My News of the Week- Trump Versus Newsome

Governor Gavin Newsom has taken a bold stance against the Trump administration, floating the idea of a federal tax boycott after the White House threatened to slash funding for California universities. Newsom pointed out that California sends about eighty billion dollars more to Washington than it gets back, and he is making it clear that the state is tired of being treated as a political punching bag. His willingness to leverage California’s economic power comes as Trump escalates attacks on the state, including deploying the National Guard to Los Angeles over the governor’s objections.

Newsom is not alone in this fight. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has strongly criticized Trump’s decision to federalize the National Guard, blaming the move for fueling chaos and violence during recent protests. Other California leaders, including former Vice President Kamala Harris and Representative Maxine Waters, have rallied behind Newsom, arguing that the administration’s actions are meant to stoke fear and division35. The state legislature has set aside fifty million dollars to fund legal challenges, and California has joined or filed nineteen lawsuits against the Trump administration since inauguration day, showing a united front.

Meanwhile, cities like Glendale are taking concrete steps to protect their communities. Glendale announced it will end its contract with ICE and stop holding immigration detainees, reflecting a growing commitment to public safety and civil rights. These moves, from local to state level, show California leaders are determined to defend their values, resist federal overreach, and stand up for residents targeted by harsh federal policies.

Finally, Did you know that....

A striking sea creature, commonly known as the “Spanish dancer”, was recently photographed at Coral Bay on the Western Australian coast. This large, vibrant sea slug captivated social media users with its bright colors and intricate patterns. It gets its name from its undulating swimming motion, which resembles the flowing movements of a flamenco dancer’s skirt.

The individual who captured the images noted that the animal arrived with the tide and was seen in shallow waters. Spanish dancers can grow up to 90 centimeters in length and are typically found in tropical and subtropical waters of the Indo-Pacific region, where it is known to inhabit coral reefs and rocky seabeds. They are nocturnal creatures, usually avoiding light and becoming active late at night.

The Spanish dancer is famous for its bright red, orange, or pink hues, often with intricate patterns, making it a stunning sight for divers and marine enthusiasts. Unlike many other nudibranchs, which crawl along the ocean floor, this species can swim by gracefully flapping the edges of its soft, fleshy body.

A Beautiful Scenic Drive to the Summit of Mt. Diablo

Eight eager THD residents including myself were 15 minutes early for our scheduled scenic drive to the top of Mt Diablo yesterday afternoon. The day was sunny and warm and was not windy at all. I was ready for a windy day at the top, but when we arrived after a 25 to 30 minutes slow and torturous drive on the 5.7 miles winding road, it was very warm at the top of Mt Diablo. I have to take of my wind-breaker jacket of. The view however was super clear and mesmerizing. It was worth the 3-4  hours we spent on the drive and tour that whole afternoon under the guidance of our capable driver- Sylvia ( I do not know her last name, since she is a very new THD employee). After tour on our way back to THD, the group fired me as the resident meteorologist for the Day. 

I purchased the above cap at the gift shop to add to my collection. Currently I have 24 caps in my collection. 

We stayed for about 30 minutes, taking pictures, visiting the visitor center and museum and me purchasing a black baseball cap to add to my cap collection ( see photo above). Here are some of the other photos I took; 

