College Times Courier, January 15th, 2021

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VOLUME 3 ISSUE 1 Jan. 15 – Feb. 11, 2021

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ALVARADO ESTATES

• MESA COLONY • EL CERRITO • COLLEGE VIEW ESTATES • ROLANDO

INSIDE Getting out THIS ISSUE into the great outdoors

NEWS BRIEFS NATIONAL BLOOD DONOR MONTH BLOOD DRIVE

B NEWS

Sustainable SDSU

San Diego State receives accolades for transportation plans. Page 11

B NEWS

Scrumptious safety Del Cerro resident David Reed (far right) with fellow bikers at a campground on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation in St. Mary, Montana (Photo courtesy David Reed)

By JEFF CLEMETSON | Mission Times Courier

Girl Scouts adopt COVID measures for annual cookie sales. Page 13

B FOOD & DRINK Restaurant Week

Although 2021 promises hope of a vaccine and a return to life as we once knew it, the COVID pandemic and civil unrest in the nation are still raging. A recent memoir

by Del Cerro resident David Reed

harkens back to a previous time of political strife and also highlights a safe and healthy way to keep fit — both physically and mentally — during what will hopefully be the waning days of the pandemic.

“Uphill and Into The Wind” chronicles Reed’s cross-country

Discussions on COVID safety.

Page 6

San Diego Blood Bank (SDBB), the local blood bank serving San Diego County, is celebrating National Blood Donor Month throughout January by inviting eligible individuals to donate blood and convalescent plasma in 2021 with the goal of creating a robust supply that can meet local hospital patient needs.

National Blood Donor Month has been observed in January since 1970 with the goal of increasing blood and platelet donations during winter – one of the most difficult times of year to collect enough blood products to meet patient needs.

journey by bike from New Jersey to California in 1974. At the time, President Nixon’s administration was under investigation for covering up the break-in into the Democratic National Committee SEE GREAT OUTDOORS, Page 3

New head librarian at College Rolando Library

By KENDRA SITTON | College Times Courier Blood donor T-shirt (Courtesy photo)

Annual foodie event scheduled for this spring. Page 14

B CONTACT US Editorial (858) 270-3103 x130 jeff@sdnews.com Advertising (571) 259-1530 lauren@sdnews.com www.sdnews.com San Diego Community Newspaper Group

A couple months into his tenure as the new head librarian at the College-Rolando Library, Trevor Jones remains thankful that he found a job that allows him to serve his neighbors. Previously, Jones worked at Scripps Miramar Ranch for six years that involved a grueling hour-long commute from his home in La Mesa near Rolando Village.

When the position for a new head librarian at College-Rolando Library opened, he jumped at the opportunity.

“I am super excited to be here and happy to be the professional neighborhood librarian for everyone as well as having like a personal stake in how the place is run

“I want to be there for my neighbors and be responsive to them as a public service.”

San Diego Blood Bank is currently antibody testing each blood donation as part of their regular testing panel to qualify donations for COVID-19 convalescent plasma. As this is not a diagnostic test, it will not detect active COVID-19 infections or recent exposure.

Additionally, anyone who donates at a San Diego Blood Bank donation location or mobile drive throughout the month of January will receive a special-edition T-shirt - the second in a three-part

SEE LIBRARIAN, Page 11

SEE NEWS BRIEFS, Page 4

College-Rolando Library’s new managing librarian Trevor Jones (Courtesy photo)

and how people respond to it. It definitely ups the stakes I feel as a librarian, to have both roles: citizen as well as an employee happy to meet my neighbors,” Jones said.

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COMMUNITY / NEWS sdnews.com College Area welcomes Osher Institute at SDSU: changes in new year New online opportunities Jan. 15 – Feb. 11, 2021 Mission Times Courier / College Times Courier

College Area Happenings

BY JOSE REYNOSO The start of a new year has always been a time of optimism.

With changes at the national level, many are optimistic that the issues of greatest concern at the local level will finally receive the attention that they deserve — namely working to get the coronavirus pandemic under control and thus the economy moving forward in positive directions.

Hopefully we will soon, relatively-speaking, be back to a more normal. The lack of ethics and integrity at the national level has really upset the normalcy that we have been used to for generations and hopefully as we come out of this mess we will emerge even better by making changes to the things that didn’t work and improving on those that did.

We also have changes at the local level. We have a new mayor, Todd Gloria, who knows our area well and has always been supportive. We hope that continues. His representative for the College Area is Stephanie Estrada.

Our new City Council representative Sean Elo-Rivera has pledged to work with the community to move things that are important

to us forward. His representatives for the College Area are Maya Rosas and Jefferey Nguyen.

Rosas will cover most of the area and Nguyen will cover the northwestern area. Working as a team, along with Brett Weise, who will cover Kensington and Talmadge, they will work to move issues for all these communities forward since they share many common concerns.

We also have a new Assembly member in the northwest section of the College Area, Chris Ward, but have not yet been introduced to his representative. Also, on Jan. 20, we will probably have a new Assembly member representing the bulk of the College Area, when assembly member Shirley Weber takes over as secretary of state.

