet heat beignet chicken sandwich: A fried chicken sandwich with buffalo sauce and slaw on beignets served with collard greens and house-made pickles at Tiana’s Palace in New Orleans Square.
- Andouille sausage po’boy: Roasted andouille sausage, lettuce, tomatoes, mayonnaise and a rémoulade sauce served with collard greens and house-made pickles at Tiana’s Palace in New Orleans Square.
- Duo tacos with carne asada or chicken: Corn tortillas with tomatillo sauce and pickled onion habanero served with tortilla chips and salsa fresca at the Rancho del Zocalo Restaurante in Frontierland.
- Gaston burger: A beef patty with pastrami, cheese, pickles, sauteed onions and bell peppers with pepperoncini at the Red Rose Taverne in Fantasyland.
- Tropical slushy: A passion fruit, orange, guava and lychee syrup with a chile-lime rim beverage at Bengal Barbecue in Adventureland.
- Peanut butter brownie slice: A brownie slice topped with peanut butter mousse, melted peanut butter and chocolate at the Jolly Holiday Bakery Cafe at Main Street, U.S.A.
California Adventure food coming in 2026: 7 options to know
- Strawberry, hazelnut, chocolate & pistachio Mickey Shake: A strawberry shake with pistachio whipped topping, fried kataifi and chocolate sauce at Schmoozies! in Hollywood Land.
- Soju-matcha cocktail: Topped with honey cold foam and honey cereal at Schmoozies! in Hollywood Land.
- Mickey-shaped cinnamon roll macaron: A cinnamon roll macaron shell filled with cream cheese buttercream and cinnamon caramel at the Cappuccino Cart at San Fransokyo Square.
- Infinity cream puffs: Six mini cream puffs in different flavors, from raspberry, cotton candy and key lime, at Terran Treats in the Avengers Campus.
- Pork belly bao bun: A bao bun with pickled onions, crispy chicharron and calamansi citrus aioli at the Lamplight Lounge at Pixar Pier.
- Frozen banana mudslide cocktail: A cocktail of vanilla vodka, Kahlua, Baileys Irish Cream, banana liqueur and half and half at Wine Country Trattoria in the Performance Corridor.
- Chocolate Japanese-style fluffy cheesecake: Topped with cherry sauce and available at Aunt Cass Café at the San Fransokyo Square.
Lunar New Year, Sweetheart’s Nite and ‘Bluey.’ Disneyland, California Adventure 2026 events
The Disneyland Resort is continuing its 70th anniversary celebration through Aug. 9. Here’s a look at just some of the new and returning events coming throughout the year:
- Sweetheart’s Nite at Disneyland: The Valentine-themed event that brings out specialty treats and drinks and late-night festivities returns on Jan. 22, 25, 27 and Feb. 3, 5, 8, 10, 12, 17. This is a separately ticketed event.
- Lunar New Year at California Adventure: Ring in the Lunar New Year Jan. 23-Feb. 22.
- Anaheim Ducks Day at California Adventure: Hockey fans can celebrate the Anaheim Ducks at this themed day, complete with appearances by players from the NHL team on Feb. 22.
- 70 Years of Favorites at Disneyland: Experience “nostalgic entertainment” and “iconic Disney characters” on March 3 and 5. This is a separately ticketed event.
- California Adventure Food & Wine Festival: Enjoy limited-time food offerings, culinary demos and other foodie-themed experiences from March 6-April 27.
- “Bluey” at Disneyland: “Bluey’s Best Day Ever!” debuts March 22 at the Fantasyland Theatre, where the popular children’s show “Bluey” is brought to life in an interactive show.
- Disney Channel Nite at Disneyland: “Pay tribute to iconic childhood shows and characters” on April 12, 14 and 16. This is a separately ticketed event.
- “Star Wars” Nite at Disneyland: Celebrate “Star Wars” with this after-hours event on April 28 and 30 and May 4 and 6. This is a separately ticketed event.
- Pride Nite at Disneyland: Celebrate Pride Month at Disneyland on June 16 and 18. This is a separately ticketed event.
- D23 Day at Disneyland Resort: D:23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event kicks off with D23 Day at the Disneyland Resort on Aug. 13.
- Oogie Boogie Bash at California Adventure: Show up in costume for a Halloween party on select nights throughout August, September and October. This is a separately ticketed event.
- Halloween Time at Disneyland: Festive decor and seasonal attractions ahead of Halloween returns Aug. 21-Oct. 31.
- Plaza de la Familia at California Adventure: The annual celebration of Día De Los Muertos returns Aug. 21-Nov. 2.
- Holidays at the Disneyland Resort: Festive, seasonal decor and foods return Nov. 18.
Paris Barraza is a reporter covering Los Angeles and Southern California for the USA TODAY Network. Reach her at pbarraza@usatodayco.com.
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