Rudolph Steiner is known for founding Waldorf schools and developing the concept of biodynamic farming, but that’s not all. A one-day class taught by a local activist and student of the German innovator will be offered in Santa Rosa on Saturday. Here’s a preview.

Abraham Entin  will present his class on Steiner’s ideals and ideas on Saturday, from 9-5 at the Arlene Francis Center in Santa Rosa. The class is free, but donations to the Center are encouraged.

About a decade ago health officials declared an end to measles in the United States. But the disease is making resurgence due, in part, to a decline in vaccination rates. While scientific studies have repeatedly proven the safety and efficacy of vaccines, Sonoma County remains one of the places most at risk for outbreaks, with some of the highest rates of unvaccinated kids in the country. Within Sonoma County the highest rates cluster around Sebastopol where, says Lily Borgeson, there is intense community opposition to vaccines. 

"I have learned that it's honestly not something to talk about with other moms," says Borgeson, mother to 3-year-old Mesa. "It feels like it's impossible to have a calm, productive conversation about it."

That concerns public health advocates, who almost universally support immunizations. Some feel it has been too easy in the past for parents to sign a form freeing them of the need to immunize their children prior to kindergarten. In January the state legislature passed a new law requiring parents to consult with a medical professional prior to turning in an exemption form. Health advocates hope that this will shift the debate's focus away from contentious online forums and toward more reliable sources of information.

"If [parents] still choose not to have their child immunized, that is their right," says Becky Raymond, school nurse for Sebastopol Union School District. "But I hope they’re doing it with a good understanding of the risks and the benefits. From a public health perspective, it’s a really positive move." 

  ALSO: A bill that would allow employees to place liens on their former employer’s property to collect unpaid wages passed a California Assembly Committee Wednesday.

Thursday, April 24, 2014

Today's reporting by Lori Abbott (CANS,)  and Max Pringle (CPRN.)

With outbreaks of whooping cough reported in 6 Sonoma County Schools, parents and public health officials are on edge. In the last 15 years vaccination rates have decreased sharply over concerns about possible side effect. On today's North Bay Report, we speak with public health and school officials about the resurgence of diseases that can be prevented with vaccines.  

The Sonoma County Department of Health Services has issued pertussis health advisories this year, following confirmed outbreaks. Infants too young for vaccination are at greatest risk of dying from whooping cough. Public health officials are concentrating on encouraging pregnant women and all who come in contact with infants to be up-to-date on vaccinations. For more information visit the Department of Health Services website.