UC Berkeley researchers Bill Jesdale, Rachel Morello-Frosch and Lara Cushing published the study Tuesday in Environmental Health Perspectives. Using U.S. Census data and satellite imagery, the researchers found that heat-prone neighborhoods without tree canopy and surrounded by hard surfaces like cement were disproportionately populated by African Americans, Asians and Hispanics.

The study found that African Americans were 52 percent more likely than Caucasians to live in “urban heat islands” neighborhoods, while Hispanics were 21 percent and Asians 32 percent more likely.

“There is a lot of literature and a lot of evidence that shows in the U.S. how low income communities of color are disportionately burdened by pollution and have less access to environmental amenities,” said Cushing. “We are concerned that disadvantaged populations might be at greater risk because of climate change.”

Researchers say the findings highlight the racial disparities of different neighborhoods during a time when some experts say climate change is increasing the frequency and intensity of heat waves.

Incidents of extreme heat are responsible for about 1 in 5 natural hazard deaths and studies of extreme heat have shown large racial disparities in heat related deaths, the study states.

Cushing said the lack of tree canopy and amount of impervious surfaces like sidewalks, roof and driveways in these neighborhoods trap heat and can actually create “urban heat islands”, microclimates that cause their environment to be a couple more degrees hotter than areas with trees.

Diana Almanza Camarena, an East Oakland community organizer with Communities for a Better Environment, a California centered environmental justice organization said the study confirms the conditions she sees when organizing in communities of color.

“You’ll see no trees for the entire stretch of a whole block,”Almanza Camarena said. “(The study) definitely sheds light on the fact a lot of these communities are suffering disproportionately. (They) don’t have a lot of greenery. There is a lot of industry, not trees and not community spaces, like parks for example.”

Morello-Frosh said the findings reveal the residential segregation of communities of color on a national scale.

The researchers looked at 304 metropolitan areas across the U.S. which included over 63,000 census tracts. Some of the most pronounced racial and ethnic disparities were in the midwest, northeast and southern parts of the country, she said.

Many of these communities have the least resources like access to air conditioning and therefore need more aid in protecting their families against heat related illnesses.

“Not everyone is equally protected,” said Cushing. “We need to make sure that (these communities) are getting the resources and the attention needed. Those who are exposed to more heat risk related cover are often least able to protect themselves so it is kind of a double jeopardy.”

Researchers suggested that to minimize heat risks in neighborhoods, city planners can plant more trees, paint roofs white and use pavement surfaces that absorb less heat.

“These social equity issues are going to have be taken into account if we are going to protect the most vulnerable populations,” said Morello-Frosh.

Alyssa Neumann covers city government. Contact her at aneumann@dailycal.org and follow her on Twitter @AlyNeumann.

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We hate to break it to you, but every adult you’ve ever asked about leasing is absolutely right – you MUST read through your lease, in its entirety, before signing. Don’t think about this like a homework assignment. No one is going to quiz you on the specifics of your contract with your landlord. But you should still have at least a general idea of what the contract says, because yes, this is a contract. When signing a lease, you’re entering into an agreement which oftentimes cannot be dissolved. Before it expires, landlords typically do not let you out of your lease unless you’re drafted or you die — both of which are, we hope, highly unlikely to occur. Therefore, here are some things you should know:

1. The cost of certain repairs in your apartment and who is responsible for those payments

2. The terms for eviction (These are the rules you must follow in order to continue living where you’re living! Eviction sucks for your finances and your future housing prospects, so don’t risk it.)

3. Rules about pets

4. The information about you that landlords are legally allowed to release to others

If the lease is confusing to you in any way, ask questions! “Can I really not get out of my lease unless I suddenly die?“ is often followed by, “You can sublet.” “Why is the first month’s rent more expensive than the others?“ might be followed with pertinent information about extra fees you’ll be paying for this and that: Wi-Fi, community gatherings, etc.

During the leasing process, many of us will not be able to provide proof of income; therefore, we’re going to need our legal guardians to sign guarantor forms. This is basically the same as having a co-signer, which means that if you don’t get your rent in on time your landlord has the right to contact your guarantor and ask for cash.

Besides all of this more technical stuff, it might behoove you to create some sort of relationship with your landlord and others associated with the property. Believe us, when your roommate throws a massive party and ruins the bathroom sink, the maintenance professionals on staff won’t hold a grudge with you too as long as you say hello and maybe send a holiday card every once in awhile. The leasing process is where these relationships begin, so try to forget the stress and confusion. Instead, make way for smiles and niceties.

Image Source: Jess and Colin, under Creative Commons

Contact Jordan Henigman at jhenigman@dailycal.org.

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The Berkeley Business Academy for Youth, a program run through the Center for Young Entrepreneurs at Haas, will add 20 seats for international students as part of its International Berkeley Business Academy for Youth program.

“The way we are thinking about this is we want to give young kids a chance to be exposed to the Berkeley culture and the Berkeley environment,” said professor Teck Ho, director of the Asia Business Center and the faculty sponsor of the international program. “I’m from Asia, and I always think that Berkeley could do a lot more internationally to increase our brand presence and serve our alumni better.”