Several community leaders, myself included, have spoken with our new reps and brought them up to speed on the issues of concern and interest to the greater community and to specific neighborhoods. As an example, both the council office and the mayor’s office know that the very long awaited elimination of parking on Montezuma Road between 55th Street and Campanile Drive and eventual bicycling and pedestrian improvements is and has been a top priority for the SEE CA HAPPENINGS, Page 11

By KAFREN AUSTIN

The Osher Institute at SDSU offers access to educational resources for adults 50 and older, without having to enroll as a formal student at the university.

It’s a great opportunity for adults who want to be lifelong learners and it’s available right here in the College Area. Designed for personal enrichment, there are no educational prerequisites, no entrance exams, no homework, no tests and no grades.

Osher SDSU is one of a network of 124 locations in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. The national program was founded in 2001 by The Bernard Osher Foundation to help develop and support resources for lifelong learning and purposeful aging.

Other Osher Liflong Learning Insitutes in San Diego County include sites at UCSD and CSU, San Marcos.

With goals such as enrichment, social interaction, civic engagement and personal development, taking part has many benefits. Osher participants say the program helps them connect with others, learn new things, develop skills and keep their mind sharp.

Participants get to experience the joy of learning by exploring

Oliva M.Espin, Ph.D., will discuss her memoir, “My Native Land is Memory: Stories of a Cuban Childhood.” on Feb. 15, 1:30-3 p.m. as part of the Osher Institute at SDSU's online lecture series. (Courtesy photos)

interesting topics related to history, science, literature, the arts, humanities, health, business, law, international relations and current issues in society, among others. A course, lecture or activity might be led by current faculty, retired professors, distinguished experts, or community leaders. In addition to college-level learning, Osher programs can offer non-academic options designed to serve the interests of a given community, such as master gardening and culinary classes, and museum visits.

Michelle Joyce, who lives in nearby Alvarado Estates, enjoyed an art history class on Modernism in Europe so much,

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that she has attended more classes on the SDSU campus.

“I have taken a few art history courses from the Osher Center and think they are possibly the best amenity in the area,” she said. “They differ from any other continuing education instruction that I have taken, in that they are a very short commitment and instead of taking an aerial view they tend to take a deep dive on a very specific topic.”

As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, Osher has now turned to online programming to better ensure the safety of participants and instructors. Like SEE OSHER, Page 11

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FEATURE

sdnews.com

Jan. 15 – Feb. 11, 2021 Mission Times Courier / College Times Courier

Great outdoors

Why Homeowners Leave Thousands Behind When Selling Their Homes

CONTINUED FROM Page 1

headquarters in the Watergate Office Building.

“It was the ‘70s. I was disenchanted with a whole bunch of things — not the least of which were the national politics, which ties into today,” Reed said. “I was inspired by a group of people written up in National Geographic who had ridden their bikes from Alaska to Montana. I thought, ‘Gee, I can do that.’”

Reed eventually teamed up with future friends Rusty and Susie, people he met after starting to plan the trip and asked them to go. The trio traveled 5,420 miles, over a five-month period — two months of which were spent backpacking in National Parks. The group crossed the Continental Divide 11 times. In the days before cellphones and GPS, the trio at times had to find each other after separating and along their journey they faced extreme weather and the occasional run in with menacing wildlife. But the greatest challenge — and reward — from the trip, was the riding itself.

“To ride your bike over a big hill, that takes a little effort. To ride it all day, every day, you just get into this rhythm,” Reed said.

“The big takeaway for me from the trip was that if you think of long-distance runners after they run for an hour their brain waves enter theta states and it's a different level of consciousness – it’s more primal, not a lot of thinking, just being. And we were in theta state all day, every day, so our consciousness changed because of that and we became more in tune with each other.”

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San Diego – A new report has just been released which reveals 7 costly mistakes that most homeowners make when selling their home, and a 9 Step System that can help you sell your home fast and the most amount of money.

(l to r) Jim Hohenberger, Susie Monahan Bulger, Rusty Bird, David Reed and

Bill Garvey take a break during Reed’s cross-country trek by bike in the early ’70s. (Photos courtesy David Reed)

For Reed, he found solace in the physical exercise of the trip and being outdoors — activities he recommends for COVID-weary people who need a boost from the mental and physical fatigue the pandemic has wrought.

“There’s this calm and inner peace that comes overt you from both the endorphins, and separation of body and mind, and the wonderful environment,” he said.

Reed, a landscape architect, said he believes that “nature is in our genetic memory,” and that experiencing it has extraordinary benefits. His descriptions of the places he saw on his trip demonstrate the awe and reverence he still has for the natural world today.

“That to me is one of the great takeaways. For instance, Kansas was one of the most transformative places I’ve ever experienced,” he said. “We hit the prairie when the wheat was turning from green to gold. I will never forget the color. It was as if you mixed emeralds with gold.

“And then we hit the Rockies,” he continued. “Basically, it was still winter. We got snowed on — that was one of our backpacking parts.

We climbed the longest peak in Colorado — and the sky is so deep blue up there. I can only imagine what it’s like on Everest. You’re closer to space and it shows.”

