IB Connection November 2020

SDRC MISSION VALLEY SDRC

IBConnection WWW.LOCALUMBRELLANEWS.COM

Spells & Swells Page 3

Mike Hess Brewery Remains Open Page 15

Teacher's Corner

SOUTH EDITION

VOLUME 5 | ISSUE 11

IMPERIAL BEACH LIBRARY Th e

Your Questions, Answered Pages 16-17

Page 15

Daily Water Testing Announced Page 15

A Look Back at IB Page 30

IB Historical Society Page 31

This mural greets visitors to the Imperial Beach Library.

Deborah Vance

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2ND ANNUAL SPELLS & SWELLS

The 2nd Annual Spells & Swells event took place in Imperial Beach on Saturday, October 24, 2020. Organizers were Anna Buell and Lisa Waller. We wanted to start a fun tradition in IB where (mostly) local women and (mostly) moms could get together and enjoy a fun day of eating, drinking, and dressing up in costumes around Halloween time. We then figured requiring participants to wear a costume with either a witch, mermaid, sea siren, etc. would be fun…and came up with the name “Spells & Swells!” “Spells” for witches casting a spell, and “Swells” for an ocean swell since we live in IB near the ocean.

Basically, a group of 22 witches, mermaids, sea sirens, and medusas descended on Seacoast Avenue to visit local establishments and get in

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the Halloween spirit! We met up at the pier for group photos, then had breakfast at the Forum.

We then went to Mike Hess Brewing, Luigis Pizzeria, and Ye Ole Plank Inn. We ended at the Spirit of Imperial Beach surfer statue for another group photo to end our day.

Last year (our first year) we had a small group of 8 ladies, and this year we had a total of 22!

We’re hoping to get the word out and make it an even bigger event next year (post-Covid hopefully), and possibly even turn it into a fundraiser benefiting the military. Details still need to be worked out.

The event will always take place the Saturday before Halloween here in IB.

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THE EXPLOSION OF US CANNABIS SALES and its effect on America’s healthcare system

By Michael Patterson NHA, OTR/L, CEAS

The Marijuana Business Factbook, provided by Marijuana Business Daily, has recently projected that the US Cannabis market (medical and adult use cannabis) will exceed $36 Billion in sales by 2024. This overwhelming acceptance by the American public is changing the US healthcare system in unexpected ways. https:// mjbizdaily.com/exclusive-us-retailmarijuana-sales-on-pace-to-rise-40in-2020-near-37-billion-by-2023/ In 2019, the USA sold approximately $13.6 Billion in legal cannabis ($7.6 Billion- Adult Use, $6.0 Billion Medical Use). Cannabis sales continue to increase 30% per year on average across the country. With over 90% of Americans approving medical cannabis use and 67% approving adult use (recreational use), legal cannabis in our society is here to stay. In Florida, medical cannabis sales are projected to surpass over $1 Billion in 2020 with over 350,000 qualified medical cannabis patients as of July 2020, and patient counts steadily rising 3,000-5,000 per week.

With the continued increase in use and acceptance of cannabis, how is this currently affecting America’s healthcare system and what effect will cannabis have on the future of healthcare?

The sky is not falling- Prior to legalization, the prohibitionists attempted to squash legalization at every turn. Their most common tactic was turning to physicians and medical experts to publicly state that cannabis will be the downfall of our society. That people will become addicted at very high rates, crime will increase and overdose deaths from cannabis will become an epidemic.

In reality, the exact opposite is happening. No human has ever died from cannabis (in any form) in human history, which makes cannabis one of the safest medicines, if not the safest, on the planet. To put that figure of ZERO deaths in perspective, people die every year from water intoxication (drinking too much water). Furthermore, studies are beginning to demonstrate patients who use cannabis as a medicine decrease the use of two to three prescription drugs per month because they don’t need them anymore. Cannabis decreases inflammation at the cellular level across the body, which can decrease pain and keep the body closer to a homeostatic state.

Senior Citizens are the fastest growing demographic of cannabis users- On average, persons over 65 years old in the USA take 13 prescription medications per day. I have seen from first hand experience that Seniors are tired of taking so many medications and dealing with a barrage of side effects from constipation, nausea, headache, fatigue, decrease in immune response, and

more. As more Seniors are recommended medical cannabis, they see the benefits of its use and they tell their friends. As more Seniors continue to use cannabis as a medicine and have a positive experience, the acceptance of medicinal cannabis will continue to accelerate.

Furthermore, as adult use cannabis becomes legal in more states, more Seniors will be by-passing their physician and going directly to the cannabis dispensary in an attempt to self-medicate. Health care companies will need to acknowledge cannabis as a medicine and begin to look at recommending medicinal cannabis or eventually incorporating adult use cannabis into a treatment regimen (similar to using vitamins or nutritional supplements) in order to maintain or increase current patient services and revenue.

“Big Pharma” is on the sidelines, but getting ready to get into the “game”- Big Pharma companies are already involved in the global cannabis industry. Companies are performing research on cannabis (where legal) and studying current cannabis companies in the market.

As the US moves toward legalization of cannabis, innovation will increase dramatically. You will see more

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interest and money flowing into the cannabis industry for R & D of the cannabis and hemp plant, the development and study of minor cannabinoids (CBG, CBN, THCA, THCV, etc.) for medicinal use, and the development of patented cannabis formulations which have proprietary blends of cannabinoids for a specific medical purpose. Also, there will be an increase in the use of non-euphoric cannabinoid formulations to be used as nutritional supplements (similar to fish oil, krill oil, resveratrol, and other natural supplements).

Insurance companies are already looking into how to reimburse cannabis as a medicine- Once cannabis goes legal at the federal level, federal insurance programs (Medicare, Medicaid) will begin paying for cannabis.

This will lead to private insurance companies paying for medical cannabis as well (if it comes from a physician script). The FDA has already begun to study the Canadian market to see how Canada is covering medical cannabis prescriptions.

In regards to insurance payment of cannabis medicine, it is different than any other medicine that has come before. There will have to be a lot of issues worked out to pay for cannabis via insurance due to the

many forms of cannabis (flower, edibles, oil-based medicine, tinctures, spray, patch, etc.), implementing cannabis into the current CPT code payment system, and payment amounts per gram of product.

Healthcare companies who begin to embrace all types of cannabis (medical and adult use) will be rewarded with more patients and more revenue- Cannabis is already becoming a value-add service to many physician group practices.

Cannabis physician recommendations have the ability to offer a new private pay revenue stream for a physician practice that did not exist before. This new service has the potential to bring in new patients for cannabis related recommendations, but also offering traditional healthcare services (lab, x-ray, general medicine, consultation, etc.).

Also, cannabis patients who have a very pleasant experience with their recommending physician, are more likely to recommend other patients to their physician. The physicians that I personally know who write medical cannabis recommendations tell me that over 75% of their new patient referrals come from existing patients.

Furthermore, in adult use cannabis states, 40% of people using adult use cannabis are using it for medical reasons (sleep and chronic pain are the most common reasons for use).

Therefore, many of the patients who are coming into the health care facilities are already using cannabis as a medicine, and not telling their physician. Healthcare groups that open up a mutual dialogue of education and respect for the cannabis plant as a medicine, will be able to offer “wellness services” related to adult use cannabis as a form of a supplement for wellness.

As I have seen for years in the cannabis industry, one of the most difficult issues for users is figuring out proper dosage of cannabis for each individual patient. Since our bodies have an endocannabinoid system (ECS) (https://www.uclahealth.org/cannabis/human-endocannabinoid-system), each person processes cannabis at different rates.

This does not allow for consistent dosing across an entire population.

The ECS creates a tremendous opportunity for physicians to educate and offer paid services which will assist patients in determining their best cannabis dose and delivery method (flower, edible, oil, vapor, etc.) to provide the most relief with the least amount of side effects.

One of the most consistent things in life is change. Cannabis is leading the charge in the healthcare world as being one of the biggest changes to modern healthcare in a generation. The healthcare companies who embrace this change will ultimately be more successful than companies that refuse to acknowledge that cannabis used as a medicine has gone mainstream and is here to stay.

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San Diego Mom Military Outreach Ministries organizes Christmas gift drive for enlisted families

By Mia Bertelsen

Covid-19 restrictions haven’t stopped this wonderful group from planning a Christmas gift drive to help junior enlisted military families with tight budgets this holiday season. Previously the San Diego Mom Military Outreach Ministries had an amazing toy store and invited the families to pick out the perfect gifts. Now, it has transformed the store concept to a drive-through event where the families drive by and pop their trunks and it is filled with lots of wonderful goodies.

I spoke with Christina Klave, a volunteer with the organization and a Coronado resident. “Originally we had been doing the Christmas store for many, many years and it is a program with San Diego Military Outreach Ministries that I volunteer with,” Klave explained. “They partner with Graham Memorial Church on the island.

Traditionally we have signed families up and we set up a huge toy store and people volunteer and families come through and they can chose gifts for their children. Of course with the covid-19 restrictions this year we got creative and asked for a wish list from these junior enlisted families and we asked people if they would be willing to sponsor a family. We originally identified 18 families that were E-4 and junior that could use help. The response from the community was overwhelming. We ended up being able to fully sponsor 41 families and we have enough to go shopping for them and provide Christmas dinner.”

The whole process is all anonymous with

sponsors and donors. The power of social media helped them to reach their goal. Many people from Coronado Happenings and other Facebook groups offered their help.

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The drive-through event will be on December 16th at Silver Strand Elementary. The families will open their trunks and they will place their gifts, gift cards, and food right in their car. “It was far more successful than what we anticipated,”Klave explained. “We now have enough sponsors for this event. But if you are interested in volunteering with San Diego Mom Military Outreach Ministries, we are always looking for people who can work at the warehouse where they distribute the donations to the families.”

From their website: Our mission is to serve a vastly underserved population of junior enlisted military in San Diego County with basic needs to help stretch their limited funds while they live in one of the most expensive areas in the country.

Our services are free of charge in appreciation for their service and consist of: (1) the distribution of food 7 times a month at military housing and holiday meals in November and December, (2) allowing families to shop at our Distribution Center for baby items, children’s clothes, and household items, (3) helping families feel a sense of community, especially spouses of deployed members, by holding special events such as baby showers, Christmas Stores, Easter egg hunts, back to school backpacks drive, and (4) helping during personal emergencies; home fires, facing huge medical bills due to a child’s illness, or when twins were born unexpectantly and the parents only had one crib. Please contact Barbara Chavez, Director: (619) 843-8964, Email: barbara@sandiegomom.org

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Celebrating with Seniors During Covid-19 If you turn on the radio, you can hear it. When you switch on your television, you can see it. The holidays are upon us! And this year is going to be drastically different. The Covid-19 pandemic has disrupted our way of life since mid-March when we were first asked to quarantine in place.

What does it all mean for this holiday season? More specifically, what can we do for our senior family members who may reside in assisted living, memory care or in the skilled nursing setting? And how about our aging neighbors who may not have family visiting this year - or may not have family at all? We are learning that isolation and loneliness are having increasingly negative health implications in our aging population; and with the holidays right around the corner, we could see a dramatic worsening of our senior loved ones’ mental and physical health and wellbeing. Additionally, our aging population is at the greatest risk for severe illness and/or death caused by Covid-19. This increased risk is what is currently causing assisted living, memory care and Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) resident to have to quarantine in place with limited opportunities to get out of their immediate environment. So how can we “be with them” without really “being with them”? Here are some suggestions for celebrating this holiday season with senior loved ones:

☑ Send cards and photos to your senior loved

ones; let them know you are thinking about them.

If you have young ones, put them in charge of making cards and holiday decorations for your senior loved one to enjoy.

☑ Arrange a virtual gathering (i.e., Zoom, Face-

time, Skye and Google Hangout) to include your senior loved one in the festivities; reading a classic holiday tale, a bible verse or a passage from a special book may be the perfect way to start the festivities.