Our Capable Driver- Sylvia

Hisako Tanaka- Dressed to Kill for the Remarkable Summit View

One of the Inside Museum Framed Photographs,  I loved 

Pamela ( Pam) Atkinson enjoying One of the Museum Exhibits  

Anne Stackhouse and Eileen Breismeister

Many visitors to Mount Diablo head straight for the Summit to enjoy the famous view. As mountains go, Mount Diablo isn't particularly tall - only 3,849 feet.  However, it is surrounded by low, rolling hills and broad, flat valleys, so the view from the Summit is remarkable.  When conditions are best, you can see almost 200 miles.  Summer days are sometimes hazy, and the best viewing is often on the day after a winter storm. Then, you can look to the west, beyond the Golden Gate Bridge, to the Farallon Islands; southeast to the James Lick Observatory on Mount Hamilton at 4,213 feet elevation; south to Mount Loma Prieta in the Santa Cruz Mountains at 3,791 feet elevation, north to Mount Saint Helena in the Coast Range at 4,344 feet elevation, and still farther north to Lassen Peak in the Cascades at 10,466 feet. North and east of Mount Diablo the San Joaquin and Sacramento Rivers meet to form the twisting waterways of the Delta. To the east beyond California's great central valley, the crest of the Sierra Nevada seems to float in space.  All in all, you can see over 8,539 square miles and parts of 40 of California's 58 counties from the Summit of Mount Diablo. 

For Details visit:  https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=517

Lastly a Personal Note: Two new employees of THD/Hillandale Combo told me the other day, I look like I have Chinese Ancestry. I told them I am too good-looking to have Chinese DNA( just a joke). When I told them I am a Filipino-American, both of them look surprise. Really? Any Comments on this incident, my dear readers here at THD and other parts of the World?  I do not look like a regular or typical Filipino, because of my nose?  Agree or Disagree?   

Inherited Glutaric Aciduria, Type 1 ( GA-1) Disease on New Borns

I learned and heard of a very rare genetic disease after a visit to a close relative yesterday. The inherited Disease is Glutaric aciduria type 1( GA-1).

Glutaric aciduria type 1 (GA1) is a rare and can be a serious inherited condition if not treated early. It means the body can't process certain amino acids ("building blocks" of protein), causing a harmful build-up of substances in the blood and urine.

Normally, our bodies break down protein foods like meat and fish into amino acids. Any amino acids that aren't needed are usually broken down and removed from the body.

Babies with GA1 are unable to break down the amino acids lysine, hydroxylysine and tryptophan.

Normally, these amino acids are broken down into a substance called glutaric acid, which is then converted into energy. Babies with GA1 do not have the enzyme that breaks down glutaric acid, leading to a harmfully high level of this and other substances in the body.

📊 Prevalence

• Worldwide: About 1 in 100,000 live births.

• Higher rates in certain populations due to founder effects (where a mutation is more common in a small or isolated population). For example:

  • Old Order Amish (USA): Much more common—up to 1 in 300.

  • Ojibwe-Cree tribes (Canada): Higher prevalence noted.

  • Swedish population: Elevated rates in parts of Sweden.

🧬 Why It's Rare

GA-1 is an autosomal recessive disorder, meaning:

• A baby must inherit two defective copies of the GCDH gene (one from each parent).

• Carriers (with one copy) typically show no symptoms.

• This rarity results from the low likelihood that both parents are carriers of the same rare mutation.

Diagnosing GA1

At around 5 days old, babies are now offered newborn blood spot screening to check if they have GA1. This involves pricking your baby's heel to collect drops of blood to test.

If GA1 is diagnosed, treatment can be given straight away to reduce the risk of serious complications.

With early diagnosis and the correct treatment, the majority of children with GA1 are able to live normal, healthy lives. However, treatment for GA1 must be continued for life.

Without treatment, severe and life-threatening symptoms can develop, including seizures (fits) or falling into a coma. Some children with untreated GA1 are also at risk of brain damage, which can affect muscle movement. This may lead to problems with walking, talking and swallowing.

Symptoms of GA1

Symptoms of GA1 usually don't appear until a few months after birth, although some babies are born with a larger-than-average head (macrocephaly).

Children with GA1 may develop some floppiness or weakness in their muscles (hypotonia) during their first year and there's a risk of developing bleeding around their brain (subdural haematoma). In rarer cases, bleeding can develop around the back of the eyes (retinal haemorrhage).