All along his journey, which ended in the forests of the Pacific Northwest and then south through “the most regal of forest kings — the redwood trees” and The Avenue of the Giants in northern California, Reed kept a journal and also chronicled the trip with a 35 mm camera with Kodachrome film. When his father passed away seven years ago, Reed discovered his father’s 13-page memoir about WWII, which inspired him to

This industry report shows clearly how the traditional ways of selling homes have become increasingly less and less effective in today’s market. The fact of this matter is that fully three quarters of homesellers don’t get what they want for their homes and become disillusioned and worse financially disadvantaged when they put their homes on the market.

As this report uncovers, most homesellers make 7 deadly mistakes that cost them literally thousands of dollars. The good news is that each and every one of these mistakes is entirely preventable. In answer to this issue, industry insiders have prepared a free special report entitles “The 9 Step System to Get your Home Sold Fast and For Top Dollar”. To order your FREE copy of this report, call toll-free 1-800-270-1494 and enter 1000. You can call anytime, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Get your free special report Now to find out how you can get the most money for your home.

Courtesy of Dan Smith eXp Realty BRE 01346593

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SEE GREAT OUTDOORS, Page 18

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NEWS

Jan. 15 – Feb. 11, 2021 Mission Times Courier / College Times Courier

News briefs

and available by visiting sandiegobloodbank.org or by calling 619-400-8251.

CONTINUED FROM Page 1

commemorative collection for blood donors (while supplies last).

“On top of local demand for blood and convalescent plasma, we are also being called upon to help supply national surge centers with plasma as there is a huge spike in usage across the country,” said Dr. David Wellis, San Diego Blood Bank CEO. “We need our community to come together and donate and there’s no better time than National Blood Donor Month.”

To be eligible to donate blood you must be at least 17 years old, weigh at least 114 pounds and be in general good health.

Appointments are required

HOMELESS TASKFORCE CREATES NEW BOARD STRUCTURE Two boards rather than one will guide efforts by the Regional Taskforce on the Homeless (RTFH) to end homelessness in San Diego County while enhancing the organization’s ability to bring critical funding to the region.

By separating its board of directors into a policy advisory board and a new, financially oriented board more akin to traditional nonprofit boards, the RTFH has created a stronger governance infrastructure for the organization

tasked with leading the region’s efforts to end homelessness.

One board, the Advisory Board, will continue to convene the region’s elected officials, service providers, and civic leaders for discussions about policy and best practices. The second board, the 501c3 Non-Profit Board, will focus on the fiscal oversight of the organization, acquiring funding and allocating it where it’s needed most.

“First and foremost, this was a decision-based in good governance,” said Tamera Kohler, CEO of RTFH. “The evolution of the RTFH into an agency responsible for tens of millions of dollars of funding to homelessness programs throughout the region created an opportunity for us to separate our policy experts and the

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sdnews.com decisions they make from those responsible for fiscal oversight.”

The RTFH is the authority and lead coordinator in the San Diego region for new and best practices and policies to prevent, alleviate and ultimately end homelessness in San Diego.

The RTFH board of directors historically has had 31 members, has been chaired by an elected official and has included homeless service providers, elected officials, business and civic leaders and those with lived experience. That body, known as the Continuum of Care (CoC), remains intact and continues to advise on new and emerging initiatives and coordination of services throughout the region.

The RTFH also oversees the distribution of funding throughout the San Diego region from a diverse range of sources, including the state of California’s Homeless Housing, Assistance and Prevention Grant Program (HHAP), the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Notice of Funding Availability and a Flexible Housing Pool. This funding responsibility will now be that of the new nonprofit board of directors and RTFH staff.

In 2018, the RTFH was given the responsibility of allocating more than $18 million in funding from the state of California’s Homeless E mergency A id Program (HEAP) and nearly $8 million from the federal government’s Youth Homelessness Demonstration Program (YHDP).

The CoC remains responsible for the policy, advocacy, and research, the annual countywide Point-in-Time Count, and management of the region’s Coordinated Entry System (CES) and Homeless Management Information System (HMIS).

For more information about the Regional Taskforce on the Homeless, visit RTFHSD.org.

CIVIC COMMUNITY PARTNERS, NORWOOD DEVELOPMENT FORM MID-INCOME HOUSING FUND Civic Community Partners and Norwood Development Strategies announced the formation of a San Diego housing investment fund to increase the production of housing in San Diego County that

is affordable to middle-income families.

To launch the fund, Civic has contributed $400,000 through the Middlemarch Fund which has in turn made its first investment in Secoya on Fifth.

“Secoya” is an upcoming eight-story, 100-unit mixed-income housing development in the heart of Bankers Hill, steps from Balboa Park. According to developer Russ Murfey of Murfey Company, “we acquired the best site we could find near Downtown’s employment base along transit and designed a mixed-income housing development that intentionally mixes a broad spectrum of household income levels under the same roof. We are breaking ground today (Monday), and the project should be complete in 2022.”

The goal of the Middlemarch Fund is to raise $100 million from employers, foundations, and social impact investors to invest in a number of similar projects located throughout the county. Civic and Norwood are actively working to identify qualified projects to receive this type of investment.

For more information on funding and the qualification requirements, contact Michael Lengyel at lengyel@civicsd.com.