☑ Create a CD or cassette tape with their

favorite holiday music; music stirs the soul and brings back fond memories of days gone by. Reminisce with them if they feel like talking.

☑ If you have a special holiday movie tradi-

tion, send your loved one the movie so they too can enjoy it. Better yet, share your screen during a virtual visit and you can watch it together.

☑ Create a schedule of calls to your loved one–

have members of the family call at prescribed times throughout the days or weeks to maintain ☑ Have a holiday meal delivered to your loved that feeling of connection. one if they are in assisted living, memory care or ☑ Go virtual caroling – send a holiday singing a SNF; many of these places will be preparing message to Grandma Rosie so she can hear your special meals for the holidays yet it may be missvoices or have a virtual sing-along with your family, ing Aunt Mattie’s secret ingredient mashed potafriends, and neighbors alike. toes and Uncle Joe’s favorite huckleberry delight. ☑ Create a photo album using a service like Check with these places to ensure they will allow Shutterfly or Costco; include photos of holiday you to bring in outside food and drink (and make sure you won’t be breaking dietary restrictions your meals and traditions from years past. loved one may have).

Get creative. Think outside the box. We all may be facing hurdles and challenges when it comes to the holidays this year – likely, most of us have never dealt with anything quite like this. Give yourself and others grace. Love on your friends, family, and senior neighbors just a little extra this year. It has been a doozy of a year; let your love and some creativity light the way. Hopefully, we are close to the end of this tunnel.

We assist seniors in finding independent living, assisted living, memory care and in-home care to fit their unique care needs.

Julie Derry MBA, CSA

Kie Copenhaver

MA, RHIA, CSA, RCFE, SHSS

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City of San Diego Releases Study on Creative Industries Economic Impact on Region First-Of-Its-Kind Study Highlights Impact On San Diego Economy, Including $11 Billion Generated And More Than 100,000 Employed SAN DIEGO – In order to better understand the impact on our communities, today the City of San Diego announced the release of its first comprehensive study analyzing the intersection between San Diego’s creative industries and the local economy.

The City’s Commission for Arts and Culture and the Economic Development Department initiated the 2020 Creative Economy Study, in partnership with the San Diego Regional EDC, to examine the economic impact creative industries and their workers have on the region.

“San Diego’s creative industries have an important ripple effect in the broader economy. Every job in the creative industry supports another 1.1 jobs,” said Christina Bibler, Director of the City’s Economic Development Department. “This

means that creative industries are a powerful component in the region, with many industries employing creative workers.”

The creative economy is defined as a sector made up of nonprofit and for-profit businesses and individuals who produce cultural, artistic and design goods or services and intellectual property. In San Diego, the creative economy employs more than 107,000 people at nearly 7,400 creative firms and organizations and generates more than $11 billion annually.

“To grow San Diego’s creative economy, we first need to understand it. This report is the starting point to understanding the space and trends over time,” said Jonathon Glus, Executive Director of the Commission for Arts and Culture.

“Investing in creative industries can help advance San Diego as a creative

city and it’s the ideal platform for cross-sector collaboration and innovation.”

The study measured the size of the creative economy and identified characteristics unique to San Diego that could provide future economic growth potential. The study spanned 71 industries and 77 unique occupations. Study findings include: 59% of the creative economy in San Diego is for-profit, 34% nonprofit and others (including government employers and independent contractors).

The majority of creative firms and organizations are small, with 19 or fewer employees.

41% of creative industry employers hire a large number of contractors.

The median annual income for creative occupations is $75,000.

Completed in May 2020, the study

utilizes 2019 information. The data was collected pre-COVID-19 and prior to the implementation of Assembly Bill 5 Worker status: Employee and Independent Contractors (AB 5). As of August 2020, the economic impact of job loss in San Diego’s creative industry due to COVID-19 is estimated to be a decline of $2.1 billion.

“With a 23% decline in jobs, the arts have been hit even harder by the pandemic than most sectors of our economy,” said Mark Cafferty, President and CEO of the San Diego Regional EDC. “As San Diego recovers, it is imperative we continue to work with our arts and cultural leaders to create a more diverse and resilient arts industry to weather future economic downturns–for the sake of the vibrancy of our communities and our culture.”

The Way Forward for the U.S. Sports Industry (StatePoint) Athletic arenas, stadiums and even youth sports centers have shuttered their doors to large crowds amid COVID-19, yielding a massive, growing revenue loss for a major American industry and contributing to thousands of layoffs nationwide. However, analysts say a new scientific breakthrough could soon put an end to the extended timeout.

In addition to mask-wearing and social distancing, ensuring that viruses can’t live on high-traffic surfaces is crucial to keeping in-person sports safe, particularly as new research shows SARS-CoV-2 can outlive influenza on surfaces by 10 days.

While conventional disinfectants can’t guarantee full coverage, and they leave surfaces immediately vulnerable to recontamination, a new product called SurfaceWise2 from biotechnology company Allied BioScience, is offering optimism that sports facilities could soon safely reopen to fans. Replacing the need for constant “COVID-style” deep cleans, it is the first and only surface coating approved by the EPA for continuous protection against COVID-19 with a single application, making safety more reliable and more efficient.

Only approved for use in Texas so far, the nation is still awaiting promised fast-tracked approval for broader use in facilities like sports arenas,

(c) Pixfly / iStock via Getty Images Plus

especially as the second wave of COVID-19 cases approaches just in time for flu season.

“In high-traffic arenas and sports facilities where contamination is persistent and pervasive, conventional cleaning methods, just don’t cut it,” says Daryl Johnston, senior sports advisor for Allied BioScience and FOX News NFL game analyst. “To rebuild the $100 billion U.S. sports industry, the long-lasting, EPA-approved surface coating SurfaceWise2 is the most effective way to protect stadiums, locker rooms and training facilities,

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and keep players and fans safe.”

Beyond the novel coronavirus, SurfaceWise2 is also effective against the common cold and bacteria that plague sports facilities, including MRSA, streptococcus (strep throat), E. coli and fungi, as well as the influenza virus.

So how does SurfaceWise2 work differently than conventional cleaning? Compatible with virtually all surfaces, it’s applied via an electrostatic sprayer for efficient, complete and uniform treatment. Droplets are small -- 900 times smaller than

an average droplet -- and applied at a force of 75 times greater than gravity, causing a “wraparound effect,” and a natural force of attraction between the sprayed droplets and target surfaces. Unlike conventional cleaning and disinfection, which leave surfaces vulnerable to recontamination immediately, once SurfaceWise2 is applied, its long-lasting antiviral coating physically breaks down the cells of bacteria and viruses that land on treated surfaces, effectively and continuously killing them without giving the bacteria a chance to mutate and build up resistance.

SurfaceWise2 has undergone rigorous review and carries the lowest toxicity rating by the EPA, ensuring it is very safe for humans. Non-toxic, non-irritating, odorless and containing no chemicals that produce harmful vapors or gases, the solution can be used in all areas occupied by athletes, industry workers and fans, even in enclosed spaces. To learn more, visit www.surfacewise.com.

As scientists continue working on developing a viable vaccine, restoring the ability of businesses to operate safely will be key in tackling joblessness and revitalizing the economy in the meantime. When it comes to industries that rely on drawing a crowd, new science presents new hope.

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Rumi With A View Ari Honarvar is a busy woman. The Iran-native and University Heights resident founded “Rumi With A View,” a local company that brings music, dance, and poetry to immigrants and refugees in the region. She is also a freelance journalist and author of the forthcoming novel,“A Girl Called Rumi.” Honarvar recently took time to sit down with us to share her work with our readers.

Tell us about Rumi With A View.

I founded Rumi With A View as a means to build music and poetry bridges across war-torn and conflict-ridden borders. Here are a few RWAV projects: Drop Poems Not Bombs came about in response to continuous tensions between the governments of Iran and the US. American musicians learn a verse of Rumi in Persian and put it to music and record an Instagram video. It’s a musical postcard from Americans who’d rather build bridges, not walls, and want to send their love via music to the people of Iran. These musicians sing Rumi verses in the language it was composed (Persian) but the musical arrangement is completely original and creative. It’s such a joy to hear Rumi verses as a rap song, or country, rock, pop, etc. All the musicians so far have been brilliant and there are more people joining the effort.

Rumi’s Gift Oracle Card Set came out a couple of years ago. I teamed up with another artist, Carmen Costello (who lives in North Park) and we created 33 images, each featuring a calligram of a Rumi poem in Persian. The set includes 33 corresponding poem cards with translations and a booklet of meditations and stories. The idea is to bridge elements of western tarot and the Persian practice of poetry divination.

My other projects include working with the migrant population teaming up with Musical Ambassadors of Peace and an upcoming novel about growing up in the Iran-Iraq war.

When most people think about supporting immigrants and refugees, they think about basic needs like food, shelter, and clothing.

Why is it also important for this population to experience the arts as well?

Of course, basic necessities are a must. So when we work with a shelter we bring donations and make sure refugees have food and basic supplies so they’re not preoccupied with survival.

At the same time cultivating joy is an important component of resilience because it increases our capacity to deal with challenges.

And the arts are a huge part of cultivating joy.

I’d say without the arts, we can’t thrive and flourish. In our sessions, we don’t just sing and dance with refugees to have fun. We do it so the children can feel safe, to build community, and to nurture a sense of belonging even when our government is bent on dehumanizing migrants. Singing, and dancing to songs we’ve grown up with brings us joy, boosts the immune system and decreases anxiety and depression. So whatever refugee population we work with, we play the songs indigenous to that specific culture.

What were some of the moments when you really saw that you were making positive change in people’s lives?

A few weeks ago, one of the shelter directors contacted me because an asylum-seeking mother of two needed to have an emergency gall-

bladder surgery. They needed funds. The organization I volunteer with, Gente Unida, raised the funds in a few hours and one of our volunteers, Hugo Castro, drove the money there and soon our friend was wheeled into surgery. The surgery went well and while she was at the hospital, she found she was pregnant. This made us so happy and brought to the shelter a sense of relief and joy—relief that her operation was a success and joy that life can thrive even in the most difficult of circumstances. This is especially poignant, given the news of our government cutting into migrant women without consent, taking their reproductive organs. This is one of the many reasons we do what we do. Our friend was back dancing on Saturday. She is a great dancer and facilitator.

After each session, people tell us they had fun, that they feel lighter and less stressed. The effects of a great dance session usually last for several days to a week.

What is the most meaningful feedback you’ve received while doing this week?

Once, after a music session, a single father of two young boys told me he had fled his home after witnessing his neighbor’s murder. It’s not an unusual story at the shelter—murderers threatening witnesses, forcing them to flee. He said he had cried the night before we arrived as he had felt despondent about his precarious situation in Tijuana and fear of what lay ahead.

He told me when we have our music program, he feels better for a long while. It turned out he was a professional musician back in El Salvador and missed playing an instrument.

On our next trip, we donated a guitar to the shelter, and every time we went back, he joined us. He was one of the lucky ones as he won his asylum case.

You have a book coming out soon. Please tell us about that.

My debut novel, A Girl Called Rumi, (Forest Ave. Press) is forthcoming in 2021. Much of the story is told from a 9-year-old girl’s perspective—what it’s like to be a civilian during war and oppression. It points to the timelessness and relevance of wisdom shining through Persian poetry and myths. It shows the impact on society when women of Iran lost their right to sing or ride a bicycle in public. My family, like our ancestors, turned to the soul-saving power of poetry and storytelling to survive those dark days. The book was inspired by my experiences growing up in such times and migrating to America, where in order to fit in, I abandoned my immigrant story. And of course, there are many parallels with the current climate in the US. What are some of the best books you’ve read this year?

I’m reading Rain of Gold right now and really loving it. It’s by San Diego’s own Victor Villaseñor and tells the story of his own parents who were undocumented immigrants from Mexico. Before that, I read Unmarriageable by Soniah Kamal. A few more:

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Sway: Unravelling Unconscious Bias By: Pragya Agarwal Girl, Woman, Other By: Bernardine Evaristo Americanah By: Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie Confessions of an Economic Hitman By: John Perkins How are you personally getting your fill of the arts during Covid-19?

