State Science In Crisis
 

The demand for sound science grows with California’s population and a host of new and old threats: swine flu, avian flu, chemical contamination, sudden declines in wildlife populations, mosquito-borne diseases, global warming, oil spills, drought and invasive species.  Meeting these challenges starts with well-qualified scientists and world-class science programs.

California state scientific programs are in crisis.  Once the envy of the nation, they have fallen on hard times.  These programs support public health, protect the environment, and preserve native wildlife and plants.  However, state science is only as good as the scientists who do the work.  Today that work force--nearly 3,000 biologists, toxicologists, chemists, microbiologists and many others—is steadily moving toward retirement, with an average age of almost 50.  Too few well qualified scientists are being hired to fill key vacancies, and the state is losing too many career scientists to retirement and better paying jobs.  Science programs are critically understaffed largely because the state is unable to recruit and retain enough qualified scientists.   

Californians deserve the trustworthy and timely science from government.  State government is no longer the employer of choice for many aspiring public servant scientists.  It can again become a premier government employer if it removes the bureaucratic impediments that cause the best and brightest public servant scientists to work elsewhere.  Retooling starts with raising salaries to attract high caliber candidates, automating the hiring and promotional processes, and implementing an aggressive marketing campaign to recruit new talent.

All this will do little good unless the salaries paid to state scientists are more competitive.  The Governor’s own Department of Personnel Administration and the California Association of Professional Scientists agree that the salaries of many state scientists lag far behind those paid by other governmental employers.  This is especially true in the urban areas where the cost of living tends to be higher.  

Here is a sampling of the state’s scientific resources now at risk: 

Protecting the Public’s Health 

Californians rely on government at all levels to ensure that the water we drink, food we eat, and air we breathe are safe and healthy.  When diseases like tuberculosis, asthma or diabetes become epidemic, or new illnesses like West Nile virus sweep the state, public health programs investigate the causes and take prompt action to preserve health.  Of special concern are the most vulnerable: the very young, very old, and those with challenged immune systems.  The work of highly skilled state scientists, in coordination with many others, is critical to covering all Californians with a public health protective blanket.  

California Department of Public Health (CDPH) scientists must act quickly to investigate outbreaks of infectious diseases in order to prevent further transmission.  Highly drug resistant tuberculosis (TB) among immigrants poses an increased health risk to all Californians.  CDPH scientists in 2004-05 worked with local health departments to respond to an outbreak of TB in Hmong refugees from Thailand who resettled in the Central Valley.  Thirty people were identified with TB, including six with the type that is multidrug-resistant (MDR).  A prompt response ensured that TB was not transmitted more widely.  Treatment of a person with MDR TB usually costs several hundred thousand dollars, so failure to act promptly could have proven even more damaging to public health and very costly to control. 

Protecting Children… 

CDPH scientists help protect children from lead poisoning.  Lead damages the developing brain and nervous system of young children, reduces IQ and impairs the ability to learn.  CDPH epidemiologists study where and how children become lead poisoned, test for lead in environmental samples and consumer products, and advise the public about how to protect their children from lead poisoning.  CDPH laboratory chemists analyze products suspected to cause poisoning, often revealing new lead dangers.  For example, high lead levels in many types of imported candies pose a public health threat to children.  Without this work, many more children would be exposed to lead in their environment and suffer needless health consequences.   

The California Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) Schools Division ensures that contaminated properties are made classroom safe for California's school children and faculty.  DTSC scientists and toxicologists worked on over 200 different school sites in 2007.  These sites range from former industrial parcels in urban areas to new developments in the Sierra Mountain foothills with naturally occurring asbestos.  DTSC scientists coordinated cleanup at 101 contaminated school sites in 2007, representing 1,581 acres cleared, and 2,800 new classrooms to accommodate 86,000 students.  

California Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) Toxicologist Deborah Oudiz several years ago identified a playfield at Burbank Elementary School in San Bernardino that was highly contaminated with DDT and other pesticides.  She recognized that immediate action was necessary to prevent further exposure of children to pesticides, so she immediately recommended that the playfield be fenced to protect over 500 children and staff.  The school district closed Burbank Elementary for six weeks in the fall of 2000.  The soil over most the playground was removed and backfilled with clean soil and sod.   

Keeping Food Safe… 

The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) is one of many state departments that support a safe, abundant, quality food supply, environmentally sound agricultural practices and an equitable marketplace for California agriculture.  State scientists in several departments test fruits, vegetables, soil, water, milk and milk products, clothing, urine, animal feed and fertilizers for toxic contaminants. 

CDFA Chemist Ryanne Mason and Associate Toxicologist Wesley Carr and Primary State Toxicologist Jay Schreider of the California Department of Pesticide Regulation (CDPR) help keep California’s food supply safe.  Their testing helps identify and prevent health risks to consumers that could result from eating fresh food contaminated with pesticides.  If they determine that pesticide contamination could endanger public health, they take prompt action to ensure that the suspect produce is impounded before it gets to market.    