Health care worker gets a vaccine shot. (Courtesy photo)

COUNTY OPENS ‘VACCINATION SUPER STATION’ On Jan. 11, the County of San Diego took the lead to get more front line health care workers vaccinated by collaborating with regional partners UC San Diego Health, the Padres and the City of San Diego to open the County’s first COVID-19 Vaccination Super Station.

Health care workers must make appointment online and provide SEE NEWS BRIEFS, Page 15

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Jan. 15 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Feb. 11, 2021 Mission Times Courier / College Times Courier

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Jan. 15 – Feb. 11, 2021 Mission Times Courier / College Times Courier

Guest editorials

COVID-19 vaccine is here, older adults should still take precautions

By SHARP HEATLH NEWS TEAM and SIMONE VALANCIUTE

more detailed guidelines for how to protect yourself and your family.

Less than a year after the novel coronavirus appeared in the U.S., we now have two safe vaccines against COVID-19 approved by the FDA for emergency use—the fastest major vaccine development ever seen. The previous record-holder was the mumps vaccine, which still took four years to create. While this is an amazing accomplishment, the pandemic is far from over. Even though older adults are in the first priority group to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, they still need to take precautions to keep themselves and their families safe.

Here are some answers to the top questions seniors may have as states begin to distribute the COVID-19 vaccine.

How long will I need to wear a mask and physically distance?

How do the COVID-1 9 vaccines work? Are they safe?

Both the vaccines currently being given, from Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna, are mRNA vaccines, which mean they contain genetic material from the novel coronavirus. When someone gets an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine, their body’s cells basically get instructions on how to create the proteins unique to the virus—and because those cells recognize that the virus shouldn’t be there, they produce antibodies that help them fight off infection if they’re ever exposed to the virus again.

Both vaccines were tested in clinical trials according to rigorous safety standards established by the FDA. The makers of both vaccines have reported a 94-95 percent efficacy rate in preventing severe illness. Learn more about the COVID-19 vaccine in this article by Sharp HealthCare. To find out how, when and where you can get the vaccine please visit the San Diego County COVID-19 Web page.

What can I do if I’m vaccinated?

If you’re older than 75, or older than 65 with certain health conditions, you will likely be vaccinated before many of your family members and even some friends.

This means that until most of the population is vaccinated, your lives probably shouldn’t change much.

Certain things will be safer for you to do, though, such as going to the grocery store and running other errands. However, you will still need to take precautions against COVID-19 until most of the U.S. population is vaccinated. This includes wearing a mask around others, physically distancing from others, avoiding crowded indoor gatherings, frequently washing your hands and refraining from touching your face. The CDC has

Vaccinated people should still wear masks around others, and avoid crowded indoor gatherings, for at least the next several months.

This is because scientists are still trying to figure out whether people who have been vaccinated can still spread the virus to others, even if their risk of getting sick is now much lower.

When can I visit my family and friends?

You should wait until at least two weeks after your last shot with either vaccine. However, most public health experts strongly advise against resuming visits with family and friends until all of them are vaccinated.

Will we ever go back to “normal”?

The novel coronavirus will likely continue to spread until a large majority of the population (at least 70 percent) is vaccinated or has developed natural immunity after surviving infection. The vaccines will not be an immediate ticket back to the way life was in 2019. Many experts agree that it’s better to think about how we “move forward” instead of “getting back to normal.”

In the meantime, it’s important for all of us, but especially older adults, to continue taking care of ourselves and staying safely engaged with the world around us, even if we’re isolating at home. Seek out virtual volunteer opportunities, such as tutoring or phone banking, and stay in contact with family members through phone calls and video chats. Additionally, learning new skills and meeting new people keeps you cognitively sharp and is good for your mental health. Many organizations, including San Diego Oasis, offer free or low-cost online classes in a variety of topics, from dance and fitness to art and technology.

We’ve all been challenged in 2020. Continuing to take all necessary precautions as we wait for most of the population to get vaccinated will take more patience, but it’s how we will move forward to the other side of this pandemic—and hopefully, to healthier, more balanced lives in the years ahead.

—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 sandiegooasis.org. To learn more about Sharp, visit sharp.com/health-news.

OPINION

Can schools finish the year normally?

By DR. JONATHAN SPERO, M.D.

COVID-19 cases are surging across the U.S., a harsh reality that students, parents, teachers and staff feared would happen when many schools opened for fall sessions. As a result, schools throughout the nation have closed and shifted to remote learning in recent weeks.

What will it take to return kids to the classroom and keep schools open?

Though vaccines have been approved, it may be months before children, their families, and school personnel are vaccinated. Until then, implementing a plan that includes processes for virus detection and response is paramount.

The problem that schools are facing is there is still a significant prevalence of COVID in many communities. Schools need to do everything they can to prevent student outbreaks; otherwise it’s going to continue shutting down schools.

But on top of that you have to deal with a tremendous amount of anxiety. The students, parents, faculty, and staff are all on pins and needles because they are feeling insecure about their health.

The only way to address all of this is through a comprehensive health security strategy that can work when so many variables are in play.