Through MAP, I still have weekly dance sessions with asylum seekers via Zoom. I don’t get to hold the babies so their parents dance untethered. We don’t get to hug the families and break bread with them, so it’s hard. But it’s good to maintain our connection. The kids taught me a new dance this week which was super fun. They’re so adorable. I’m working on a novel with my husband. Also beginning to work on the 2nd edition of Rumi’s Gift which will require several more paintings.

If people want to better understand the immigrant and refugee experience, what films, books, and/or plays would you recommend?

Books: Storming the Wall: Climate Change, Migration, and Homeland Security by Todd Miller— it’s so eye-opening.

In the Midst of Winter by Isabel Allende The Other Americans By: Laila Lalami Movies: The American Nightmare by Jesus Nebot (it’s a short film. Jesus is part of Gente Unida board of directors) La Bestia Pedro Ultreras (Actor, Director), Hiram Gonzalez (Actor) What’s something that would surprise people about you?

I curse. A lot. I also love slapstick humor and fart jokes.

Is there anything else you’d like to share?

Whether it’s writing, painting or dancing, for me the arts are a form of deep listening.

Especially in these times where we have to sift through so much info, so much noise, it’s so crucial to tap into silence and stillness.

Dancing itself has become a Serenity Prayer, a zikr of sorts for me. It invites me to pivot and flow with what I can’t control. It reminds me to summon every part of me to what I must change, not leaving anything small or trivial behind. And it points me toward the stillness from which movements arise and the silence from which music emanates.

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It’s a Small World After All

By Daniel Allen

It seems that each year the holiday shopping season begins earlier and earlier.

With the pandemic still lingering, the economy and shopping habits in general have significantly changed.

As colder weather begins to arrive and the sun sets earlier, the idea of pandemic-related restrictions, waiting in long lines, and going to retail stores to shop quickly loses its luster.

This likely means that more than any previous holiday season, the majority of shopping will be online.

Amidst the overwhelm of advertisements and information of gift suggestions for every person – and every type of person – in your life, I thought it would be a worthy idea to bring forward how we can use technology this holiday season to give rather than purchase.

With the best of intentions and promise, the Internet came into the public’s consciousness in the mid90s with several pledges in-hand; a short list that includes the ability to easily access information anytime, communicate instantly worldwide, and afford equal opportunity for global commerce.

While these promises were fulfilled to varying degrees of accuracy or success (and many other fruits emerged – some ripe and some rotten), the idea of a global community is surely established.

As the holiday season encourages an elevated tone gratitude and giving, I thought I’d research and suggest a few honorable initiatives worthy of spreading awareness and

donating. Some invite a one-time contribution, some prefer monthly contributions, but all seem to have exceptional ideals and purpose of making the world a better place.

All of these endeavors are legitimate and most partnered with established fund-raising websites.

The Virtues Project (non-denominational) - https://www.globalgiving.org/projects/the-virtues-project/ Since 1991, The Virtues Project has been inspiring people of all cultures to live by our highest values - our virtues.

The Virtues Project has reached over 120 countries and empower people to live more authentic meaningful lives, families to raise children of compassion and integrity, educators to create safe, caring, and high performing learning communities, and leaders to encourage ethics in

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workplace and community.

Partnered (and searchable through GlobalGiving.com), just looking at their campaigns and the effect of their work in eradicating corporal punishment for elementary schools (which I didn’t even realize was even still legal in this modern age) is amazing!

Learn more at https://virtuesproject.com The Mona Foundation (non-denominational) - https://www.monafoundation.org/ Founded in 1999, Mona Foundation supports grassroots initiatives around the world that educate all children, empower women and girls, and enable them to transform their own communities.

They support schools and programs that serve economically disadvantaged communities. These

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initiatives focus on academic excellence, fine arts, character development, and service to train capable, ethical, and altruistic students who contribute to the betterment of their families, communities, and ultimately their nation.

Rady’s Children Hospital Foundation (non-denominational) https://www.radyfoundation.org/ donate There are so many ways you can give to Rady Children’s Hospital.

Each of these ways helps to ensure that every child who needs assistance gets the finest medical care – and every family receives the compassion and support they deserve.

You can openly choose what branch or specialty receives your contribution.

There are plenty of vital, valuable and incredible ventures making significant positive and life-affirming change for individuals, communities, and our world at large.

I invite you to a single and simple challenge this holiday season: to consider purchasing on less gift this season and sponsor one of these campaigns.

Your gift matters. You are helping to save lives. It definitely is a small world after all.

Daniel Allen is the owner of Ken-Tal Tech. The local company that specializes in computer technical support and creating websites & related services (newsletter design, SEO optimization and more) for local businesses. For more information or article suggestions please visit www.KenTalTech.com, email articles@KenTalTech.com or call (619) 780-6240.

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CashCo Pawn Shop Announces Sponsorship for 10th Annual Salute to Service Event Local pawn shop donates $2,500 to benefit 100 local military families in time for Veterans Day Neighborhood Publications Reaching Over 125,000 San Diego Area Mailboxes Per Month!

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©2020 COPYRIGHT BY INSPIRED MEDIA, INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED Local Umbrella Media Newspaper Publications are printed monthly and distributed freely throughout San Diego County. Opinions expressed in articles or advertisements do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the publisher. Local Umbrella Media is not responsible for omissions or information that has been misrepresented in the newspaper. Local Umbrella Media Newspaper Publications are produces and published by Local Umbrella Media, and no part of this

SAN DIEGO — Oct. 29, 2020 — CashCo Pawn Shop, dedicated to serving the financial needs of the community through pawning, buying, selling and appraising, announces its sponsorship for the 10th Annual Salute to Service Event with a $2,500 donation.

Proceeds will benefit local military families in time for Veterans Day. Each year, NBC 7 and Telemundo 20 host the Salute to Service Festival to celebrate local military families and veterans on board the USS Midway Museum on Veterans Day. This year, to meet the challenges of the pandemic, the 10th Annual Salute to Service Event partnered with Lincoln Military Housing to provide care packages to 100 local military families.

CashCo donated Ralphs & Food 4 Less gift cards valued at $2,500 to include in the care packages.

“Giving back has always been at the forefront of our core values,” said Moris Adato, president of CashCo Pawn Shop and member of the California Pawnbrokers Association board of directors.

“Military families are such an important part of our community, and they deserve our support now more than ever.”

The care packages will be distributed on Nov. 7.

About CashCo Pawn Shop CashCo Pawn Shop provides financial services that help lift financial burdens through unparalleled customer service and community involvement. As the leading San Diego County pawn shop, CashCo Pawn Shop serves the financial needs of the community through pawning, buying, selling and appraising. For more information, visit CashCoPawn.com

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MEET THE ARTIST

Wendy Islas, Paper Mache Artist This is a series of articles that will feature local, women artists who are using their talents to make the world a more beautiful place and add some money to their family finances along the way. COVID-19 has changed the rules for all of us, and not all of it is unfavorable. Artists are realizing that their talents are wanted and needed and social media has been the perfect outlet to let the public support local art.

By Mia Bertelsen Chula Vista resident Wendy Islas invited us into her home to view her paper mache “Catrinas” (and Catrín- the boy version) on display in her living room for Day of the Dead. They are all lovingly made with paper, glue and recycled materials which has a long history in Mexican folk art. Papier-mâché is French for “chewed paper,” and the material’s history dates back to ancient China.

Day of the Dead is not the Mexican version of Halloween. It is November 1st and 2nd and is a time to remember those who have passed on with traditions such a making an altar in your home or visiting the cemetery and having a festive party complete with music, food, flowers and a group effort to clean up the gravesites. Many Mexicans are sad this year because the cemeteries are closed due to COVID concerns and they will have to find other ways to remember.

Wendy has always loved Day of the Dead since her childhood in Mexico City. She is a multi-talented artist who realized that when she immigrated to the United States from Mexico that her beloved Mexican cultural traditions were being lost. “A lot of people asked me why we don’t celebrate our beautiful Mexican traditions here in the US,” she said. “Parents are busy raising their children and lack the time to carry them out.” Wendy shared with us her story as she speaks both perfect English and Spanish.

The Catrina idea came to her about 3 years ago. “I thought that I wanted something big,” she explained. “I started thinking what should I use?

Recycled materials were perfect. I started just with paper mache and then I used different materials such as cloth to give it more depth. I had to learn in the moment how to make them. I even incorporated cups from Starbucks since my kids drink them a lot.”

Wendy hasn’t studied art formally, she is naturally curious and loves to try new things. “One day my mother-in-law told me that I am talented with my hands,” she shared. “I didn’t understand it at the moment, but now I do. The creativity comes to me when you don’t have the materials available. In Mexico we are always looking around to reuse things and incorporate them into our art.”

The Spanish teachers at her children’s middle and high school were teaching about the Day of the Dead holiday, so last year she shared her Catrinas with the classes. “The kids loved the Catrinas so much and wanted to touch them to feel the texture,” she explained. “Some of the parts broke, but it is okay. We can repair it.”

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She started creating the first Catrina with the pink dress and comely curves. She was so popular that last year she made the Frida and her date a catrín (the boy version of la catrina) who represents the culture in Mexico.

“I wanted to make Diego Rivera at her side, but I should have given him more of a belly,” she laughed. Frida has the beautiful flowers in her hair and the signature uni-brown look.

Day of the Dead is a special holiday in Wendy’s house. She created an altar in her living room to honor her friends and family who have passed.

It is adorned with pictures, skulls, religious symbols and the sugar skulls with names on them so the departed are not forgotten. “When my dad died, I thought about how I would celebrate him when the cemetery is far away,” she lamented. “I would go every year with my mom to the cemetery and we put the flowers and we would pour some wine over his grave because if your dad liked to drink, you have to share some and then have some yourself. We would sing, light candles and celebrate him. I had to put up my altar here so my dad knows that I always remember him. He was too young.

He was 36 years old when he died of a heart attack.”

Mexico City is an fascinating place to celebrate “los muertos” (the dead).

“We planned to go in October to Mexico City to go to the annual Day of the Dead parade,” she explained. “You can see all kinds of people who express themselves and their creativity with this holiday. I love it.” Unfortunately they decided against travelling at this time with the virus.

Her Grandfather is a full-blooded Otomí Indian from Mexico City. “He used to sing to us their traditional songs in Otomi,” she said. “This is a huge part of my inspiration as an artist to keep these cultural traditions alive and teach all my children about them.”

Wendy’s business started to grow with the help and encouragement of her friends and her husband of 20 years. “They were always pushing me to do more,” she said. “I started selling piñatas and custom-made cookies.

I make them as if they were for my family and I use good-quality ingredients.”

The Facebook group called Eastlake Food to Go has been a great way for her to promote her culinary creations. She makes Day of the Dead bread in the traditional style with a crème filling. She also has family recipes for Mexican favorites like pozole, tamales, mole and more. Her kitchen is a Continued on page 12

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busy place as she is always making new things.

Her sugar cookies are a huge hit and come in so many designs and styles. “I started seeing how everybody loves Frida Kahlo, so I thought I have to make Frida cookies,” Wendy explained. “A guy on Etsy made my customized Frida cookie cutter.” Wendy also makes Day of the Dead cookies that you can decorate with edible colored pens. Her cookies are delicious. This reporter must confess that I have eaten a few or more.

Wendy’s greatest pleasure is to use her art and cooking to pass on the culture to her children and others. Seeing her Catrinas smiling at you and then learning about her story makes Day of the Dead come alive. Many families in San Diego have special celebrations to remember those who have passed and create their own altars in their homes. One of the best ways to celebrate this holiday, in my opinion, is to go to Old Town San Diego. But with the COVID restrictions, you will have to wait until next year for the full party. This year the businesses will be displaying altars and traditional decorations while observing social distancing rules.

