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Another Covid-19 Loss? The Jumping Frog Jubilee Another Covid-19 Loss? The Jumping Frog Jubilee
(7 days later)
Good morning.Good morning.
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Today, we have another dispatch from the University of California, Berkeley Graduate School of Journalism, written by Will McCarthy:Today, we have another dispatch from the University of California, Berkeley Graduate School of Journalism, written by Will McCarthy:
Since Jon Kitchell began competing in the annual Calaveras Jumping Frog Jubilee, his brother has won, his wife has won, and his son has won. Even his daughter-in-law has won. As for Mr. Kitchell, 58, he’s still working on it. “I think every year is the year,” he said.Since Jon Kitchell began competing in the annual Calaveras Jumping Frog Jubilee, his brother has won, his wife has won, and his son has won. Even his daughter-in-law has won. As for Mr. Kitchell, 58, he’s still working on it. “I think every year is the year,” he said.
Except this year. For the first time in four decades, Mr. Kitchell won’t spend the third weekend in May trying to get his bullfrogs to jump across a stage in Angels Camp. “Covid-19 won this year,” he said. “The world champion.”Except this year. For the first time in four decades, Mr. Kitchell won’t spend the third weekend in May trying to get his bullfrogs to jump across a stage in Angels Camp. “Covid-19 won this year,” he said. “The world champion.”
Whether it’s Easter Sunday or the N.B.A. season, group gatherings of any kind have bowed to the coronavirus pandemic. And there is no exception for a frog-jumping competition that started 92 years ago to honor a Mark Twain story and this town’s gold-rush legacy.Whether it’s Easter Sunday or the N.B.A. season, group gatherings of any kind have bowed to the coronavirus pandemic. And there is no exception for a frog-jumping competition that started 92 years ago to honor a Mark Twain story and this town’s gold-rush legacy.
For Mr. Kitchell’s family, the frog jump is almost a way of telling time. Each year is marked by the nights deep in the woods, eyes peeled not just for any frog but for the right frog. Then the days spent feeding and naming, every frog a potential winner, until the finals begin on the last afternoon of the four-day county fair.For Mr. Kitchell’s family, the frog jump is almost a way of telling time. Each year is marked by the nights deep in the woods, eyes peeled not just for any frog but for the right frog. Then the days spent feeding and naming, every frog a potential winner, until the finals begin on the last afternoon of the four-day county fair.
The fair draws 45,000 people to Angels Camp, a town of about 4,000 in the Sierra Nevada foothills, and adds an estimated $5 million to the community. For many locals working on ranches, in restaurants and tire shops, it’s the one vacation they take all year.The fair draws 45,000 people to Angels Camp, a town of about 4,000 in the Sierra Nevada foothills, and adds an estimated $5 million to the community. For many locals working on ranches, in restaurants and tire shops, it’s the one vacation they take all year.
“How could you live here and not jump a frog?” said Merita Callaway, a Calaveras County supervisor.“How could you live here and not jump a frog?” said Merita Callaway, a Calaveras County supervisor.
[See how many coronavirus cases have been confirmed in each California county.][See how many coronavirus cases have been confirmed in each California county.]
Like many great traditions, the event began with a legend. The first frog-jumping contest was held here in 1928, many decades after Twain wrote “The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County.” The event has been canceled only once before — in 1933, during the Great Depression.Like many great traditions, the event began with a legend. The first frog-jumping contest was held here in 1928, many decades after Twain wrote “The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County.” The event has been canceled only once before — in 1933, during the Great Depression.
The rules are simple. Competitors place a frog on an eight-inch lily pad and try to make it jump as far as possible. A referee marks the landing spot of the third jump with a long wooden stick while two volunteers measure the distance and a third chases down the startled frog with a fishing net. Of the roughly 2,000 frogs that compete over the first three days, the top 50 qualify for the finals. The world record leap: 21 feet 5 ¾ inches, in 1986 by Lee Giudici’s frog, Rosie the Ribiter. Best it and you take home $5,000.The rules are simple. Competitors place a frog on an eight-inch lily pad and try to make it jump as far as possible. A referee marks the landing spot of the third jump with a long wooden stick while two volunteers measure the distance and a third chases down the startled frog with a fishing net. Of the roughly 2,000 frogs that compete over the first three days, the top 50 qualify for the finals. The world record leap: 21 feet 5 ¾ inches, in 1986 by Lee Giudici’s frog, Rosie the Ribiter. Best it and you take home $5,000.
Strategy is paramount, according to competitors. Choose too large a frog and it risks being too heavy; too small and it lacks power. Each frog jockey has their own strategy for prompting the jumps. Some stamp and shout, while others simply blow on their frogs.Strategy is paramount, according to competitors. Choose too large a frog and it risks being too heavy; too small and it lacks power. Each frog jockey has their own strategy for prompting the jumps. Some stamp and shout, while others simply blow on their frogs.