In my capacity as an expert on pandemic preparedness and experience delivering COVID-19 testing to K-12 schools in New York City through my company InHouse Physicians (inhousephysicians.com), I offers these suggestions to safely open schools while navigating the continuing COVID-19 crisis: • Daily temperature checks. They’re not a foolproof way to see if someone has COVID. A significant number are asymptomatic, but fever is a common symptom, and because it is, temperature checks should be a fundamental daily procedure. I suggests two ways to organize the temperature-checking process at schools: 1. Designate some staff members, who can each scan 200-300 students an hour; and 2. use thermal scanners, a device that can scan 400600 per hour.

• Screening for symptoms and close contacts.

This starts at home, where parents can help prevent the spread at schools by keeping children home who are showing COVID-like symptoms or have been in close contact with someone with COVID. At schools, everyone returning should be screened on a range of symptoms. Those with symptoms should be sent home and referred for testing.

• COVID surveillance testing. Though this is rarely being done in K-12 schools, frequent asymptomatic testing of the student population is a very effective way to limit the spread of the virus in the school. Positive test results necessitate the immediate need to perform contact tracing with the goal of identifying everyone who was in close contact with the infected student.

• Daily prevention protocols. Prevention measures include mask-wearing by all students and staff throughout the school day, frequent disinfection of surfaces, the availability of hand sanitizers in classrooms, frequent reminders to wash hands, and as much social distancing as possible in classrooms.

Positivity rates in the community need to be held to a reasonable level for schools in an area to be open. And when they are open, there are a lot of moving parts for school officials to deal with in order to avoid an outbreak. But if they’re not dealt with, ultimately your school could be closing again.

—Dr. Jonathan Spero (inhousephysicians.com) is a physician and an expert on pandemic preparedness and employee health. For over 30 years he has been the CEO of InHouse Physicians, which is dedicated to protecting the health and well-being of employees and meeting attendees around the world. InHouse Physicians regularly supports some of the highest-profile corporate sales, incentive, and executive programs in the world, including the Olympic Games and World Cup. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Spero and InHouse Physicians have been delivering employee health services to critical infrastructure corporations, offering medical care and COVID testing. Dr. Spero completed his medical training at the University of California.

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1621 Grand Ave. Suite C San Diego, CA 92109 (858) 270-3103 Fax (858) 713-0095 MissionTimesCourier.com Twitter: @MssnTimesCourier EDITOR Jeff Clemetson x130 jeff@sdnews.com

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CONTRIBUTING EDITORS Kendra Sitton x136 Tom Melville x131 Dave Schwab x132

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ACCOUNTING Heather Humble x120 accounting@sdnews.com

College Times edition Michelle Baron Jose Reynoso Sarah Ward Mission Times edition Raul A. Campillo Shain Haug Patricia Mooney Jennifer Morrissey Veronica Smith

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OPINIONS/LETTERS: Mission Times Courier encourages letters to the editor and guest editorials. Please email submissions to jeff@sdnews.com and include your phone number and address for verification. We reserve the right to edit letters for brevity and accuracy. Letters and guest editorials do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher or staff.

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DISTRIBUTION: Mission Times Courier is distributed free the second Friday of every month. © 2021. All rights reserved.

LA JOLLA

POLITICS sdnews.com Call to arms and reflection REFLECTION

By JAMESA SELLECK

The Navajo Canyon Republica n Women of Cali fornia (NCRWC) will continue to meet on Zoom and return to our in-person meetings as soon as possible.

NCRWC CALL TO ARMS

Our first duty is to purge the voter rolls. No more dead people voting.

It is also our task to actively pursue more members and associates, and add to our chapter.

We need to care more about local government than federal. Our best opportunity to effect change is to act on a local level.

January brought shock and disbelief.

“Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction” — Ronald Reagan.

We are looking socialism in the eye and stunned to realize it is our fault. It is the GOP’s fault.

Now it is time for reflection.

Time to look at things a different way. It’s time for honest introspection and an unvarnished examination of what we did or didn’t do that brought us to this dangerous moment in history.

The genesis? We can all produce significant policies, politicians, and events that ushered in socialism.

Painful as it is to admit, we were asleep, spineless, and indolent. We either preferred ignorance or excused self-dealing and corruption.

When faced with shameful, harmful policies and fiscal pork from leftists, we readily lie down. For some unknown reason, we are deficient with words and messages. We play by the Marquis of Queensbury rules and wonder why leftists batter conservatives into the dirt.

Enough! This is a different time!

We have been bloodied and it’s our charge to rise and take back the America we love.

The GOP needs an internal assessment. Where have we failed throughout the decades? What made us impotent? What are our specifics for a stronger, more strategic, effective conservative movement? We must produce actionable items.

By SEAN QUINTAL

Jan. 6, 2021, will appear in American history books for generations, alongside dates like Dec. 7, 1941 and April 14, 1865 — days that become seared into our national psyche by events that both inflame the conscience and encumber the heart.

On Jan. 6, the world watched in horrified disbelief as a sitting U.S. president incited a mob of followers to attack the hallowed home of our democracy. Scores of mostly white people stormed the U.S. Capitol building, charging beneath flags that bore the sigil and surname of the object of their nihilistic idolatry. The sinister motivation of the riotous rabble was literal sedition: conspiring to interfere with the constitutionally required democratic process being conducted at that moment in the chambers of Congress.

What ensued was a sordid spectacle of vandalism, desecration, mayhem and murder.