Metabolic crisis

Children with GA1 may have episodes known as a metabolic crisis, sometimes early in their life. Symptoms of a metabolic crisis include:

• poor feeding or loss of appetite
• lack of energy
• abnormal movements
• vomiting
• irritability
• breathing difficulties

It's important to get medical help immediately if your baby develops symptoms of a metabolic crisis. Your doctor will give you advice to help recognise the signs.

In some cases, a metabolic crisis may be triggered later in childhood by an infection or illness. The hospital should provide you with emergency treatment instructions to follow if your child is ill, which helps to prevent these symptoms developing.

Treating GA1

Diet

Children diagnosed with GA1 are referred to a specialist metabolic dietitian and given a low-protein diet. This is tailored to reduce the amount of amino acids your baby receives, especially lysine and tryptophan.

High-protein foods need to be limited, including:

• meat
• fish
• cheese
• eggs
• pulses
• nuts

Your dietitian will provide detailed advice and guidance, as your baby still needs some of these foods for healthy growth and development.

Breastfeeding and baby milk also need to be monitored and measured, as advised by your dietitian. Regular baby milk contains the amino acids that need to be restricted, so a special formula is used instead. This contains all the vitamins, minerals and other amino acids your baby needs.

People with GA1 may need to follow a restricted protein diet for the rest of their life to reduce their risk of a metabolic crisis. As your child gets older, they'll need to learn how to control their diet and stay in contact with a dietitian for advice and monitoring.

Medication

Your child will be prescribed a medication called L-carnitine, which helps to clear some of the excess glutaric acid.

L-carnitine is given as a tablet and needs to be taken regularly, as directed by your doctor.

Emergency treatment

If your baby develops an infection, such as a high temperature or cold, their risk of having a metabolic crisis increases. It's possible to reduce the risk by changing to an emergency diet while they're ill.

Your dietitian will provide detailed instructions, but the aim is to replace milk and food containing protein with special high-sugar drinks. Medication should still be taken as normal.

Your dietitian may provide you with a feeding tube (nasogastric tube) and show you how to use it safely. This can be useful in an emergency if your baby isn't feeding well while they are ill. 

Here's a summary for Easy Reading:

GA-1 is a rare inherited condition that affects how a baby’s body breaks down certain proteins found in food. When someone has GA-1, their body cannot properly handle parts of the food they eat — especially proteins from things like meat, eggs, and dairy.

Instead of being broken down normally, harmful substances build up in the body and can damage the brain, especially if the child becomes sick or doesn’t eat for a while.

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🧬 How Do Babies Get GA-1?

GA-1 is something a baby is born with — it’s not caused by anything the parents did during pregnancy.

• We all have two copies of every gene: one from our mom and one from our dad.

• For a baby to have GA-1, both parents must be “carriers” of a gene that doesn’t work properly.

• Carriers are healthy — they don’t have the disease, and most never know they carry the gene.

If both parents are carriers:

• There’s a 1 in 4 chance (25%) the baby will have GA-1.

• A 1 in 2 chance (50%) the baby will be a carrier like the parents.

• A 1 in 4 chance (25%) the baby will be completely free of the gene.

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🧪 What Happens in the Baby’s Body?

Think of the body like a kitchen where food is broken down into useful ingredients. A baby with GA-1 is missing a special "tool" (called an enzyme) that helps break down certain parts of protein.

Without this tool:

• Toxic substances build up — especially glutaric acid — and these can hurt the brain over time.

• This can lead to movement problems, developmental delays, and sometimes seizures.

---

🩺 How Is GA-1 Found and Treated?

• Many places now screen newborns for GA-1 using a simple heel-prick blood test. This helps catch the condition before any damage is done.

• If caught early, doctors can prevent problems with:

  • A special diet low in certain proteins

  • Supplements, like carnitine, that help the body remove toxins

  • Emergency care during illness (like flu or fever) to avoid a crisis

With early treatment, many children with GA-1 live healthy lives.