If you are interested in trying some of Wendy’s delicious food or meeting her Catrinas, please go to her Facebook page called La sirena sweets.

La Catrina

By Lulú Acosta

La Catrina is one of the most recognizable and beautiful symbols of the Day of the Dead celebration in Mexico. She is the tall and elegant female skeleton wearing a fancy hat with feathers and a beautiful dress. Underneath all the stylish clothing, she is just a smiling skeleton. You may have seen her in various contexts because the striking and unique makeup has become very trendy on Halloween and November 1st and 2nd which is Day of the Dead. Her story runs deep in Mexican traditions and roots. She is a beautiful woman from the turn of the century in Mexico City. Mexican artist José Guadalupe Posada created the skeletons as a reminder that we all end up the same way, bones. Even if you have status and money, we all face death one day. She is a strong figure and reminds us to be happy even when your loved ones have passed on to the afterlife. Recently women from all over have used her style and grace to create amazing Catrina creations for this day. I am an Independent Beauty Consultant at Mary Kay and we especially love to create original Catrina looks to celebrate. Every year we get together and have a makeup party and come up with some beautiful designs all using Mary Kay makeup. Some of them are quite complicated and can take hours until the total effect is made. I am proud of my Mexican heritage and so happy to share this with our readers. If you would like some Catrina makeup tips or help with our beauty products please contact me at 619-647-6282. You can even download a free Mary Kay Skin Analyzer App (for iphones). Once you have the results, I can guide you through each product recommendation and explain all the benefits. Please find me at: https://www.marykay.com/lacosta1722

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Mike Hess Brewery Remains Open

Mike Hess Brewery is excited to be able to remain open during COVID. In order to accommodate the safety protocols handed down by CDPH and the County, we had to change up our model quite a bit, and though it has drastically increased our labor costs (3x in reality), it allows us to safely bring guests together over great beer and tacos. All guests enter off Seacoast and are greeted and seated by our hostess. We use QR code menus to remain touchless. Our servers bring out everything to guests’ tables.

And of course, we wipe down and sanitize every surface between parties. Such a big, outdoor space really allows us to whost many friends and families in IB and we’re so glad to be able to provide a safe and fun a place for them to hang out!

Covid deals: People can come in for Case of the Mondays and grab four 6-packs of any beers for $30. Excludes limited and special releases.

AND People can bring in their 32oz Mike Hess Brewing branded growler and get a refill for $5.

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Miss Sullivan’s

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Hello South Bay Families; I hope everyone is keeping well. SBUSD has gotten all the technology glitches and troubleshooting mostly fixed now. All students in our district should have a device, internet and online educational platforms at their fingertips. If you are still having any problems please call or email SBUSD technology department immediately.

It is important that during this pandemic, that students have access to their grade level content. Just meeting live daily can do wonders for our students’ sense of self and community.

The chance to check in and talk about and understand worries and feelings with peers is essential for students continuing mental health.

Even though I would much rather be face to face with my student, the health and safety of our students and families are the first duty of the SBUSD district. Teachers and administrators are working long hours to make standards and curriculum accessible and engaging to all our students. It is important that students try to meet on Zoom/Meets as well as completing work on online platforms daily.

SBUSD knows that doing these stressful times families are struggling with their physical and mental wellbeing as well as food, shelter and job security. If you are struggling with attendance during these times, please notify your children’s school secretary (name and email are found on school’s webpage). Schools will work with you to keep your child on our roster and find resources to help at this stressful time. If you can’t make it to live online classes try to have your child go on district online platforms so he/she doesn’t fall behind in their class work.

Teacher Corner

November, 2020

This Holiday season will be quite different than all previous holidays. This is why it is important to be thankful for what is good in your life and to check in on your friends and family. A big side effect of this pandemic is the feelings of isolation and aloneness. Check in frequently with family and neighbors, especially the ones who live alone. Also give yourself permission to understand these are stressful times and take care of your self-care.

Also please let your child’s teacher know if there are changes in your living situation, such as health, family or socio-emotional changes. We need be able to support students and families in any way we can.

Technology Help Email: FamilyTechSupport@sbusd.org Tech Support Help Line: 619-628-1691.

Family Resources: https://www.sbusd.org/cms/lib/CA01000811/Centricity/Domain/8/COVID%20School%20Resource%20Flyer_Bilingual_hyperlinks_4%2015%20 2020.pdf Child Day Care Resources and Family Financial Assistance https://www.ymcasd.org/community-support/childcare-resource-service/family-resources/child-care-referrals Parents and Child Helpline: https://caparentyouthhelpline.org/ Warm Regards, Kelly Sullivan Transitional Kindergarten Teacher Mendoza Elementary ksullivan@sbusd.org

DAILY WATER TESTING ANNOUNCED We are elated to say that, thanks to the hardworking staff of both the City of Imperial Beach and County of San Diego, South San Diego will have DAILY water quality testing starting on Saturday, October 31st.

The beach locations that the County Department of Environmental Health will sample Wednesday through Monday are listed below with results posted on www.sdbeachinfo.com the following day.

• North of Border Fence • Monument Road • TJ Rivermouth • End of Seacoast • IB Cortez • Imperial Beach Pier • Carnation • Silverstrand Guard Shack • Avenida Lunar The City of San Diego will continue to sample a portion of the beaches on Tuesdays. We look forward to more accurate and upto-date information to keep everyone more safe in the water.

To those of you who helped us advocate by making phone calls and writing letters to our elected officials, you should be very proud to have taken part in this multifaceted effort!

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IB Library Mural

THE IMPERIAL BEACH LIBRARY Answers to Your Most-Asked Questions

By Henri Migala

1) How is COVID affecting the library and its staff ?

The library along with a multitude of public service has had to adapt to the new ways of COVID-19. We are following the guidance of local and state health officials, and the guidance issued by the County of San Diego Public Health Officer.

New procedures and protocols are in practice.

All library programs, including the use of the community room, have been postponed. The service model has changed to more of a “self-service” model. Also, service hours have been limited to the following: Limited In-person services are available Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. with a sanitation break from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m.

Walk-up Door-side service is available on Mondays and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 4 pm.

2) How can people browse books now?

• We have resources for all ages to get extra help for school. If you don’t have a library card, you can apply for one at www.sdcl.org/ecard to access our databases.

• Get some creative inspiration from Libby Magazines. Log on to your Libby app with your SDCL card and start reading today! www.sdcl.org/elibrary The following services are available during the hours of service, Limited In-person services are available Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. with a sanitation break from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. and Walk-up Door-side service is available on Mondays and Fridays

from 10 a.m. to 4 pm., • Browsing for books and picking up requested items. With the use of the self-check machine.

• The service desk is available to handle account issues and basic customer service. For more complicated customer service questions, staff will follow up with the customer by phone or email.

• Seating • Customers will have access to the seating area on a first-come, firstserve basis. Some seating areas will be designated for use by household groups only.

• To access a computer, customers must have their library card number and pin and may need to make a reservation at the reservation computer stations • Computer access is limited to 1 hour unless no other customers are waiting • All computers are self-use; Staff cannot help you at the computer

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3) Any event being held by the library any time soon?

At this time, we are not able to offer in-person programming due to the public health orders stating that no gatherings are permitted at this time. We do have limited in-person services and walk-up services in addition to the great online programs we offer. Offerings such as Storytime shorts and book shorts, and databases such as Lynda.com that provides self-guided learning. All virtual programming available at our website www.sdcl.org.

4) Overall we just want to attract attention to the library with this piece of the newspaper. Any other information you can provide is welcome!

The new IB library offers the community more space, services, and opportunities to connect and grow.

The 14,500 square foot building is

nearly three times the size of the previous facility to include a community room, study rooms, Friends of the Library bookstore, and special area for family, kids, and teens. Please see attached “About the new Imperial Beach Library” Customers enjoy the architecture, art, and friendly staff when they visit the library. One customer stated that “it is the only place in IB that has good AC.” At the very first storytime in the new library (soft opening day), there were 150 kids and caregivers present.

For the first time, IB teens have their own space in the library. This space is also used by Special Needs Groups as they continue to enjoy the library.

Families can be found in the reading nooks in the children’s room, and the kids love playing in the Discovery Zone. The beach and ocean themes are throughout the library from the carpets, murals on walls, and structures hanging from the ceiling.

Imperial Beach Library won the People’s Choice Orchid Award in 2017. The library has also won “Best of San Diego Readers Choice”, San Diego Magazine 2017, and “Project of the Year”, American Public Works Association, 2018.

Like most libraries these days, the library does not just house books, it is a community hub. Existing partnerships fulfill the need in the community for things like Vet Connect and Registrar of Voters. Programs feed the minds of all ages Here are some examples: Kids & Family: Storytimes for babies, toddlers, preschool and after-school programming, including STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, & Math), writing, and crafts filled the Kids & Family zone. The

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Stay Safe, San Diego first session of Kindergarten Gear Up at IB happened Feb-March 2020 in the community room. Unfortunately, it ended early due to COVID. Teens: Service leaner volunteer program for ages 17 and under.

Adults: Citizenship and Library High School Online SDCL continues to partner with other departments like the Registrar of Voters. Currently, we are an official Mail Ballot Drop-off Location.

To promote civic engagement and support accessible elections for all citizens, San Diego County Library partnered with the Registrar of Voters to make all 33 library branches Mail Ballot Drop-Off locations for the 2020 Presidential Election.

From October 6 through November 2, community members will be able

Door-side service is available at the IB Library.

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to drop-off ballots Monday through Friday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Additionally, on Election Day, November 3, the library will accept ballots from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. We are expecting a heavy turnout the week before Election Day and will therefore only be offering door-side pick-up of holds (no in-person services) in addition to Mail Ballot Drop-Off from October 26 through November 3. We will resume our regular library operations (Walk-up and Limited In-person schedules) on November 4. The library will continue to follow local, state, and industry guidance by requiring face coverings for staff and customers, ensuring social distancing, and adhering to sanitation standards. https://www.sdcl.org/vote-by-mail. html

Your safety is our priority. We emphasize social distancing.

ABOUT THE NEW IMPERIAL BEACH LIBRARY: The new Imperial Beach library offers the community more space, more services, and more opportunities to transform connect and grow.

• More space: o 14,500 square feet, nearly three times the size of the previous facility. o 2,000 square foot Community room o Quiet study rooms for individuals and small groups o Friends of the Library Bookstore o Special Areas for children and teens • More Services: o Large children's area featuring new books for kids and spaces for storytimes and early literacy activities. o Teen space features new books and study areas. o Homework center where kids can receive tutoring o Computer lab, and free wireless internet access o Automated checkout and book returns

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o MakerBot 3D printing o Early Learning Discovery Zone • More Programs: o Storytime and afterschool programs 5 days a week o Programming for all ages 11 Vet Connect • Local Heroes Storytime • Technology Classes • Savvy Saturdays Imperial Beach Library-Zero Net Energy Talking Points • The new Imperial Beach Library is the County of San Diego's 2nd zero net energy building. o The energy needed to operate the library is completely offset by the energy harvested and saved through sustainability aspects. o Features that help reduce energy: • Building Orientation: The long side of the building decreases energy by allowing natural light in and maxi-

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mizes south solar panel exposure.

11 Windows: energy efficient windows reduce the need for artificial lighting and cooling.

11 Building insulation: walls and roof are insulated to reduce the loss of heating and cooling energy.

• Lighting: Occupancy and daylight sensors turn off LED lighting when not needed.

• Plug receptacles: occupancy sensors shut off power outlets not being used.

• Water heating: solar panels on the roof provide hot water to sinks.

111 Heating and Cooling: Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) space conditioning cools and heats precise locations only when needed.