Throughout, Trump refused to seriously condemn the marauders, or to ask them to desist. And he could not have done so authentically, since the paroxysm of anti-patriotism was the logical conclusion of his years-long campaign of self-serving lies, and calumnious conspiracy theories.

But Trump’s lies alone would have been insufficient fuel for that treasonous fire to burn. The conflagration drew its oxygen from the cynical enabling of Republican senators and congresspersons. For months, GOP officeholders either expressly endorsed Trump’s ridiculous claims of election fraud, or coyly muttered limp ambiguities,

7

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GOP lies incite domestic terrorism, as Dems prepare to govern never expressly condemning the lies.

Thus, on Jan. 6, a ceremonial recording of votes became a vehicle for political preening by the wretched likes of Ted Cruz and Josh Hawley; both former clerks for U.S. Supreme Court justices, they knew that the outcome of the vote counting was not changeable. But they knowingly lied to Trump’s frothing supporters to fundraise, and to burnish their credentials for the lunatic vote in the 2024 presidential contest.

The frothing Trump supporters heard affirmation of their demagogue’s lies, and unleashed mob violence to intentionally subvert both the Constitution and democracy itself.

Even after the insurrectionists were cleared from the Capitol, and the vote counting resumed, Hawley, Cruz and five other Republican senators, were joined by more than 100 GOP representatives in the House to object to accepting the votes of the American people. Lawmakers who hours before had cowered on the floor, fearing for their lives, still voted to dishonor the will of the American voters.

For all of them, may their names always be remembered for this sin against our nation. May their reputations be forever lashed with an iron cord to Trump’s repulsive legacy. And may history’s judgment of them be harsh and unforgiving.

Their disgrace and ignominy will be well deserved.

Jan. 6 was momentous for another, more hopeful reason.

That day the nation learned that Jon Osoff and Raphael Warnock had won both of Georgia’s U.S. Senate seats. Critically, this gives the Democrats majority control, with Vice President Harris’ tie-breaking vote of the Senate. This provides the Biden

Jan. 15 – Feb. 11, 2021 Mission Times Courier / College Times Courier

administration the opportunity to achieve important legislation for all Americans. First priorities will be to correct the failures and underfunding of Trump’s COVID vaccine distribution, to provide much needed stimulus money to American workers and small businesses, and to rescue state and local governments which are being crushed by the enormous burden of spending, coupled with lost revenues due to the pandemic. Those victories also make starkly clear what a failure Donald Trump has been.

In his four years as President, the Republicans have lost the House, the Senate and the Presidency.

Just as national Democrats are gearing up to legislate, local Democratic officeholders are also assuming the reins of government. Two of those leaders joined us for our January meeting. Nathan Fletcher, Chair of the San Diego County Board of Supervisors, described the Board’s “Framework for the Future,” emphasizing reordered governing priorities now that Democrats have a majority of the Board. These include a focus on racism as a public health crisis; making progress on coordinated local policies to confront climate change; and fashioning a science and data driven approach to COVID vaccinations and mitigation. Raul Campillo, newly elected San Diego City Councilman for District 7, explained that the Council’s new 8-1 majority would reflect Democratic values.

These include small business relief; creation of good-paying union and green jobs; substantial infrastructure investment, as well as municipal worker protections. Campillo was also happy to report that funding for SEE LMFDC, Page 9

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WHERE DOES YOUR PROPERTY GO IF YOU DIE WITHOUT A WILL OR TRUST? By: Dick McEntyre and Chris von der Lieth, Attorneys at Law Except where you hold title with another as a joint tenant, or have designated your beneficiary under an insurance policy, retirement plan, or IRA, if you die without leaving a will or a trust (called dying “intestate”), your entire estate will pass in accordance with what are called the laws of intestate succession.

Assume you own a home and some mutual funds, and you die intestate, here’s what would happen under California law: 1.If, when you died you were married and had two children, and the home and mutual funds were owned by you and your spouse as community property (meaning, essentially, any property acquired by either spouse while you are married, except acquired by gift or inheritance) (in which each of you own an undivided one-half interest), your spouse would receive your one-half community property interest (in addition to the onehalf interest that he or she already owned).

2. If, when you died you were married and had two children, and the home and mutual funds were owned by yourself as your separate property (meaning property you, alone, had acquired by gift or

inheritance, or had owned before you were married), your spouse and two children would each receive one-third of your estate.

3. If, when you died you were unmarried and had two children, each of your two children would receive one-half of your estate.

It gets more complicated where you have no spouse and no children. Your estate then passes by “degree of kinship” to your parent(s); but if none surviving, to your brothers and sisters; but if none surviving, to your grandparents; but if none surviving, to your uncles and aunts, and so-on down the line.

The point of all this: to avoid what would perhaps be an unintended disposition of our property, and also to avoid a costly and timeconsuming court-required administration (“probate”) of your estate, we should each pass on our estates by the appropriate written instrument – trust or will.

The above statements are not to be taken as legal advice for the reader’s particular situation.

Richard F. McEntyre practices law in the area of estate planning and administration, having served the San Diego community as a lawyer for over 40 years. Chris von der Lieth is Dick’s associate lawyer, having worked with Dick for over 6 years. Affordable rates. Highest quality services. House calls available.