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🧪 Molecular Mechanism of Disease

1. Gene Involved:

   • The GCDH gene is located on chromosome 19p13.2.

   • It encodes the glutaryl-CoA dehydrogenase enzyme, which is needed to break down certain amino acids: lysine, hydroxylysine, and tryptophan.

2. Enzyme Deficiency:

   • Mutations in GCDH reduce or eliminate the activity of glutaryl-CoA dehydrogenase.

   • Without this enzyme, the body cannot properly metabolize lysine and tryptophan.

3. Toxic Build-Up:

   • As a result, intermediate compounds like glutaric acid and 3-hydroxyglutaric acid accumulate in the body, especially in the brain.

   • This build-up causes damage to basal ganglia, leading to:

     • Movement disorders (e.g., dystonia)

     • Seizures

     • Developmental delays

❤️ Final Thoughts

• GA-1 is not anyone’s fault.

• It’s a genetic condition passed down silently for generations.

• Early detection and proper care make a huge difference.

  
  

For Details visit: https://www.newbornscreening.info/ga-1-glutaric-acidemia-type-1/

Meanwhile, I treated Grandson Ian, wife Sara and Daughter Dinah for a Mexican lunch at the Mezcal Grill on 57th and Broadway, Sacramento. Dinah and I had the Chile Relleno that we consumed with delight and Ian and Sara had the SeaFood Fajitas, Tacos and Beer. While we are eating lunch great grandson Graham is enjoying his nap.  Here are four photos of my visit.

From the Restaurant Website: Here at Mezcal Grill, we take pride in bringing the vibrant and mouthwatering flavors of authentic Mexican cuisine to your table. Our menu features a delightful array of traditional dishes that honor the rich culinary heritage of Mexico. But we also believe in the beauty of culinary fusion, so we infuse a hint of Tex-Mex and Californian influences into some of our signature creations. This adds a unique and exciting twist to our offerings, ensuring a dining experience that is both familiar and refreshingly innovative.

From sizzling fajitas to irresistible street tacos, from zesty salsas to creamy guacamole, every dish is crafted with care and expertise. Whether you're craving the comforting warmth of a classic Mexican dish or the bold, adventurous flavors of a modern creation, we've got something to tantalize your taste buds.

Grandson Ian King and Great Grandson, Graham King ( One-month old)

    

Nature ( DNA) versus Nurture (Environment) on Child Development

This posting is inspired from the 2018 Award-Winning Documentary on Triplets that I viewed the other day. The triplets were separated when they were six months old and adopted by families of different social backgrounds, that is blue collar, middle-class and upper-class environment. The documentary is titled "Three Identical Strangers. I rewatched the other day at TUBI. It is a good example of the effects of Nature versus Nurture on Child Development and Adult hood.      

There is extensive data and research on the effects of nature (DNA/genetics) versus nurture (environment) on child development. This topic has been a major focus in psychology, neuroscience, education, and behavioral genetics for decades. Here’s a summary of the current understanding, based on empirical studies:

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🔬 Nature (DNA/Genetics):

This refers to the biological and hereditary influences on development.

Key Findings:

1. Cognitive Abilities (IQ)

   • Heritability of IQ increases with age — from about 20–30% in early childhood to 60–80% in adulthood(Plomin & Deary, 2015).

   • Genes influence attention, memory, processing speed, and reasoning.

2. Personality Traits

   • Traits like extraversion, neuroticism, and conscientiousness have a heritability of about 40–60%.

   • Twin studies consistently show higher correlations in identical twins vs. fraternal twins.

3. Mental Health Risks

   • Genetic predispositions are strong in conditions like ADHD, autism, depression, and schizophrenia.

   • These risks often interact with environmental triggers.

4. Physical Development

   • Height, weight, and timing of puberty are largely controlled by genetic factors (~70–90%).

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🏡 Nurture (Environment):

This refers to the life experiences and external conditions that influence development.

Key Findings:

1. Language Development

   • Children exposed to rich language environments develop stronger verbal skills.