111 Solar power: Solar panels generate enough energy to power 10 households (108,500 kWh per year).

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Welc om e To Th e NE W

t! s te n o C r te r a u Q e th Garden of

Have a beautiful garden? You could win a prize! We are asking people to post photos of their gardens with winners of this contest to be chosen the first week of October 2020.

Winners will receive a $100 Gift Card from The Home Depot Gardening Center, and a photo of your garden will be featured in the new and improved IB Connection Newspaper!

How to enter: Upload one photo of your garden’s best side to: https://www.facebook.com/events/908597016291595/ or search for Imperial Beach Lifestyle on Facebook.

Contest Rules: 1. The property you are entering must be located in Imperial Beach, CA. 2. You may enter by posting a photo, of your gardens bestside, to this Garden of the Quarter event. 3. Members of this group can “like” the garden they feel most deserves to win. The entry with the most likes by the end of the contest will be the winner. 4. Contest is LIVE and you may enter your photos anytime from today August 5th through September 30th, 2020. Feel free to comment with any questions. Thank you! We look forward to seeing your beautiful Imperial Beach gardens!

We love Imperial Beach and are here for you! Spirit Realty is ready, willing and able to help with your Real Estate transactions and Property Management. We can sell yours, find you a new one and collect your rents in a prompt professional manner.

Our Broker is onsite with the team here at the corner of Palm Ave and Seacoast Drive - right next to the surfer statue.

Stop by or call our office anytime!

“Discover the Spirit of IB ” RENTAL LISTING!

For rent $1350 per month. Spacious 1 bedroom ground floor condo 12 Blocks from the beach in Imperial Beach!

CALL US TODAY!

700 Seacoast Dr. #101 Imperial Beach, CA 91932

619-423-6001

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US4WARRIORS:

Helping Warriors Live Stronger Lives In San Diego County, among a beautiful coast and many colorful cities of rich heritage and spectacular sites, it is often reassuring to also know that our county is well protected. Home to the nation’s largest concentration of military personnel, several military bases and over 100,000 service members maintain a defensive posture that allows many of us to sleep comfortably.

In addition, there is a strong veteran community where over 240,000 call the San Diego sunshine home.

Painting the fullest portrait of the patriotic landscape, these military and veterans come with families who reside in the area.

According to The County of San Diego’s Office of Military and Veterans Affairs, these military, veterans and families comprise over 1.2 million who work, live and play throughout San Diego County. Among an area that most recently counted 3.1 million overall residents, it doesn’t take a lot of math to see that the military and veterans population of nearly 40% is a large community.

Unfortunately, the sunshine tax makes living in San Diego County somewhat expensive. In fact, the cost of living is nearly 50% more than the national average. So, it is well known that living here requires some thrifty decision making abilities and consistent access to a fairly decent income.

For our military, although wellequipped with highly skilled, decision making capabilities, it is that second part of an income falling short to meet the day-to-day demands of that cost of living that can make life a challenge. In a study conducted by FINRA Investor Education Foundation, it was discovered that 40% of active duty military nationwide find it difficult at times to make ends meet.

With reports from the County of San Diego sharing that $26 billion in direct spending comes from the military and veteran community, the area economy gains much from the strong consumer spending of the community. But, that is not the picture of each and every military and veteran family.

Just one year ago, according to a

2019 study by the Pew Research Center, it was shown that 35% of veterans say they have had trouble paying their bills in their first few years after leaving the military and roughly 28% say they received unemployment compensation. It is that disparity of income related to the area cost of living that sounds the alarm as a troubling indicator that, assuming those among us may be encountering periods where they are struggling.

On top of that, each year, about 15,000 military service members transition to the local veteran community and go through those challenges associated with establishing themselves to have a fruitful life after service. For some, it can be a trying experience that can lead to other trials.

During those challenges times, it takes an occasional hand to help those in need by understanding what they are going through, finding ways to fill in the gaps and providing the necessary resources that lead to self-reliance. Whether it is a momentary bump in the road or a set of hurdles that make the journey difficult, it is important to know that they are others who can help.

For the Us for Warriors Foundation, or more commonly known as simply “Us4Warriors,” that is the daily marching orders. The organi-

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zation motto of “Everything We Do Supports the Troops, Veterans and their Families” captures a mission statement ready to help warriors live stronger lives.

In doing so, Us4Warriors follows a three step process designed to help them live, prosper and aspire for greater dreams. The first aim of helping warriors live is the most important as it can pave the way for healing and giving those in need time to recover. From food distributions, basic needs assistance, community service projects and other endeavors designed to increase their quality of life, the organization enlists the power of a Warrior Volunteer Force of hundreds of military, veterans and community supporters who work throughout the year to bring together a community in support of those in need.

Since 2016, one of the cornerstones of this process has been the Food4Warriors Program that travels each month to 1 of 10 different locations in the county to host food distributions that provide groceries for thousands each year. In addition, the program provides carefully chosen sacks of groceries to local U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Clinics throughout the county as the exclusive food supporter for the VA Food Empowerment program. Joining forces with

local leading partners, Feeding San Diego and The Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank, Us4Warriors was recently noted in the U.S. House of Representatives Sub-Committee on Veterans Hunger as an organization making a difference.

After warriors and their families gain the quality of life to move forward, the next step is to help them prosper by connecting with employment opportunities and providing the necessary skills to successfully reach their career goals. Through Work4Warriors, the Us4Warriors team recently aligned with the California National Guard’s “Work for Warriors” job placement program that brings aboard 900 business partnerships throughout California who are ready to hire veterans.

This year has been a devastating time for all, including the military and veteran community. At the onset of the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic, Us4Warriors established itself as an essential food provider and supported efforts throughout the county that tripled to meet the needs this year.

Operating primarily with an uncompensated staff, including the Chief Executive Officer Tony Stewart and his Board of Doers, Us4Warriors hosted events in the rain, under limited food availabilities, changes in venues and met all the increased safety restrictions that brought forward social distancing and limited volunteers in attendance in order to help thousands of military and veteran families.

Established in 2013, Us4Warriors is a 501c3 non-profit organization based in Chula Vista with efforts that reach throughout San Diego County.

Awarded the distinguished San Diego County Veterans Allegiance Award in 2016 from the San Diego Veterans Museum, an award presented annually to a top selected veterans non-profit, Us4Warriors continues to work together with other organizations in the county to help warriors and their families in need.

For more information about Us4Warriors, check out their website at www.Us4Warriors.org.

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20 VOL. 5 ISSUE 11

MUSIC THERAPY

FOR VETERANS

By Henri Migala Introducing PTSD

As we celebrate Veterans Day on November 11, we should not only express our most sincere appreciation and gratitude to all those who so selflessly gave of themselves to serve and defend our country, but we should also remember that for many, the events they experienced during their service have continued to haunt them Many of our Veterans have experienced events that were so unsettling, so emotionally and psychologically impactful, that they have what is clinically known as Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

The US Department of Veteran Affairs defines PTSD as “a mental health problem that some people develop after experiencing or witnessing a life-threatening event, like combat, a natural disaster, a car accident, or sexual assault.�

According to the US Department of Veterans Affairs, the data from their most recent study in the late 1980s, indicate that the number of Veterans with PTSD varies by service areas, and ranges from between 11-20% for most conflict areas, including Operations

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VOL. 5 ISSUE 11 21

Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom, Gulf War

trauma. He recalled that his father would bring

PTSD, music is the one thing that will get you to a

(Desert Storm) and the Vietnam War – although

home single-song albums, called 45s (because they

place where you can be calm. It puts you in a place

30% of Vietnam Veterans have had PTSD at some

revolved at 45 rpm), every Friday and would “get

where you feel that everything is OK.” And then,

point in their lifetimes.

lost in his music.” “That was the one time he was

Floyd continues, “we work on elongating those

always peaceful,” said Floyd.

positive, calm times.”

Another case of PTSD in the military, according to the Department of Veterans Affairs, is military

Floyd realized that his father was doing what is

sexual trauma, which is any harassment or sexu-

known as music therapy on himself, and he wasn’t

recognized by the White House, and among the

al assault that occurs while in the military. Most

even realizing it. “That was the one time he was

military. Camp Pendelton as well as Walter Reed

people think this affects only women, but men

always calm,” said Floyd.

National Military Center and National Intrepid

can also be subject to sexual trauma, which can happen during peacetime, training or war.

Among the Veterans who use the VA health care, 23% reported sexual assault when in the military,

“Music spoke to my heart,” said Floyd, and so, in 2013, he founded a non-profit, 501(c)3 called “Wounded Ill and Injured, dba, Music Therapy for Veterans,” in San Diego.

and 55% of women, and 38% of men, have experi-

The effectiveness of music therapy is even

Center of Excellence have both established their own music therapy programs.

The main role of Music Therapy for Veterans is to raise money so that veterans can undergo

The American Music Therapy Association

individualized treatment at no cost. Individual

defines Music Therapy as “the clinical and evi-

session can cost between $70-80, and group ses-

What to do

dence-based use of music interventions to accom-

sions (which average about 10 people), range from

When Floyd Smith, the bass/baritone vocalist

plish individualized goals within a therapeutic re-

$120-130.

enced sexual harassment when in the military.

with 6-time Grammy Award winning The 5th

lationship by a credentialed professional who has

Dimension, performed at a concert at Balboa

completed an approved music therapy program.

have donated their time and services to raise mon-

Theater, in the Gaslamp of San Diego on February

Music Therapy is an established health profession

ey for Music Therapy for Veterans. Floyd is even

13 2011, he visited a local veteran’s hospital for

in which music is used within a therapeutic rela-

available for private concerts and performances,

an autograph session. As a musician, what he saw

tionship to address physical, emotional, cognitive,

and all the revenue will be donated to Music Ther-

bothered and disappointed him, because although

and social needs of individuals. “

apy for Veterans.

the Veterans were receiving clinical care, there was no music in the room.

“There is a major need for music therapy for

Floyd said that both he, and The 5th Dimension,

Currently, Music Therapy for Veterans offers its

veterans. 21-22 Veterans commit suicide each day,”

services only in the San Diego region, although

says Floyd. “When you’re dealing with PTSD, you

Floyd is hoping to expand the program national-

wanted to do something because he saw some-

don’t see hope. Music therapy gives them hope.”

ly, possibly starting in Sacramento, because both

thing among the Veterans that he had seen, and

“Being a professional singer, an entertainer, a

Upon leaving the hospital, Floyd realized that he

experienced, himself, growing up. Floyd’s father

concert promoter, and a performer for over 40

was a 35-year Veteran of 3 conflicts – WWII, Korea

years, this is the gift I can give to veterans and keep

and Vietnam, and he suffered from PTSD. “Loud

on giving,” shared Floyd.

noises, bangs, even slams of doors, would make my

Veterans and providers there have been requesting the program.

If you are a veteran and play an instrument, or would like to donate your time to support an

Floyd says music therapy works because “it

event sponsored by Music Therapy for Veterans,

father ball his fist and get ready to strike some-

works with the whole brain at once – memory,

when events are allowed again, please contact

thing, or someone,” Floyd shared. “He also suffered

feelings, and thoughts. Because it encompasses

Floyd Smith at http://www.musictherapyforveter-

from having terrible nightmares.”

all parts of the person, it takes you to a place that

ans.org.

Floyd started looking into PTSD as an issue

medicine cannot.”

If you would like to help a Veteran receive music

to help veterans. He attended a music therapy

Music Therapy for Veterans

therapy at no cost to him, or her, you can make a

conference at the Town and Country in San Diego,

Music Therapy for Veterans works with licensed

secure donation at http://www.musictherapyfor-

and learned a lot about PTSD. It was then that

clinicians to provide personalized and individu-

he realized that he wanted to create a musical

alized care to each Veteran. Floyd says that music

atmosphere for Veterans to help them with their

therapy works because “when you’re dealing with

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veterans.org.

“Music therapy works,” says Floyd, because “music is the soundtrack of our lives.”