Our office is conveniently located at 2615 Camino Del Rio South, Suite 101 (in Mission Valley just east of Bully’s restaurant) (Telephone (619) 221-0279) www.richardfmcentyre.com.

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Jan. 15 – Feb. 11, 2021 POLITICS Mission Times Courier / College Times Courier sdnews.com A look ahead at legislative priorities LMFDC

9

CONTINUED FROM Page 7

By TONI G. ATKINS

As we embark on 2021, there are unknowns and challenges ahead of us, but also opportunities.

We returned to Sacramento this month to continue our legislative work, which as you can imagine, is largely focused on the COVID-19 pandemic. That was our legislative priority in 2020, and continues to be this year.

Too many lives have been lost and many more disrupted by this virus. The Senate will continue to work to find ways to help our neighbors, schools and businesses survive the impacts of this pandemic. In addition to work on vaccine procurement and distribution, the Legislature and the Governor will be working with our new federal partners on funding solutions to protect renters and homeowners, as well as students, teachers, health care personnel, small businesses and the vendors and suppliers who depend on them.

COVID-19 has exacerbated what was an already-critical need for more affordable housing and more housing supply in our

state. In taking a leadership role, the Senate has introduced the ‘Building Opportunities for All’ Senate Housing Package, which includes six bills aimed at offering housing opportunities and solutions for Californians.

I have two bills in the Senate housing package — SB 7 (The Housing + Jobs Expansion and Extension Act) which would expand and extend the existing CEQA streamlining process for environmental leadership development projects. SB 9 (The California Housing Opportunity and More Efficiency (HOME) Act) — which will help streamline the process for new housing units while maintaining local control and preserving neighborhood character. It would allow more homeowners to create a duplex or subdivide an existing lot in residential area.

We have a unique opportunity to pursue legislation and policies that support the housing needs of local governments and all Californians and I’m excited that the Senate is leading the way.

More information can be found at focus.senate.ca.gov/housing.

We also must tackle the other crisis that touches all Californians:

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climate change. Given the wildfires, record high temperatures, and persistent drought conditions, I introduced SB 1 (The California Sea Level Rise Mitigation and Adaptation Act of 2021), which helps local communities address sea level rise. That need is particularly important critical in San Diego, since it affects both our economy and military.

The Senate will also be advancing a $4.1 billion bond measure to help communities invest in climate resiliency—including addressing sea level rise, preparing for droughts, and preventing wildfires.

I’m also proud to co-author SB 2 with my colleague Senator Steven Bradford (D-Gardena), which requires law enforcement officers to have their certifications revoked following the conviction of serious crimes or termination from employment due to misconduct.

This legislation is a social justice commitment to ensuring that no one is above the law.

There is important work ahead.

I am deeply honored to have been re-elected to represent the 39th Senate District and humbled by the opportunities my community

Toni A. Atkins (Courtesy photo)

has given me to serve. Should you ever need to get in touch with my office, please do not hesitate to reach out to my District Team. By Phone: 619-645-3133. Submit a comment online: sd39.senate. ca.gov —Toni G. Atkins is President pro Tempore of the California Senate. Having previously served as Speaker of the California Assembly, she began her tenure in the Senate in 2016. As Senator for District 39, she represents the cities of San Diego, Coronado, Del Mar and Solana Beach. Website of President pro Tempore Toni G. Atkins: www. senate.ca.gov/Atkins

the long-promised San Carlos branch library is already in his proposed budget.

First hand information from local and national political leaders is a regular feature of our club’s monthly meetings. If you would like to stay abreast of local and national political developments, or if you would like to become more involved in local matters, you are welcome to join our monthly meetings.

The first Wednesday of every month we meet on Zoom at 6:30 p.m., with the formal meeting commencing at 7 p.m.

To join us, you may find the Zoom links at lmfdems.com.

—Sean Quintal writes on behalf of the La Mesa Foothills Democratic Club.

For up-to-date news follow us on Facebook and Twitter

10

NEWS SDSU adds flexibility to meal plan Jan. 15 – Feb. 11, 2021 Mission Times Courier / College Times Courier

While the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the operations of many restaurants and eateries in the areas surrounding the San Diego State University campus, SDSU Dining Services has redesigned the meal plans for the current academic year, allowing students more spending flexibility.

The change is a result of many restaurants not owned or operated by SDSU having significantly limited their operations due to COVID-19 health and safety guidelines.

More than 20 dining options remain available and open. Due to a statewide stay-at-home order that took effect Sunday, Dec. 6, outdoor dining at all locations has been shut down and capacity inside Aztec Shops markets and eateries on campus has been limited to 20%.

Of the dining options that remain open around campus, 16 locations are open on weekends and nine are open for dinner on weekends. These locations currently provide thousands of item options to choose from, and popular campus eateries such as The Garden Restaurant, University Towers Kitchen, Salad Bistro, Chipotle, Shakesmart, Aztec Markets and the Habit remain in operation.

accommodate 35,000 st udents, 5,000 fac u lt y a nd staff, and thousands of visitors to the campus each year in order to support the needs of the campus community. Currently, though, with More than 20 dining options remain available and open on campus. (Image courtesy of SDSU NewsCenter) the number of individuals on “SDSU Dining Services is campus significantly reduced, it committed to offering easily ac- is evident that low traffic in sevcessible dining options to our eral locations on campus could students,” said Todd Summer, not support business operations.