   • SES (socioeconomic status) plays a role—children in high-SES families hear millions more words before age 4 (Hart & Risley, 1995).

2. Attachment & Emotional Development

   • Secure attachment with caregivers fosters resilience, empathy, and emotional regulation.

   • Neglect or trauma can alter brain development (especially in the amygdala and hippocampus).

3. Education & Stimulation

   • Early childhood education (e.g., Head Start programs) can boost academic performance and executive function.

   • High-quality preschool environments help close achievement gaps.

4. Nutrition & Health

   • Malnutrition, exposure to toxins (like lead), and poor prenatal care can have lasting developmental impacts.

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🧬🔄 Interaction: Nature via Nurture

Modern science emphasizes that genes and environment interact dynamically:

• Epigenetics: Experiences can turn genes “on” or “off.” For example, chronic stress can alter how genes related to mood are expressed.

• Gene-Environment Correlations:

  • Passive: A child inherits genes and an environment from parents (e.g., musical parents likely provide musical genes and music-rich surroundings).

  • Evocative: A child's traits elicit responses from the environment (e.g., a curious child is given more learning opportunities).

  • Active: Children seek out environments that fit their genetic tendencies (“niche-picking”).

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📊 Summary Table:

Development Area	Genetic Influence	Environmental Influence
Intelligence (IQ)	High	Moderate to high
Language Skills	Moderate	High
Personality	Moderate to high	Moderate
Emotional Regulation	Moderate	High
Mental Health	High (risk genes)	High (triggers/support)
Academic Achievement	Moderate	High

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📚 Notable Studies:

• Minnesota Twin Study (Bouchard et al.): Showed strong genetic influence on personality and intelligence.

• Dunedin Multidisciplinary Health and Development Study (New Zealand): Longitudinal data on how early life environments impact long-term development.

• Adoption Studies: Show that adopted children resemble biological parents more in traits like IQ, but adoptive parents in behaviors and values.

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Here's a focused overview on the effects of nature vs. nurture on child development in the context of Filipino-American children, blending research with cultural nuances:

As a Filipino-American parent, I’ve witnessed how my own children balance the science of their genes with the spirit of their upbringing. I’ve seen them excel in school, sometimes from a natural gift—but more often from the hard work and humility taught by their parents. The tension between independence and community, ambition and respect—it’s in this space that the true story of nature and nurture unfolds in our families.

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🧒🏽 Nature vs. Nurture in Filipino-American Child Development

How Biology and Environment Shape Identity, Intelligence, and Well-Being

Filipino-American children grow up at the crossroads of two cultural worlds—rooted in Filipino traditions and immersed in American social systems. This bicultural experience adds unique layers to the age-old question: Are children shaped more by their genes or by their environment?

🧬 NATURE: What They Inherit (DNA, Disposition, Health)

Genetic Factors Influencing Filipino-American Children:

• Intelligence and learning styles: Like all children, cognitive traits are significantly heritable. Filipino-American children may inherit high verbal or analytical skills from parents, but expression of these abilities depends on the environment.

• Temperament: Genetic predispositions may lead to naturally shy, sociable, or curious behaviors. Filipino culture tends to value hiya (modesty/shame) and pakikisama (smooth interpersonal relationships), which may reinforce inherited quiet or respectful behaviors.

• Health vulnerabilities: Studies suggest higher predisposition among Filipinos for conditions like Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and certain mental health risks—often influenced by both genes and lifestyle habits passed down through families.

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🌱 NURTURE: How They Are Raised (Culture, Family, Environment)

Filipino-American families often provide rich, nurturing environments that shape behavior, identity, and values—sometimes even overriding genetic tendencies.

🔹 Family-Centered Upbringing

• Filipino homes are often intergenerational, with strong emphasis on respect for elders, loyalty, and family duty.

• This can foster emotional security but may also suppress individuality, especially in highly independent U.S. school environments.