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22 VOL. 5 ISSUE 11

San Diego Girl Scouts Earn 3 Cybersecurity Badges in Workshop Hosted by SynED Event held in collaboration with multiple San Diego regional businesses, community, government and education leaders During the first two weeks of national cybersecurity awareness month, Girl Scouts of San Diego hosted a series of virtual cybersecurity workshops for girls to earn three cybersecurity badges. The event was hosted in partnership with SynEd, a national nonprofit focused on Career Technology Education, and in collaboration with multiple San Diego regional businesses, community, government, and education leaders.

According to the National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education (NICE), demand for cybersecurity professionals is growing at an ever increasing pace. Moreover, while the number of women are increasing in the field, it is still overwhelmingly male. Educators and cybersecurity professionals have long debated the most appropriate age to begin cybersecurity training for youth. Everyone agrees that basic cyber-hygiene is imperative today as soon as a child has access to digital devices.

“We believe it is important for all of our girls to engage and have the opportunity to earn their cybersecurity badges, from Daisies (K-1st grade) through our Ambassadors (11th – 12th grade),” said Michelle Miller, director of programs for Girl Scouts San Diego.

Seventy girls, plus their parents, spent an entire day attending lectures and completing projects. The speakers shared their experience, showing the young Girl Scouts how they, too, could become a cybersecurity professional.

Alexandra Albro, vice president and legal counsel for ESET North America, a global cybersecurity firm in San Diego, shared, “Dream big and take time to interact with people that you can help. In turn, they will help

you with your dreams and aspirations. It is an exciting world, and one you will want to be part of it.”

The event initially planned for spring 2020 was paused for several months while organizers from SynED restructured the program for a virtual occurrence due to the pandemic. Working with the Girl Scouts, SynED developed a virtual, scalable and replicable program and mapped curriculum to the badges established by Palo Alto Networks and the Girl Scouts.

The flexibility and ease with which the changes were implemented were due to the SynED team being well versed and skilled in cybersecurity education and training. Master Teacher and cybersecurity education award recipient, Donna Woods, along with Liz Fraumann, the lead in the first national cybersecurity patch for the Girl Scouts in 2010, revamped the entire program to accommodate and target each level of scouts with their own workshop.

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Because of this expertise, the team was able to not only have the girls meet the Girl Scout badge requirements, they engaged in online

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learning activities, quizzes, and videos that made it fun for all involved. “I could not be prouder of my team,” said Scott Young, president and CEO of SynED. “They are helping to pave a career pathway for the girls to follow.”

Perhaps one of the most significant outcomes beyond the girls and their success, learnings, and enthusiastic participation, was the collaborative effort from business leaders, educators, government representatives, including NAVWAR, and the nonprofit community.

Lisa Easterly, chief operations officer of the San Diego Cyber Center of Excellence (SD-CCOE), helped lead the charge for volunteers from their industry association.

Recognizing the importance of cybersecurity education to the future, Jennie Brooks, senior vice president, Booz Allen Hamilton, participated in the curriculum and added, “Booz Allen Hamilton is committed to supporting girls in STEM, and this

year with so many of our children learning through virtual programs, it is more important than ever to give them the tools they need to be safe online,” said Brooks. “As a key partner for business, government, and military leaders, we know that cybersecurity is one of the most urgent missions that our clients face – and a diverse, highly skilled talent pipeline is critical for meeting the cyber challenges of today and tomorrow. We were proud to support this workshop and continue to help cultivate STEM learning opportunities for young women.”

Air Force Major Gen. Sheila Zuehlke (retired) perhaps summed up the program best when she said, “The threats to our nation are real and ever-present danger lurks. We simply must inspire and engage the youth of today to become our future cyber-defenders and leaders. A special thank you goes out to the Girl Scouts and SynED for their leadership in this effort. We look forward to welcoming the young ladies into one of the fastest growing career fields.”

Key participants and speakers of this event included: Claire Munsell, STEM Program Specialist, Girl Scouts San Diego; Lisa Easterly, COO, SD-CCOE; Jara Tripiano, division head for Cybersecurity Engineering, NAVWAR; Justine Phillips, partner, Sheppard Mullin; Tricia Mercer, VP People & Culture, Sentek Global; Air Force Major Gen. Sheila Zuehlke (retired) ; Jennie Brooks, senior vice president, Booz Allen Hamilton; Teresa Macklin, information security officer, California State University-San Marcos; Donna Woods, master instructor Moreno Valley Unified School District; and Liz Fraumann, director, SynED’s Cyber-Guild.

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COVID-19 and Flu Season:

VOL. 5 ISSUE 11 23

How Seniors Can Stay Healthy

By Jyotu Sandhu, MD, Sharp Rees-Stealy Medical Group and Simona Valanciute, President & CEO, San Diego Oasis The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) predicts that both the novel coronavirus and flu viruses will spread significantly this fall and winter, which could overwhelm health care facilities. Seniors are already at higher risk of serious health problems from COVID-19, and this year’s flu season will likely compound those worries for older adults and those who care for them.

However, if you keep these four simple tips in mind, you and your loved ones have a better chance of staying healthy - and keeping your friends and neighbors safe as well.

1. Get a flu shot. According to the CDC, getting a flu shot lowers your risk of serious illness, even if you do pick up one of the many strains of flu that will likely spread this fall and winter. During 2018-2019, the CDC reports flu vaccination prevented an estimated 4.4 million influenza illnesses, 2.3 million influenza-associated medical visits, 58,000 influenza-associated hospitalizations, and 3,500 influenza-associated deaths.

Although it’s difficult to appreciate on an individual level, this significantly alleviated the strain from the medical community as a whole and benefited public health overall.

Flu vaccines have been shown to reduce the risk of flu infection, hospitalization, and death for both you and those around you—and this year they will save hospital resources for patients with COVID-19. If you are caring for an aging loved one, it’s particularly important that both of you get one.

As we know, heart disease is prevalent and the #1 cause of death in America. A meta-analysis study from 2013 found that flu vaccination improved cardiac outcomes in high-risk patients.

2. . . . and also keep taking COVID-19 precautions. The flu

shot does NOT protect anyone from COVID-19. However, many of the same COVID-19 precautions we have all grown accustomed to over the past nine months (washing your hands, keeping at least six feet apart from people outside your household, wearing masks in public places, and not touching your eyes, nose, or mouth), are also pretty good at preventing the spread of flu viruses. Make sure both you and anyone you are caring for follow all these precautions. Although we are hoping for a milder flu season due to the precautions we are taking with COVID-19, we still strongly encourage people to get their flu vaccines since the outcome of dealing with both infections at once can be devastating.

3. Time your flu shot properly. In a recent interview, Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute for Allergy and Infectious Diseases and head of the U.S.’s efforts to stop the coronavirus, recommended getting your flu shot this year “toward the middle and end of October”- in other words, right now. This way, it won’t wear off

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in February or early March while we’re still in flu season. . . . and then encourage everyone in your life to get a flu shot, no matter how old they are. It’s not just seniors who are at risk during flu season - babies and young children are particularly vulnerable as well. In fact, patients of all ages can suffer serious complications from the flu, and even die. Flu shots protect pregnant women, are an important preventive tool for people with chronic health conditions such as heart disease and diabetes, and can be lifesaving for children. Children are also at risk of severe illness as well and can spread disease to others.

The CDC recommends everyone 6 months of age and older get vaccinated.

Despite all these benefits, only about half of Americans get an annual flu vaccine. Meanwhile, flu viruses continue to cause millions of illnesses, hundreds of thousands of hospitalizations, and tens of thousands of deaths.

Unless we are careful, hospitals may become overwhelmed by both COVID-19 and flu patients this fall and winter.

But, per the CDC, the solution is simple: “many more people could be protected from the flu if more people got vaccinated.”

The more people get vaccinated against the flu, the fewer people will get seriously ill - and that’s something we can all work toward together as we continue to battle the coronavirus pandemic into the new year.

Jyotu Sandhu, MD, is a family medicine and sports medicine doctor with Sharp Rees-Stealy Medical Group, a multispecialty medical group with 19 locations offering services such as primary and specialty care, laboratory, physical therapy, radiology, pharmacy and urgent care. Learn more at https://www.sharp.com/ srs.

Simona Valanciute is the president and CEO of San Diego Oasis, an award-winning nonprofit organization serving people age 50 and better, who pursue healthy aging through lifelong learning, active lifestyles, and community service. Learn more at http://www.sandiegooasis.org.

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24 VOL. 5 ISSUE 11

newsbriefs San Diego State University faculty lead collaborative COVID-19 research efforts

By Kellie Woodhouse | SDSU

San Diego State University has become the site for dozens of COVID-19 research projects, an urgent response to the pandemic that is probing its impact on individuals, health care professionals and communities while looking ahead to possible interventions and solutions.

More than 40 COVID-related projects span all seven of the university’s academic colleges as well as SDSU Imperial Valley.

Much of the work draws upon SDSU’s deep roots in the community, allowing investigators to collaborate with local government agencies, health care providers, medical companies and nonprofits and ensure their work has the widest reach and greatest impact possible.

“During the pandemic SDSU faculty have risen to the occasion and leveraged their expertise, connections, scholarship and research interests to shed light on the coronavirus and support vulnerable communities, especially those here in San Diego,” said Hala Madanat, interim vice president of research and innovation and the leader of multiple COVID-19 research endeavors.

The vast array of projects considers how the virus affects the body and lingers in the environment; how the pandemic has affected health care, under-resourced communities and mental health; and how schools, government agencies and individuals have responded to the crisis.

Barry Jantz to retire next year as CEO of Grossmnt Healthcare District The Grossmont Healthcare District (GHD) announced the pending retirement of Chief Executive Officer Barry Jantz, who will be leaving the district March 31, 2021 after serving

as CEO since 2004.

Jantz previously served as a community relations consultant, managing the district’s annual grants program. In his years as CEO of the district, he led the effort to complete over $260 million in Proposition G improvements at Grossmont Hospital, as well as a successful 2014 ballot measure to continue the lease of the hospital to Sharp HealthCare until 2051.

“We very much appreciate Barry’s leadership in maintaining the integrity of the public-private partnership between GHD and Sharp HealthCare to operate Sharp Grossmont Hospital,” said GHD Board President Randy Lenac.

“My time with GHD has been amazing,” said Jantz. “Seeing the $265 million in Prop G improvements completed at Sharp Grossmont Hospital was among my personal and professional highlights, as it finalized about 14 years of intense work that will remain a lasting benefit to the community.”

The GHD board is currently finalizing the executive search process

State launches electric vehicle charger rebate project in SD County The state is launching a rebate project designed to increase public access to electric vehicle (EV) charging throughout San Diego County with $21.7 million in funds over the next three years for local businesses, multi-unit dwellings and other properties.

The California Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Project (CALeVIP) is part of a statewide effort to encourage consumer EV adoption through making public charging more widely available. It is funded primarily by the California Energy Commission and administered by the San Diego-based Center for Sustainable Energy.

Qualifying properties can apply for rebates to help cover EV charging equipment purchases and installation costs, with increased funds for sites in disadvantaged and low-income communities and at multifamily housing. Applicants can receive up to $6,000 for a commercial-grade Level 2 EV charger and up to $80,000 for a high-powered DC fast charger.

A minimum of 25 percent of the project’s funds will be distributed in disadvantaged and low-income communities in the county.

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Prospective applicants can learn about plug-in EV charging, how to plan installations and the rebate application process by visiting the website CALeVIP.org. A recorded webinar about the San Diego County project is available online.

Level 2 chargers deliver 15-35 miles of electric driving range per hour of charging and are ideal for locations where drivers are parked for a few hours. DC fast chargers can power most EVs and provide over 100 miles of driving range per hour of charging, which is suited for major destination areas and along travel corridors.

General Atomics completes first phase of Navy maintenance and operational support General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) has completed the first phase of a maintenance and operational support contract awarded by the Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division.