Ho said the program includes a hands-on team business project, visits to local companies and guest speakers from business-related fields. The additional 20 international students will live in university dorms and take classes with American students at Haas.

The original U.S.-only program, B-BAY, is in its fifth year and will run from July 1 to 12. The all-day program is open to 40 students and is taught by undergraduate and graduate students at Haas, according to the program’s website.

Olive Davis, a director with YEAH, said that students this year have come from across the country and all over the world, with locations including Taiwan, Canada, Utah, Virginia, India and China.

“In this first phase, we’re actually doing Asia and Canada right now, but we’re hoping to go to India and Chile and other places where the university has attracted students,” Davis said.

Although students pay a fee for the program, Ho said accessibility is important.

“We want this program to be accessible to everybody,” Ho said. “Obviously, you have to pay a fee for it, but in the long run, we want to give out scholarships to people who can’t afford it. We are not doing this to make money. It is a good way to energize the alumni and increase our brand presence globally.”

In addition to its summer programs, YEAH offers year-round programs for under-resourced sixth- to 12th-grade Bay Area youth. Proceeds from the summer programs allow the year-round mentorship programs to be offered free of charge to participants.

Mitchell Handler covers academics and administration. Contact him at mhandler@dailycal.org and follow him on Twitter @mitchellhandler.

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This particular feature of Sproul — fondly named after Ludwig the dog we all hear about during CalSO tours — is usually just the home of flat, not-so-clean water. Occasionally it will act like a fountain and spout some water upwards a few inches, but that’s the most we’ve ever seen it do until yesterday’s unusual sighting. So what could be the cause of this frothy mystery? We at the Clog tried our hands at answering just that.

Maybe someone’s apartment ran out of water and they were forced to bathe themselves in the open air, bringing plenty of shower gel with them to froth up the pool and maintain a modicum of modesty. Maybe a chemistry student had a mishap and decided to dispose of the evidence as far away from Pimentel as they could. Or maybe someone just had some leftover soap they didn’t need. Or better yet, maybe this is what the fountain’s actual function as been all along.

We’re not entirely sure what was going on with that part of campus today, but we hope it shows up again sometime. The opportunity to pull out more rubber ducky jokes would definitely be worthwhile.

Contact Erum Khan at ekhan@dailycal.org or follow her on Twitter @erumjkhan

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Dubbed the “Baracketologer-in-Chief,” the President is an avid fan of basketball and fills out a bracket every year — to varying success. It’s doubtful that he actually gets an inordinate amount of time to watch the teams and the players he supports, and it wouldn’t surprise us in the least if he had his own task force to deliver scouting reports on the most politically palatable picks to advance. Cal fans can do little more than believe in the presidential prediction of a man who has built his life’s work on the mantra “Yes, We Can!”

Though the pick wasn’t the toughest to make — the ladies are the second seed in their region — it was the only non-top seed to make it to New Orleans in the President’s eyes. More importantly, it shows the lack of confidence in a Stanford team that happens to be top-seeded in that very same Spokane region. The move may have the won him the favor of already adoring Bears — seriously, did you see Sproul Plaza on election night? But someone should remind him that pleasing his California constituents isn’t necessary, because the alleged “tyrant” — courtesy of FOX News — is legally unable to run for a third consecutive term. It is also reportedly unlikely that President Obama will use drone strikes to target opposing players before games.

After falling to the UCLA baby Bears unexpectedly early in the PAC-12 Tournament — a game that most thought would kill any chance of a favorable tournament matchup — the best seeding in Cal women’s history may just breathe life into the team. And with an executive endorsement, rumors of their demise may indeed have been greatly exaggerated.

Contact Uday at umehta@dailycal.org or follow him on Twitter at @mehtakid

Image source: The White House

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1) The Pogues, “Blue Heaven”

2) Dropkick Murphys, “Barroom Hero (Live on St. Patrick’s Day)”

3) The Irish Rovers, “The Unicorn”

4) The Thrills, “Santa Cruz (You’re Not That Far)”

5) Pladdohg, “Dublin in Rare Ould Times”

6) Rory Gallagher, “Walking Blues”

7) Van Morrison, “Moondance”

8) The Boomtown Rats, “Someone’s Looking at You”

9) My Bloody Valentine, “Sometimes”

10) The Cranberries, “Sunday”

As always, you can kick up the Irish spirit right on Spotify!

Contact Hailey Simpson at hsimpson@dailycal.org or follow her on Twitter at @hailey117.

Image source: homer4k, under Creative Commons.

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All you have to do is choose three of your most anything-but-average Instagram photos, which are given an #Untamed score and then join the ranks of the other photos in a live-viewing experience in Paris.

The photos that are already on the site are weird, beautiful and abstracted — photos that obviously have had more thought than just whether to use the Valencia or Lo-Fi filter.

Though clearly a contest that just wants to spread the word of the new Mercedes CLA, why not have some of your shots be seen in Paris?