Preparations are often shrouded in secrecy. In the week leading up to the festival, the Kitchells catch dozens of frogs, keeping them in tanks at a special temperature (Mr. Kitchell won’t divulge it; retired jockeys suggest 83 degrees is optimal).Preparations are often shrouded in secrecy. In the week leading up to the festival, the Kitchells catch dozens of frogs, keeping them in tanks at a special temperature (Mr. Kitchell won’t divulge it; retired jockeys suggest 83 degrees is optimal).
One successful team keeps its frogs in gunny sacks in a wine cellar. Others bathe their competitors in hot and cold water just before the jump. The Kitchells even held a vote before agreeing to share family secrets with Mr. Kitchell’s daughter-in-law, Morgan.One successful team keeps its frogs in gunny sacks in a wine cellar. Others bathe their competitors in hot and cold water just before the jump. The Kitchells even held a vote before agreeing to share family secrets with Mr. Kitchell’s daughter-in-law, Morgan.
“If a frog jockey is telling you something, you should be very skeptical,” Mr. Kitchell said.“If a frog jockey is telling you something, you should be very skeptical,” Mr. Kitchell said.
Once, Mr. Kitchell nearly tasted victory himself. On a cold, drizzly day in 2006, he entered the finals as the favorite. In qualifying rounds, his frog, Whipper, had jumped 21 feet 9 ¼ inches — far enough to set a world record, had it been the finals.Once, Mr. Kitchell nearly tasted victory himself. On a cold, drizzly day in 2006, he entered the finals as the favorite. In qualifying rounds, his frog, Whipper, had jumped 21 feet 9 ¼ inches — far enough to set a world record, had it been the finals.
When his turn came, Mr. Kitchell carried Whipper from his wooden “frog hotel” to the lily pad on the stage, lightly pinching the frog’s sides between two fingers. For a moment, Whipper’s legs dangled just off the pad. Then Mr. Kitchell let go.When his turn came, Mr. Kitchell carried Whipper from his wooden “frog hotel” to the lily pad on the stage, lightly pinching the frog’s sides between two fingers. For a moment, Whipper’s legs dangled just off the pad. Then Mr. Kitchell let go.
One jump. Reasonably far. Second jump. Straight like an arrow. Third jump. Whipper hooked left.One jump. Reasonably far. Second jump. Straight like an arrow. Third jump. Whipper hooked left.
The judge announced the distance: 18 feet, 6 and ¾ inches, a foot less than the frog belonging to Mike Nash, Mr. Kitchell’s good friend since elementary school. Second place.The judge announced the distance: 18 feet, 6 and ¾ inches, a foot less than the frog belonging to Mike Nash, Mr. Kitchell’s good friend since elementary school. Second place.
There’s a theory that Mr. Nash and Mr. Kitchell switched frogs that day. If so, Mr. Nash offered few clues. “Tell you the truth, I tilt a few beers and have a good time,” he said. “I’ll leave it at that.”There’s a theory that Mr. Nash and Mr. Kitchell switched frogs that day. If so, Mr. Nash offered few clues. “Tell you the truth, I tilt a few beers and have a good time,” he said. “I’ll leave it at that.”
Every year after the jump, entrants return their frogs to the ponds, lakes and streams where they were caught. The champion’s name is engraved in brass on the sidewalk of downtown Angels Camp, a “Frog Hop of Fame” extending back to 1928.Every year after the jump, entrants return their frogs to the ponds, lakes and streams where they were caught. The champion’s name is engraved in brass on the sidewalk of downtown Angels Camp, a “Frog Hop of Fame” extending back to 1928.
To Calaveras residents, losing the Jubilee this year feels like more than just another cancellation. In a county of 45,000 spread over a thousand square miles, the festival serves as an extended family reunion. It’s a chance to rekindle old friendships and older rivalries. Even if you don’t see someone all year, you know you’ll see them at the frog jump. You’ll talk about the memories, and those who have passed on.To Calaveras residents, losing the Jubilee this year feels like more than just another cancellation. In a county of 45,000 spread over a thousand square miles, the festival serves as an extended family reunion. It’s a chance to rekindle old friendships and older rivalries. Even if you don’t see someone all year, you know you’ll see them at the frog jump. You’ll talk about the memories, and those who have passed on.
Updated June 16, 2020 Updated June 22, 2020
A commentary published this month on the website of the British Journal of Sports Medicine points out that covering your face during exercise “comes with issues of potential breathing restriction and discomfort” and requires “balancing benefits versus possible adverse events.” Masks do alter exercise, says Cedric X. Bryant, the president and chief science officer of the American Council on Exercise, a nonprofit organization that funds exercise research and certifies fitness professionals. “In my personal experience,” he says, “heart rates are higher at the same relative intensity when you wear a mask.” Some people also could experience lightheadedness during familiar workouts while masked, says Len Kravitz, a professor of exercise science at the University of New Mexico.