CDPH scientists protect the public’s health and California’s agricultural economy by identifying E. coli or other life-threatening bacteria in fresh produce.  California produces 74% of the country’s fresh spinach, accounting for $258 million in sales in 2005.  In 2006, all sales of bagged fresh spinach were halted across the U.S. following thousands of illnesses and three deaths due to the bacteria E. coli.  The quick detective work of CDPH scientists identified the San Benito County field where the contamination occurred.  Scientists were able to match the strain of E. coli from environmental samples collected near the field to the strain found in clinical samples that caused the outbreak.  The CDFA and CDPH then worked with industry to prevent future contamination.  Without this essential public health work, this valuable crop--and countless others--would be at risk, further endangering the public’s health and the viability of agriculture-based businesses. 

Keeping Products Safe… 

DTSC scientists are working to reduce heavy metals in the production and packaging of consumer items such as paint, jewelry, electronics and thermometers.  Through public outreach, several major companies have already pulled problem products from consumer shelves.  Getting products and packaging laden with heavy metals out of commerce preserves landfills and protects consumers, especially developing fetuses and children.  

DTSC Staff Chemist Fatima Hussain has been a state scientist for over 18 years with expertise in measuring metals in soil, water, waste and consumer products.  Research Scientist Modan Gill has been a state scientist for over 28 years and is an expert in rapid screening methods for organic and inorganic chemicals.  These scientists and others have developed tests for quickly evaluating children’s jewelry, promotional items, and product packaging for lead or toxic chemicals, and for confirming results that will hold up in court.  Over the past six months, the DTSC lab has performed over 3000 screening tests, and over 1100 confirmatory tests.  In one case, DTSC scientists used lab data to help a company and their supplier come into compliance, resulting in removal of more than two million lead-containing  grocery bags from the product stream, and the development of a more environmentally friendly alternative product.

Preserving California’s Natural Resources

Scientists throughout California state government work together in coordination with all levels of government, law enforcement and the private sector to preserve and protect California’s precious natural resources for generations to come. 

Protecting California’s Treasures… 

Environmental scientists at the California Department of Parks and Recreation (CDPR) work hard to preserve the biodiversity of California’s state parks, one of the state’s greatest natural treasures, while allowing for maximum use by visitors.  State scientists protect natural habitats and endangered species from threats of urban encroachment, pollution, incompatible land use, pathogens and other natural and human-caused threats.   

The Tahoe Basin is a world-renowned environmental gem and a major year round tourist destination.  Lake Tahoe is world famous for its depth and clarity. But clarity has declined in recent years in part due to development and runoff.  State Environmental Scientist Robert Larsen has devoted much of his 22-year career to preserving the water clarity of Lake Tahoe.  Larsen leads a team of scientists at the regional water board at South Lake Tahoe.  Their job is to identify the causes of clarity decline, evaluate the magnitude of various pollutant sources, and develop a plan to restore Lake Tahoe’s transparency. 

Protecting Water Supplies… 

The State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) allocates the state’s water resources.  The California Delta provides water to over 23 million Californians and irrigation water to more than three million acres of farmland statewide. Board scientists evaluate the effects of water use on natural systems.  Their research and analysis integrate environmental protection measures with water supply principles to protect threatened and endangered salmon as well as other environmentally and economically important species.  This allows hydroelectric power and water development projects to proceed in conformance with environmental laws.

Water from the Lower Colorado River irrigates approximately two million acres, and generates about 10 billion kilowatt hours of electricity annually.  It provides power and water for urban areas including Las Vegas, Phoenix and Los Angeles.  California Department of Fish and Game (CDFG) scientists are working with 50 governmental entities from Arizona, Nevada and California to protect 26 animal species native to the Colorado River area.  The collaboration creates over 8,000 acres of habitat for threatened and endangered fish from Lake Mead to Mexico.  This project also aims to reduce Colorado River water use over the next 15 years. 

Environmental Program Manager Robert Klamt and Environmental Scientist Katherine Carter of the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) work to prevent another catastrophic salmon die-off like the one that occurred on the Klamath river during September 2002.  That event brought national attention to the poor water quality of the Klamath River. Klampt and Carter gathered together native American tribes, state, local, and federal agencies, and local interest groups to monitor conditions in the river and develop a plan to avoid another die-off.  That group, the Klamath Fish Health Assessment Team, provided decision makers with critical information upon which to base water management decisions. 

Preserving Wildlife… 

The CDFG makes crucial scientific findings that affect the future of wildlife populations, the viability of new human development, the allocation of limited resources for outdoor recreation, and how to prevent and clean up marine and inland oil spills. 

CDFG scientists work with federal biologists to preserve the remaining California big horn sheep through habitat preservation, managed grazing and reduced predation.  Together they radio-collar and study bighorn sheep, track their survival and reproductive success, identify causes of mortality and habitat-use patterns, investigate population health and collect genetic information. This research provides information essential to the recovery of this endangered animal.  

CDFG scientists working at nine wildlife rescue centers throughout the state save countless numbers of animals every year from exposure to oil, pesticides and other contaminants.  Sensitive native California species like desert tortoise, pelicans, ibis and sea otters have been saved by these efforts. 