The first phase of the contract provided for the maintenance of Navy NMQ-1B remote piloted aircraft located at Naval Base Ventura County, Point Mugu. The second phase will involve operational training support for pilots to operate the NMQ-1s, which will be used as targets in Navy training scenarios.

“We look forward to further collaboration opportunities with the U.S. Navy,” said GA-ASI Senior Vice President of Strategic Development Barton Roper. “Our Predator-series RPA have a proven record of success as assets for military training and real-world operations.”

Phase 2 of the contract is expected to be executed in early 2021, culminating with a Navy NMQ-1B operational evaluation flight.

Society for Neuroscience honors Scripps professor Courtney Miller, an associate professor in the departments of Molecular Medicine and Neuroscience at Scripps Research, has been awarded the Louise Hanson Marshall Special Recognition Award from the Society for Neuroscience for her efforts promoting women in science.

Miller shares the award with her longtime colleague Ghazaleh Sadri-Vakili, an assistant professor of neurology at Harvard Medical School

and the director of the neuroepigenetics laboratory at MassGeneral Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases. The Louise Hanson Marshall Award honors an individual or individuals who have significantly promoted the professional development of women in neuroscience through teaching, organizational leadership or public advocacy.

In 2007, Miller and Sadri-Vakili founded the Professional Women’s Nexus (PWN) to enable women in careers to benefit from each other’s experience, advice and connections. The group now has over 750 members—mostly neuroscientists, but also representatives from other professions—across the United States, Europe and the Middle East.

Through its weekly blog and online collection of articles, employment opportunities and funding announcements, PWN helps up-andcoming women scientists advance their careers.

Port of San Diego conducting first overwater lighting test on SDCoronado Bay Bridge The Port of San Diego is conducting the first ever overwater lighting field test as part of the San Diego-Coronado Bay Bridge Lighting Project, the next step in a multi-step process to artistically illuminate a portion of the 2.1-mile bridge span from the Coronado shoreline to Harbor Drive in San Diego.

The testing is scheduled to occur between 6:15 p.m. and midnight for a week-long period from yesterday to Saturday, Nov. 14. To facilitate the testing, 170 computer-programmable color LED luminaires and controllers are being temporarily installed on three of the tallest columns near the center of the bridge span.

Each night during the live technical testing, lighting in different colors, combinations, sequencing, and arrangements will be intermittently visible on the three columns. Occasional periods of darkness will occur as other aspects of the installation are tested. This test is a significant milestone in moving forward with the project to be able to provide San Diego residents and visitors an artistic architectural lighting installation that will illuminate the structure at night and create a unique aesthetic identity for the bridge and the bay after dark, port officials said.

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VOL. 5 ISSUE 11 25

VET Tv pulls back the curtain on “Mental Health HELL and Wellness”

Breaking down the psychological damage of war and combat deployments, VET Tv created a FREE web series that will be available to all in which it brought together renowned mental health professionals from around the country to validate and discuss the science behind the therapeutic effects that dark and irreverent comedy plays in the healing process VET Tv, the streaming video on demand channel that has consistently pushed the envelope when it comes to dark and irreverent military comedy, announced today that it will be rolling out a brandnew web series on Veteran’s Day entitled “Mental Hell and Wellness.”

This new series will be completely FREE and available to all at vetererantv.com.

The dual-prong web series sets out to validate VET Tv’s unwavering mission of “healing through humor,” and to debunk the criticisms of the SVOD provider’s brand of comedy and its role in improving veteran mental health. Mental Hell and Wellness features both one-on-one interviews with renowned mental health professionals from around the country, as well as a breakdown of VET Tv’s most-popular series, “A Grunt’s Life,” with veteran and combat trauma specialist Lauren Rich.

Retired Marine Captain, Wounded Warrior and VET Tv Founder, Donny O’Malley, serves as the host.

“There is tangible proof that healing from the trauma of war can

be achieved through comedy,” explained O’Malley. “I’ve known that for a long time. It’s why I started VET Tv. But for all the critics out there, we’re now offering proof from some of the top mental health professionals from around the country that there’s so much that can be gained by something as simple as giving a dopamine shot to the brain by making someone laugh.

“And we realize how impactful this web series will be, and that’s why we’re making it available to everyone for free. We want to reach as many veterans and active-duty personnel as possible. This series is simply that important!” O’Malley emphasized.

Top mental health professionals from around the country volunteered their time to speak with O’Malley and participate in Mental Hell and Wellness. They include New York Times best-selling author and Boston-based psychiatrist, Dr. Bessel van der Kolk; veteran and combat trauma specialist from Tulsa, Oklahoma, Lauren Rich; combat stress recovery specialist

from the Wounded Warrior Project in Sacramento, John-David del Castillo; University of San Diego Coordinator of the Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Program, Dr. Michael Terry; a licensed clinical psychologist providing therapy for people suffering from insomnia, trauma, depression in San Diego, Dr. Nancy Lin; a psychiatric nurse practitioner from Solana Beach, California, Dr. Holly Bechard, and trauma, depression and anxiety specialist from Alexandria, Virginia, Dr. Abby Cobey.

“What the military leaves out is that they create great soldiers, but when you leave, nobody really helps you to systematically become a member of society,” explained van der Kolk. “Comedy is a great way to open up people’s minds because you show the absurdity of it all.”

“You put me in war to be a savage beast, which you helped train me to be, and then you tell me I’m not okay,” added Rich of why so many veterans struggle with their own mental health when returning from combat deployments.

VET Tv’s Mental Hell and Well-

ness web series will premiere on Veteran’s Day (Wednesday, Nov. 11) and will be available to everyone FREE of charge at www.veterantv.com.

ABOUT VET Tv: VET Tv, also known as Veteran Television, is a subscription-based streaming video on demand (SVOD) channel that was launched in 2017 by Retired Marine Captain and Wounded Warrior Donny O’Malley. It sets out to recreate, parody and celebrate the military experience for those who served using dark and irreverent comedy to facilitate social connection among post-9/11 veterans. Everything VET Tv does is grounded in the same intention, to use humor and camaraderie to bring veterans together, to heal the mental wounds of war and to prevent veteran suicide. Todate, VET Tv has released 20 original shows and a full-length feature film.

It is available online at www.veterantv.com and via streaming apps on Apple, Google Play, Roku and Xbox.

This Holiday Season, Doctors Urge Public to Make Safety a Top Priority (StatePoint) With COVID-19 infections at an all-time high, medical experts urge the public to make safety their number one priority throughout the holiday season.

“Nearly a year into this pandemic, people are yearning for a return to normalcy. However, COVID-19 cases are surging and with flu season already upon us, bringing together people from different households during the holidays is far too great a safety risk,” says Susan R. Bailey, M.D., president of the American Medical Association (AMA).

During this unusual year, the AMA is sharing top tips for a safe and healthy holiday season: 1. It may not be the way you’re used to celebrating, but consider limiting this year’s gatherings to just the people who live in your household.

2. If you live somewhere warm, you may be able to add a few people to your plans, but only if your get together is outdoors and safely physically distant.

3. Take advantage of the video conferencing technologies available at your fingertips to bridge the

(c) Jovanmandic / iStock via Getty Images Plus

distance between you and family or friends. Whether it’s watching holiday movies, unwrapping gifts or sharing recipes together, many of these traditions can still happen virtually.

4. Interested in holiday deals and

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discounts? Shop for bargains from home. And if you must go to the store in person and you’re at-risk, check ahead of time to see if there are special hours for you.

5. Consider additional outdoor activities that can bring together

other people in your circle without the dangers of dining inside.

Go apple picking, leaf peeping or hiking. Think beyond the traditional holiday activities and start new traditions.

6. Disappointed that your usual large dinner is for a smaller group?

You can still cook a large meal and share a portion with neighbors or friends. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends “delivering them in a way that doesn’t involve contact with others.”

7. Continue to follow everyday safety guidelines to prevent the spread of COVID-19: wash your hands, maintain physical distancing and #MaskUp. More health resources, along with tips to prevent the spread of COVID-19, are available at ama-assn. org.

“Missing holiday traditions is difficult, but with top scientists and researchers working round the clock to combat this virus, I’m hopeful that by this time next year, friends and family will be together again, one way or another,” says Dr. Bailey.

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26 VOL. 5 ISSUE 11

Rady Residence Opens for Homeless Families Beautiful New Residence Offers Life Changing Opportunity From Homeless to Home.

That is the goal of the new facility built on the grounds of the Salvation Army’s Rady Door of Hope in Kearny Mesa area. The Salvation Army’s Rady Residence is now open for families who are experiencing homelessness.

The beautiful new building at 2799 Health Center Drive San Diego, California 92123 is a 37,900-squarefoot, 4-story building with 32 residential units (1, 2, and 3 bedrooms) with a 1-story Housing Services wing. The Housing Services Wing has an activity room, playroom, offices, a pantry and clothing closet.

The expanded facility is made possible by a historic gift from philanthropists Ernest and Evelyn Rady. “We have great confidence in this organization, so we are happy to put our resources in their hands, and we look forward to a successful con-

clusion,” says Ernest Rady.

“I’m really proud of what we’re doing.”

The Door of Hope campus is currently home to programs serving homeless women and their children.

The Rady Residence will expand the opportunity for parents and their children.

The Salvation Army has a holistic approach to helping clients, meeting their physical, emotional and spiritual needs. Clients move forward by addressing the issues that caused them to become homeless. By assisting with

food, shelter, educational support, counseling services and vocational direction, our unique housing programs help residents learn the life skills needed to lead successful lives and live independently.

ABOUT THE SALVATION ARMY The Salvation Army has

been in San Diego since 1887, providing services addressing many human needs in our community without discrimination. The Salvation Army helps the most vulnerable San Diegans with food, rental assistance, senior nutrition and other services.

The Salvation Army, an

international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian Church.

Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love of God. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.

Reach Over 100,000 Local Homes each month, with local readers right in your neighborhood!

21 SAN DIEGO | 20

DIRECTORY

E LONG-TERM CAR NT LIVING AND TO INDEPENDE YOUR GUIDE

rcare.com SanDiegoElde m co D. rS Caregive

Safer Senior Living

Mission.

Your Goal, Our

sted Certified CarePatrol’s tru are experts, Senior Advisors t finding the bes committed to memory care assisted living, ion are opt s and in home-c cific needs to meet your spe t to you. at no cos on CarePatrol For information and 82 see pages 13 Photo by Kris

Arciaga

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Assisting The Aging Population

CarePatrol has been advertising with the Local Umbrella Media’s direct mail publications for several months now and we continue to do so.

Brad and his team made it extremely easy to advertise with positive results!

NOTE: Look for CarePatrol on the cover of the new Eldercare directory this Fall!

Julie Derry & Kie Copenhaver

Certified Senior Advisors CarePatrol

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Stay Safe, San Diego

VOL. 5 ISSUE 11 27

© 2020 by Vicki Whiting, Editor Jeff Schinkel, Graphics Special Edition

Now that your hands are nice and clean, they could use a little exercise. Try these:

Remember the last time you had a cold or the flu?

It was pretty miserable. You sneezed, coughed and had no energy.

But there’s an easy way to avoid all that: Just join Kid Scoop’s SCRUB SQUAD.

HOW TO JOIN: You join automatically every time you wash your hands!

Spread your fingers out as far as possible. Feel that s-t-r-e-t-c-h? Now squeeze them into two tight fists.

Repeat 10 times.

Using hand sanitizer shouldn’t be a _________________ for washing your hands with soap and _________. While sanitizer does kill _________, it doesn’t do a very good job of getting rid of __________ dirt. Think of hand sanitizer as just a little “touch-up” ____________ hand washings with good ol’ soap and water.

Stand with your feet slightly apart. Reach your hands up, up, UP as high as you can.

Now bend and reach for your toes. Repeat 10 times.

Rub your hands together under warm running water. Make sure to get wet up to your wrists.

Use a generous amount of soap.

Liquid soap, powdered soap or bar soap are all great.

