By Robert Haugh

Over 400 fires are raging in California and Governor Gavin Newsom has declared a state of emergency. 

Last night, firefighters were battling major blazes in Contra Costa and Santa Cruz counties.

Because of heat and smoke problems. the City has opened a cooling center at the Senior Center, 1303 Fremont Street. 

It’s available to anyone who needs to escape the heat or bad air quality caused by smoky conditions.

Here are the dates and times:

• Thursday, Aug. 20, 1:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
• Friday, Aug. 21, 1:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.

According to the City, the following restrictions will apply to insure public health:

• Do not enter if you have COVID-19 symptoms including fever, cough, diarrhea, headache, muscle aches, shortness of breath, unexplained loss of taste or smell

• Face covering is required (exception of children 6 years and under or if medically inadvisable)

• Maintain a minimum distance of 6 feet from others at all times

The weather forecast predicts cooling starting today with temperatures in the 80s. 

But the air quality forecast is poor with conditions unhealthy for tomorrow. It probably won’t get better until the fires are under control.