Oakland opens first air respite centers

 The city of Oakland is taking unprecedented action in response to the record-breaking bad air that has enveloped the Bay Area for nearly a month.

The city has set up its first smoke "respite centers" where people can temporarily escape the unhealthy air.

The branch of the Oakland Public Library in the Dimond district and a senior center in North Oakland were chosen because of their state-of-the-art air filtration systems.

The goal is to help people who are unhoused as well as seniors, because they are among the most vulnerable during the current conditions, a city spokesperson said.