The steroid, dexamethasone, is the first treatment shown to reduce mortality in severely ill patients, according to scientists in Britain. The drug appears to reduce inflammation caused by the immune system, protecting the tissues. In the study, dexamethasone reduced deaths of patients on ventilators by one-third, and deaths of patients on oxygen by one-fifth.The steroid, dexamethasone, is the first treatment shown to reduce mortality in severely ill patients, according to scientists in Britain. The drug appears to reduce inflammation caused by the immune system, protecting the tissues. In the study, dexamethasone reduced deaths of patients on ventilators by one-third, and deaths of patients on oxygen by one-fifth.
The coronavirus emergency relief package gives many American workers paid leave if they need to take time off because of the virus. It gives qualified workers two weeks of paid sick leave if they are ill, quarantined or seeking diagnosis or preventive care for coronavirus, or if they are caring for sick family members. It gives 12 weeks of paid leave to people caring for children whose schools are closed or whose child care provider is unavailable because of the coronavirus. It is the first time the United States has had widespread federally mandated paid leave, and includes people who don’t typically get such benefits, like part-time and gig economy workers. But the measure excludes at least half of private-sector workers, including those at the country’s largest employers, and gives small employers significant leeway to deny leave.The coronavirus emergency relief package gives many American workers paid leave if they need to take time off because of the virus. It gives qualified workers two weeks of paid sick leave if they are ill, quarantined or seeking diagnosis or preventive care for coronavirus, or if they are caring for sick family members. It gives 12 weeks of paid leave to people caring for children whose schools are closed or whose child care provider is unavailable because of the coronavirus. It is the first time the United States has had widespread federally mandated paid leave, and includes people who don’t typically get such benefits, like part-time and gig economy workers. But the measure excludes at least half of private-sector workers, including those at the country’s largest employers, and gives small employers significant leeway to deny leave.
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.
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.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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
This year, that connection is lost. For a community that relies on tourism, the economic impact is equally severe. Every dollar the frog jump brings to town counts.This year, that connection is lost. For a community that relies on tourism, the economic impact is equally severe. Every dollar the frog jump brings to town counts.
“It’s not just a little festival we have every year,” said Laurie Giannini, the fair manager. “It’s a lifeline.”“It’s not just a little festival we have every year,” said Laurie Giannini, the fair manager. “It’s a lifeline.”
But now it will be another long year, until the snow falls and melts in the mountains, until it’s the third weekend in May, and Mr. Kitchell gets another crack at Calaveras immortality. “All it takes is one jump,” he said.But now it will be another long year, until the snow falls and melts in the mountains, until it’s the third weekend in May, and Mr. Kitchell gets another crack at Calaveras immortality. “All it takes is one jump,” he said.
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.
Gov. Gavin Newsom signed an executive order to send every eligible voter in California a ballot by mail in November. The governor also officially endorsed Joe Biden. [The New York Times]Gov. Gavin Newsom signed an executive order to send every eligible voter in California a ballot by mail in November. The governor also officially endorsed Joe Biden. [The New York Times]
A court document from 1996, when Tara Reade lived in California, says she told her husband at the time that she was sexually harassed while working in Mr. Biden’s office. [The San Luis Obispo Tribune]A court document from 1996, when Tara Reade lived in California, says she told her husband at the time that she was sexually harassed while working in Mr. Biden’s office. [The San Luis Obispo Tribune]
The nation’s largest cities outside New York — Los Angeles and Chicago — are struggling with a different kind of coronavirus puzzle: They haven’t had skyrocketing case numbers, but a steady, persistent climb. [The New York Times]The nation’s largest cities outside New York — Los Angeles and Chicago — are struggling with a different kind of coronavirus puzzle: They haven’t had skyrocketing case numbers, but a steady, persistent climb. [The New York Times]
A federal penitentiary in Lompoc has had at least 792 Covid-19 cases, making it the site of the nation’s biggest outbreak in a federal prison, and is also the source of nearly all of Santa Barbara’s cases. [Lompoc Record]A federal penitentiary in Lompoc has had at least 792 Covid-19 cases, making it the site of the nation’s biggest outbreak in a federal prison, and is also the source of nearly all of Santa Barbara’s cases. [Lompoc Record]
On Thursday, Mr. Newsom unveiled guidelines for counties hoping to reopen faster than the state as a whole. An analysis shows that most large counties in the state aren’t close to meeting them. [The Los Angeles Times]On Thursday, Mr. Newsom unveiled guidelines for counties hoping to reopen faster than the state as a whole. An analysis shows that most large counties in the state aren’t close to meeting them. [The Los Angeles Times]
Enjoy coloring? Love San Jose? This free, downloadable San Jose coloring book is for you. [The Mercury News]Enjoy coloring? Love San Jose? This free, downloadable San Jose coloring book is for you. [The Mercury News]
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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.