SCRUB: Get the palms, back of your hands, wrists, under your nails and between your fingers for at least 20 seconds.

Rinse your hands to get rid of the soap (and dirt and germs).

Air dry your hands or use a clean towel, either cloth or paper.

When should I wash my hands?

• after playing DISTOUE • after using the STROMORE • before eating or KONCOGI • after petting SANIMLA • before and after visiting a sick DRFNEI • after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing • after taking out the RATHS Healthy fun! Get a set of FREE hand washing activity pages for your classroom at kidscoop.com/scrub-squad/

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How many hands and bubbles can you find on this page?

SANITIZER BATHROOM COUGHING MEMORIZE BUBBLES SQUAD ELBOW SCRUB DIRTY AVOID GERMS TOWEL PALMS NOSE SOAP

A synonym is a word that means the same or nearly the same thing as another word. Search the newspaper for synonyms for the word CLEAN. Then, look for synonyms for the word DIRTY. Which were easier to find?

Find the words in the puzzle, then in this week’s Kid Scoop stories and activities.

Extend your arms straight out, level with your shoulders.

Slowly start twirling your arms in a circular motion.

Spin them faster and faster for 60 seconds.

Hold your hands out in front of you. Reach over your shoulders and pat your back for 30 seconds. Cross your arms and try again. Do this for 30 seconds. You deserve a pat on the back!

S T H G P A O S D B

M O S N A E L C A U R W C I L A N T U B E E R H M Y H O Q B

G L U G S R T N S L D W B U O A S R H E

M E M O R I Z E I

S

I N M C W A V O I D

G R E Z I T I N A S

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Someone put too much detergent in the washing machine, and now your town is getting covered in soapsuds!

Write a news article describing the scene.

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Stay Safe, San Diego

28 VOL. 5 ISSUE 11

BY BART MENDOZA © MUSICSCENESD // MUSICSCENESD.COM

NOVEMBER 2020

MUSIC SHOP

FOLK ARTS MOVES

San Diego’s longest running and beloved music shop, Folk Arts Records is on the move. Opened in 1967 by legendary archivist Lou Curtiss, the shop has been at 3072 El Cajon Blvd location under new owner Brendan Boyle since September 2014. By the end of November Folk Arts should be settled into it’s new location at 3610 University Avenue.

“Fingers crossed,” said Boyle, good naturedly. The spot was formerly the location of Jupiter Records. “The store will become Folk Arts Rare Records, and Jupiter Records & Tapes will become no more,” Boyle said. “We’ll preserve Jupiter’s legacy in a wide variety of wonderful ways. We’re planning on being open 7 days a week.”

The decision for the change of scenery was pragmatic. “We made the decision to move Folk Arts at the beginning of May,” Boyle commented. “Our lease is up at 3072 El Cajon Blvd. and we just really love the community of City Heights where our partner store Jupiter Records & Tapes has been for the last two years,” Boyle commented. “Our business was still shut down, and we wanted to work on something that was rewarding. We spent the entire month decorating the space to become the future home of Folk Arts Rare Records.”

He notes the move is huge undertaking. “It’s all relative. We’re used to working our tails off. But we’re handling this like professionals.

We’ll be purging an enormous amount of records from the Jupiter stacks. We’ll be selling them, but likely as a lot.”

For his part, Boyle is happy to continue the legacy of Folk Arts Records. “I so greatly admire Lou Curtiss and cherish all of the time I got to spend with him,” Boyle said. “His legacy and knowledge was extraordinary.

We’ve made our own mark over the last six years, with quite a lot of amazing experiences.

And we’re excited about the future experiences to come.” www.folkartsrarerecords.com

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NEW LOCATIO

N!

3610 UNIVERSI TY AVE

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Stay Safe, San Diego

VOL. 5 ISSUE 11 29

PACIFIC RECORDS

All-Star Releases Point Loma based Pacific Records is closing out 2020 with a flurry of activity. In addition to new releases from The Original Starfires, Falling Doves and The Josh Rosenblum Band, the label has released a single, “Bad Wolves,” from Rebecca Jade featuring Jason Mraz, Miki Vale and Veronica May, complete with video largely shot around Balboa Park’s historic International Houses. The song has an all-star lineup; Jade performed with Elton John at this year’s Oscar’s, also winning Artist of the Year at the 2020 San Diego Music Awards. Meanwhile, May is a multiple SDMA winner, most recently for Best Pop Album in 2019, while Vale is also a multiple SDMA nominee and Mraz, of course, has numerous chart hits to his credit. The song is a timely mix of message and melody.

“Bad Wolves,” to me, is about perspective, and a rally cry for the acknowledgement of racial injustice and police brutality, while calling out the blind eye of the unaffected, in musical form,” Jade said. The single was produced by Jeff Berkley and features drummer Josh Hermsmeier.

Meanwhile, Pacific Records will also release the soundtrack to Guitar Legends 4, which airs on television stations nationwide this month. Last year’s event was held in San Diego as part of the inaugural Wonderfront Festival, with 2020 being a virtual edition. Proceeds from the album, will go to America Salutes You, an organization that raises funds for brain and mental wellness charities assisting veterans and first responders. Hosted by Billy Gibbons (ZZ Top), with Music Director / Pianist Martin Guigui, guests include Derek Trucks, Susan Tedeschi, Mike Love (The Beach Boys), Kenny Loggins, Big and Rich, Keb Mo and Larkin Poe. Finally, the label has a number of new releases out for the holidays: The Skyler Lutes Band The Blue Album, a song by song recasting of the first Weezer album, new singles from Kubota, “Good Right Now,” and Sandollar, “So Dangerous,” as well as a red vinyl 7” version of Cambrian Shores debut EP, Coming Home. “We’re keeping busy and 2020’s not over yet,” said Pacific Records CEO, Brian Witkin. “Even with all this happening, we still have a few more surprises up our sleeve before year’s end.”

www.pacificrecords.com

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30 VOL. 5 ISSUE 11

A Look Back at Imperial Beach Photos are from the archives of the Imperial Beach Historical Society. These may have been uploaded to social media or scanned from original photos provided by the public.

Miracle Shopping Center (Palm Ave at Ninth Street), mid1950’s

U.S. Naval Auxiliary Air Station, Ream Field, Main Gate (South end of 13th Street), mid-1960’s

We’d Love To See Your Vintage Photos Of Imperial Beach!

Email your photos to etcprods@yahoo.com.

We’ll choose photos to publish in each issue. Please include a brief description of your photos, and information about who is submitting them.

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VOL. 5 ISSUE 11 31

A History of the Imperial Beach Historical Society

The Imperial Beach Historical Society is volunteer group of current and former Imperial Beach residents that enjoys remembering and researching the history of our city. They are dedicated to preserving memories and are always looking for any items of historical interest.

Their Mission and Vision are as follows: Mission - “Collect and organize documents, photographs, stories, oral histories, publications, periodicals, artifacts, and any other items related to the history of Imperial Beach, leading to the future establishment of our own Museum of Imperial Beach History.”; Vision – “Provide current and former residents of Imperial Beach a centralized location to contribute, view, read, and remember the history of Imperial Beach.”

The Imperial Beach Historical Society began as part of the South Bay Historical Society. Its legacy can be traced back to Author and Historian Freda Compton Elliott Adams, who wrote the book “History of Imperial Beach” published in 1976. Freda and local journalist Jay Robbins were named official city historians, and received the awards at the Mayor’s State of the City address on May 24, 2006. Prior to 2016, a formal historical society for the City of Imperial Beach did not exist. The Imperial Beach Women’s Club had previously been involved in efforts documenting Imperial Beach history. A second book titled “Imperial Beach, California: A Pictorial History” was written

by Julie M. Walke in 1994 and expanded on Freda’s original effort.

In 2016 former Councilmember Lorie Bragg received a collection of papers, notebooks, and related items that belonged to Freda Compton Elliott Adams, who passed away in April of 2013. As a result, an informal group of residents interested preserving, documenting, and displaying information and artifacts about the history of Imperial Beach was organized.

This group formed the basis of the Imperial Beach Historical Society.

A group of over 20 people, including current members Jane McLaughlin, Terry Winkle, and Ann Fox Winkle got involved in 2016 with the group that was planning the 60th birthday celebration of Imperial Beach being held at that year’s Sun & Sea Festival. Lorie Bragg had put out a request to anyone who would be able to assist and to add information and history. The group met at city hall. Lorie also had several boxes of Imperial Beach memorabilia that the city had stored and also items that had been rescued from a dumpster. The original group met regularly before the birthday celebration to sort, discuss and create some sort of display.

During the planning of the 60th Birthday event, this group decided to have an organized historical society. All of the items that had been accumulated formed the basis for the original inventory, which has now grown considerably. At last count, there are over 800 inventoried items.

Also in 2016, this group joined with the South Bay Historical Society to benefit from the established structure and 501(c)(3) status as a non-profit organization. The group regularly set up a booth featuring newspaper articles, photographs, and other memorabilia related to local history at the Mayor’s Breakfast, a tradition that had started with Freda years ago.

They would also have displays at city hall and set up a booth at various events throughout the city to educate residents about the society and to showcase historical artifacts. A Facebook group was created and has grown to over 1,500 members.

In 2017 the Imperial Beach Historical Society officially became an independent organization and received their 501(c)(3) Non-Profit designation from the State of California. The By-Laws were also finalized and filed with the State. They continued to participate in city events with a booth showcasing Imperial Beach history, including two popular aerial photographs of the city from 1956, the year Imperial

Beach was incorporated.

The Imperial Beach Historical Society lost a talented and valued member with the passing of Toni McGowan in January 2019. A published author and historian, Toni researched and published articles related to the Imperial Beach’s military history and personnel. These included a series about the Experimental Airfield at Imperial Beach and aviation pioneer Charles Francis Walsh and the Imperial Beach Green Ghost, Lance Corporal Dennis Christie, MIA/ BNR Vietnam. She is missed by both the Historical Society and the community.

The official Imperial Beach Historical Society web-

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site went live in September 2019 at https://www.imperialbeachhistoricalsociety.org. The official “whale logo” was also approved by the board at this time. It is based on the whale outline used by the former “Imperial Beach Whale and Sunset Watchers Society” that had the original byline “A Whale of a City”. A whale was also used by the city in the 1970’s to advertise the Imperial Beach Fishing Pier. <insert black and white image “IBHSWhaleLogo_WWW-TM_Blk_Wht” - OR - color image “IBHSWhaleLogo_WWW-TM_Blu-Gold.png”> Although public events have been limited by ongoing COVID-19 guidance, the Imperial Beach Historical Society continues to collect and archive items donated by the public and actively manage their Facebook Group. They supported the two local scavenger hunts hosted by the city and IBactive by providing questions about Imperial Beach history. They also worked with the IB Arts Bureau to provide historical content for their 2020 calendar.

The Imperial Beach Historical Society is always looking for new members and they are thankful for those existing members who continue to renew their memberships. Membership dues allow the society to categorize, maintain, and archive physical books, documents, and photos as well as historical items and digital media. Lifetime Members provide the Imperial Beach Historical Society with a dedicated core of people that provide a continuity of purpose and help to keep the society focused on their mission and vision, and help to meet their strategic goals. Membership is tax-deductible. Also, active members in good standing may hold board and officer positions.

The members of Imperial Beach Historical Society are all volunteers and provide support on their own time. If you want to join, please visit their web page and select the “Membership” tab.

If you would like to help, there are many ways you can support the society. If you have any old photographs, newspapers and clippings, periodicals, brochures, and other items related to Imperial Beach, or have personal story about Imperial Beach that you would like to share, please contact the Imperial Beach Historical Society by email at ibhs-info@imperialbeachhistoricalsociety.org, or message them through the Imperial Beach Historical Society Facebook Group. You may also contact the newspaper who will get in touch with the Imperial Beach Historical Society.

(Article prepared by John Rendine and Ann Fox Winkle, Imperial Beach Historical Society)

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