CALIFORNIA IN BRIEF : SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY : No Relief Seen for Smog Conditions

Weather forecasters said there is no relief in sight for the conditions that have caused a heavy layer of smog over the San Joaquin Valley in recent days. Warm, stagnant air over the valley the last week has combined with the extensive use of fossil fuels to increase smog to the unhealthful level. “The lack of wind causes an inversion layer that keeps everything packed in and gives it no chance to escape,” said Katie Bearden, county air quality planner. “The air quality index levels have ranged between 90 and 100 for the past week.” Levels between 90 and 100 are considered unhealthful by county officials.