A.J. Kiyoizumi covers visual art. Contact her at akiyoizumi@dailycal.org.

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UCPD responded to a call from an unidentified female student reporting the theft of 10 iMac desktop computers, valued at $2,300 each, from room 209 of North Gate Hall, which houses the UC Berkeley Graduate School of Journalism. Police responded to the report at 8:26 p.m., 10 minutes after the initial report, to find the lab’s door broken in.

According to the police report, the student entered the lab to look for her notebook and discovered that the door had been forced and the computers stolen. About five computers remained in the lab, with a standard Apple keyboard left on the stairs leading to the lab.

The door to the lab was secured by a keypad lock. Police believe the door was kicked in.

The computer lab, called the Greenhouse, functions as a classroom, an audio-video lab and a photography lab for the School of Journalism, said Roy Baril, the school’s director of technology. Police are still investigating the theft.

Previous campus thefts this summer at Mulford Hall, the Foothill Residence Hall library and the Lawrence Hall of Science resulted in the loss of tens of thousands of dollars in computer equipment, though UCPD later recovered most of the computers stolen from Mulford Hall.

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With Nicola Vasic’s goal in the 1:38 left in the game, the No. 1 Trojans (9-0, 1-0) defeated the No. 4 Bears, 7-6, at McDonald’s Swim Stadium in Los Angeles this Sunday. The loss was the third in a row for the Bears (7-3, 0-1), who have been reeling since the massive removal of five players from the team.

Head Coach Kirk Everist removed five players from the team, including team captain and starting goalie Justin Parsons, last week for violating the code of conduct policy.

“It’s a challenge that we’re learning to deal with,” Everist said. “We’re playing different players everywhere, so we need to keep improving to get different guys to step up.”

For the first half, the Bears’ younger players did just that.

USC rode the home advantage early, scoring first with 5:13 remaining in the first period. But Cal redshirt freshman Colin Mulcahy responded three minutes later with a skip shot to even the score. After Trojans’ Rex Butler scored at the 1:41 mark to take the lead, the Bears’ sophomore center Matt Russell marked with one minute remaining.

Sophomore Aleksa Saponjic, who spent his summer helping Serbia win a bronze medal in the 2012 London Olympics, closed out the first period with a last-second score, making it 3-2.

Cal continued feeding off its momentum in the second goal with another Mulcahy goal with 5:30 on the clock, establishing a 4-2 lead. The two-goal lead lasted briefly after a USC goal with four minutes left but was regained with junior Hunter Gettelfinger’s powerful skip shot at the 3:40 mark.

Even with a last-minute USC goal, Cal had a 5-4 lead by halftime. Cal was riding high, having converted an impressive 4-4 in man-up situations. Conversely, USC was 2-6 in power plays. The second half, however, provided few power play opportunities, limiting the Bears’ scoring chances.

“(Water polo) can be a one goal game and somebody has to make a play,” Everist said. “We need to capitalize on those penalty shots – it definitely makes a difference.”

No Cal players were able to score during the third period, and USC’s Kostas Genindounias tied the game with 1:41 remaining at 5-5.

Into the fourth period, after retrieving USC’s first possession, Saponjic received a long pass and weaved through a trailing defender and an advancing goalie for the score.

But with five minutes left, the Trojans found the dominant identity that has made them four-time national champions. A strike three minutes later tied the game and with 1:38 remaining, Vavic sent a laser through the low post.

Two Cal turnovers later and USC had the win.

Despite another heartbreaking loss, the Bears’ seventh in a row by only one point, Everist insists the team is resilient enough to bounce back.

Cal’s losses only affect its placement in the MPSF Tournament at this point in the season. If they do well enough there, they can still receive a bid to the NCAA playoffs.

Vincent Tzeng covers men’s water polo. Contact him at vtzeng@dailycal.org

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The engineering colleges at UC Berkeley and UC Davis signed a memorandum of understanding with the South Korean automotive company on Friday that establishes the Hyundai Center of Excellence to research vehicle safety at both campuses in what will be a three-year partnership, according to a Hyundai press release.

“Through this initiative, select Hyundai engineers will join top researchers at both universities to work on vehicle dynamics and integrated vehicle safety systems,” the press release reads.

The UC Berkeley College of Engineering was chosen to house the center because vehicle research is one of its areas of strength and because the partnership will be mutually beneficial for graduate students, who will receive industry experience, said Karen Rhodes, executive director of marketing and communications for the college.

“The research is focused on automotive manufacturing and vehicle safety and vehicle controls — research that’s been an area of strength for some time,” Rhodes said.

Francesco Borrelli, associate professor in the UC Berkeley department of mechanical engineering and a major force behind the partnership, said that while the college has worked with other car companies in the past, this is the first really serious partnership of its type.

“I’m going to Korea in 10 days,” Borrelli said. “We’re going to make an impact on the world by making the driving experience much safer.”

After the contract ends in three years, the center will undergo evaluation, and UC Davis, UC Berkeley and Hyundai will make a decision regarding extending the partnership, Borrelli said.

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