🔹 Education and Language Exposure

• Children raised in bilingual households may develop stronger cognitive flexibility.

• Some Filipino-American parents emphasize English to help children “fit in,” which may result in language loss of Tagalog or regional dialects—impacting cultural identity.

🔹 Religious and Moral Influence

• Catholicism, a core value in many Filipino families, nurtures a deep sense of faith, discipline, and moral responsibility.

• These teachings often buffer against risky behaviors and provide a framework for decision-making and emotional resilience.

🔹 Model Minority Pressure

• Filipino-American children often face academic expectations similar to other Asian-American groups, though underrepresented in educational support programs.

• The stress of achieving success while staying humble (a cultural expectation) may cause emotional strain, especially if mental health isn’t openly discussed at home.

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🔄 Nature and Nurture in Harmony: Cultural Case Examples

Development Area	Genetic Tendencies (Nature)	Environmental Influence (Nurture)
Intelligence	Inherited capacity for learning	Strong emphasis on education by parents and extended family
Language Skills	Verbal strengths may be innate	Bilingual households influence language retention and identity
Emotional Regulation	Sensitive temperament	Cultural expectations of self-restraint and respect
Social Behavior	Outgoing or shy personalities	Encouragement of pakikisama (fitting in) and group harmony
Cultural Identity	Genetic background (Filipino heritage)	Exposure to traditions, language, food, religion, and storytelling

📌 Key Takeaways:

• Genes provide the blueprint, but culture and environment build the structure.

• Filipino-American children benefit from tight-knit families, faith, and resilience, but may need more support for emotional expression and bicultural identity.

• The most successful outcomes come when parents honor their child’s uniqueness while preserving the values of utang na loob (deep gratitude), family, and education.

  Lastly, here are photos taken by Dinah during our visit to her first grandson and my first great grand son, making me a Super Lolo ( super GrandPa)

  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
   Personal Note: Looking forward to the scenic drive to Mt Diablo this Afternoon

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  I will not forget to bring my cell phone Camera! Hopefully the Weather will be clear. 
  
  
  
  

THD Cache Creek Casino Excursion for June 10

Cache Creek Casino and Resort- THD Trip for Tuesday, June 10

Reminder Our Casino trip for Tuesday, June 10,  Come and Join US!

Nestled in the scenic Capay Valley—just a short drive from Sacramento and the San Francisco Bay Area—Cache Creek Casino Resort is Northern California's premier gaming and entertainment destination. Discover thousands of exclusive slot machines, over 80 exciting table games, and nonstop action on the casino floor. Relax in style at our luxury resort with a serene poolside retreat or challenge your swing at the championship Yocha Dehe Golf Club, ranked among the best golf courses in California. From upscale dining to casual bites, enjoy 10 incredible restaurants, plus world-class entertainment, live music, and electric nightlife—all under one roof. Whether you're here to celebrate, unwind, or play your favorite games, Cache Creek Casino Resort offers a winning experience every time.

 The Restaurant in the Casino is well-known for its Asian Cuisine

Hours

Sun - Thurs

• 11:30am - 11pm

Fri & Sat

• 11:30am - 12am

 

These are normal business hours, and are subject to change during holidays.

Cache In for a quick Asian fix at Asian Kitchen. Choose from mouthwatering delights featuring delicious dining from the Pacific Rim. Enjoy Chinese and Filipino soups or a slurpsational variety of noodle bowls from Japan, Vietnam and China. Whether you're stopping in for a quick snack or a full meal, your chopsticks will show you the way to winning tastes. 

There are 10 other restaurants in the Casino for your dining pleasure ( breakfast, lunch or dinner), from casual to formal dining.  For Details visit:  

https://www.cachecreek.com/dining?rl=5

Personal Note: I am visiting my first great grand son today in Sacramento, CA. Graham Everette King is one month old. He is the son of my oldest grand son, Ian King.