CDFG biologists and veterinarians frequently rescue exotic wildlife such as alligators, red deer, chimpanzees and ferrets where they are illegally and unsafely kept as pets. 

Responding to Disasters 

Specialized technical expertise from state scientists supports recovery teams following natural or human-caused disasters, including wildfire, floods, earthquakes and terrorist attacks.  Many state departments participate in ongoing emergency preparedness planning efforts so that the impacts of a large-scale disaster on health and the economy are minimized. 

Health physicists at the CDPH protect the public from radiation poisoning that could result from a transportation accident, nuclear power plant disaster or a terrorist attack.  They routinely participate in planning drills and exercises and provide emergency response training.  In the event of a nuclear power plant emergency, state scientists would conduct testing and help prevent radiological contaminated water, food and livestock from reaching consumers.  

Senior Environmental Scientist Randy Imai of the CDFG’s Office of Spill Prevention and Response led a team of scientists in response to the November 2007 oil spill from the container ship Cosco Busan into the San Francisco Bay.  That spill dispersed 54,000 gallons of oil and killed thousands of birds and threatened sensitive natural resources.  Imai and his team established priorities for cleanup and developed guidelines to assist local governments affected by the spill.  Their work preserved and restored habitats for fish and wildlife. 

Staff Toxicologist Susan Klasing and Research Scientist Margy Gassel of the Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) assessed the impact of the Cosco Busan oil spill on edible fish and shellfish in San Francisco Bay and adjacent coastal areas.  Klasing and Gassel concluded that there were minimal health risks to humans from eating fish and shellfish from the spill area.  As a result, the OEHHA was able to recommend early resumption of fishing and crabbing, which helped restore public confidence in the safety of seafood products from the spill area and prevented huge financial losses to the local fishing economy. 

Supporting California’s Economy 

The work of California state scientists supports the industries that make California’s economy one of the world’s largest and most diverse. 

The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) supports and promotes California agriculture and the consumers it serves.  Scientists protect agriculture and horticulture in natural settings and urban environments from pests such as light brown apple moth and med fly.  CDFA veterinarians help protect the safety and viability of California’s livestock and dairy industries.  Others test and inspect home grown and imported food stuffs for toxic contamination.  

The CDFG’s marine scientists protect species crucial to California’s recreational and commercial fisheries.  Their work creates strategies essential to the health of over 100 coastal fish and invertebrate species which are extremely valuable to the California economy, including Dungeness crab, market squid, ground fish, red sea urchin, spiny lobster, Chinook salmon, pacific sardine, California halibut and swordfish. 

California’s estimated 5.5 million cattle make it a major industry.  Animal disease Epidemiologist Andrea Mikolon of the CDFA is an expert on cattle diseases originating in Mexico and Central and South America.  Dr. Mikolon develops disease control strategies that can have major financial and human health impacts.  One example is the current outbreak of bovine tuberculosis (TB), which is difficult to detect and can spread to humans.  Dr. Mikolon directs investigations and makes trade, quarantine and disease detection recommendations.  Her analyses help determine remedial measures. 

Staff Toxicologist Mary Lou Verder-Carlos of the OEHHA has a lead role in the state’s efforts to ensure protection of the public’s health during the current Light Brown Apple Moth eradication effort by the CDFA.  Dr. Verder-Carlos was the principal author of the April 2008 report by the OEHHA and other state agencies.  That report evaluated health symptoms reported following the autumn 2007 aerial applications of pheromone pesticides in Santa Cruz and Monterey counties.  Dr. Verder-Carlos is working on a system to track and analyze reports of adverse health impacts following future aerial applications in the San Francisco and Monterey Bay areas.    

Slowing Climate Change and Promoting Energy Efficiency  

Understanding and preventing global warming is essential for the future health of the entire planet.  Reducing California’s emission of greenhouse gases is a major goal of Governor Schwarzenegger’s Climate Change Initiative.  Much of this important work is being performed by California state scientists.

 The California Energy Commission (CEC) is California’s primary energy assessment, policy and planning agency.  Its overall mission is to improve energy systems that promote a strong economy and a healthy environment.  Its special charge is to increase energy efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.  Scientists at the CEC help assess energy supply, demand, price and reliability.  The goal is to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and increase the efficiency of all energy sources.   

Scientists at the California Integrated Waste Management Board (CIWMB) are also pivotal to the Governor's Climate Change Initiative.  One challenge is to approve the design and installation of a cost effective gas collection system to prevent emission of millions of tons of methane from solid waste landfills.  Methane is a greenhouse gas 23 times more potent than carbon dioxide.  

More than 20 desalinization projects have been proposed along California’s coast.  CDFG scientists are working to identify impacts and to ensure that marine life is not harmed by these projects.  

Research Scientists Rachel Broadwin, Shelley Green and Rupa Basu of the OEHHA helped evaluated the relationship between the increasing temperatures from air pollution and the potential effects on human health.  The work of these scientists provides state agencies with data essential for establishing new regulations intended to reduce the impact of climate change and air pollution on public health. 

Updated June 6, 2008