Grapes of Wrath Revisited
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7/5/2018
Quite possibly the most miserable city/town I have lived in.
Why?:
* Air quality is toxic and dangerous from a combination of intensive agricultural farming and diesel based transportation coupled with a hot dry climate full of dust and allergies. The incredible concentration of large dairy farms has fouled the air even more.
* Cancer rates are higher are higher than normal as is cardio-respiratory disease due to the toxic chemicals in the air. Valley Fever is found in the soil and the hot dry climate facilitates it.
* The character of the city and its people are exploitive and bigoted. Simply read the Grapes of Wrath and imagine forward a couple of generations and you'll understand what has gone wrong here. (Btw, the book was originally banned in nearby Kern County). As in all places, there are some fine community oriented folks, but too few to change its character.
* Medical care centers are available, but the level of professionalism is low.
It is difficult to attract and maintain well-qualified professionals in such a difficult community environment.
* The area has several youth and adult penal centers and prisons nearby and it has a negative impact on the community character.
* It does have most services and abundant restaurants.
Mark | Loveland, CO