CEO of Aztec Shops and assoAdditionally, SDSU Dining has ciate vice president of Business taken action to modify student and Financial Affairs. “The in- meal plans for this year to protroduction of new offerings and vide more flexibility. Students’ spending flexibility options un- daily allocated meal funds and derscore SDSU Dining Services’ swipe totals will also now roll efforts in service of the campus over each week and the remaining balance at the end of the fall community.”

To expand offerings, SDSU semester will now roll over to the Dining Services — a division of spring semester for this academic Aztecs Shops — has added food year.

Students in need of assistance truck service to Villa Alvarado on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. for food access are also encourOnline ordering is now available aged to seek support through the at The Garden, University Towers Economic Crisis Response Team Kitchen, Vinnie’s and Salad (ECRT) and the Food Pantry, both Bistro with pick-up at the eatery of which help connect students within 15 minutes or at a later with healthy food options.

For a full list of open locations designated time.

SDSU Dining’s self-run eater- and operating hours, please visit ies and contracted restaurants eatatsdsu.com/hours.

sdnews.com

Rendering of SDSU Mission Valley (Photo courtesy Schmidt Design Group)

SDSU, SDSU Mission Valley recognized for sustainable transportation

By MICHELLE BARON

San Diego State University and SDSU Mission Valley’s efforts to promote alternative commuting and sustainable transportation options have been recognized with awards and acknowledgement from San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) iCommute and Circulate San Diego. iCommute, the Transportation Demand Management program for the San Diego region managed

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by SANDAG, recognized SDSU for excellence in commute options for its employees. Circulate San Diego, a nonprofit that works to promote public transit, safe streets and sustainable growth in our communities, spotlighted the transit-oriented and sustainable plan for SDSU Mission Valley.

SANDAG ICOMMUTE DIAMOND AWARD The SANDAG iCommute program gave Diamond Awards to 138 employers in 2020 for outstanding efforts to provide and encourage environmentally sustainable transportation options for employees. SDSU was one of only 29 employers to receive a Platinum award, the program’s highest tier.

“We should be proud of this accomplishment as it shows we are taking strides to provide transportation benefits to our students and employees,” said Debbie Richeson, director of Parking and Transportation Services.

The Diamond Awards program is based on a points system having to do with the elements of an employer’s commute program, their annual commuter events and activities, as well as shifts in their employee’s transportation choices.

“SDSU is benefiting by having alternatives for sustainable transportation, and through our efforts, we are working toward reducing our carbon footprint on campus,” said Richeson. “Some of the commitments and improvements made by our university are programs such as vanpool; offering services such as shuttles, carsharing, and ridesharing; encouraging the use of bikes; and the opportunity to receive pre-tax enrollment in MTS trolley passes.”

CIRCULATE SAN DIEGO AWARD AND NOMINATION SDSU Mission Valley was nominated for a Circulate San Diego Momentum Award this year in the Complete Streets award category.

SEE SDSU SUSTAINABLE, Page 12

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NEWS

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Osher

CONTINUED FROM Page 2

many educational settings, the Osher Institute at SDSU is currently using Zoom-conferencing to connect participants to an off-campus remote learning experience. The delivery method has changed from in-person classes to online live webinars, but the commitment to providing engaging educational opportunities hasn’t.

As dean of SDSU Global Campus, Radhika Seshan overseas the Osher Institute at SDSU. Working with her team to carry-out this necessary new approach, she states, “We look forward to strengthening and enriching this program format, so

that we can grow our community and assure ourselves of a responsible and rich experience as the Osher program moves forward.”

The most recent Zoom webinar on Jan. 6 was entitled, “Dismantling Racism One Insight at a Time.” The session consisted of a 60-minute presentation by Peter Bolland, a philosophy and humanities professor, followed by 30 minutes of questions and answers.

Nancy Miller took part in that webinar and enthusiastically expressed, “This was one of the best presentations on dismantling racism I’ve ever heard. It was explanatory, non-judgemental, and informative as to why there is bias and what we can do to address it, in all arenas, including ourselves.”

CA Happenings CONTINUED FROM Page 2

College Area for some time. They have promised to check the status of our request with the streets division and push for the swiftest action possible.

Please let us know what issues you would like to have the city look into and/or help with.

Since our elected officials look to the College Area Community Council/ Planning Board (CACC/PB) as representatives of the community, please get involved. Join meetings, speak with board members within your neighborhood. We have worked hard to make sure that all neighborhoods

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According to Jennifer Ederer, a program coordinator, about 100 people took part in that webinar.

She believes the interactive Zoom session proved to be a successful new way of engaging with the Osher community until in-person participation is allowed.

Prior to the pandemic, membership was required to access Osher courses. Some Osher host sites have an all-inclusive fee structure, while others charge separately for courses and activities. Typically, Osher SDSU charged a membership fee of $30 per term. Benefits extend beyond classes, and include Love Library priveledges, discounted event rates and even a student Amazon Prime rate.

While public health measures are still in effect, the Institute is currently offering free access to

get representation on the board so there is someone near you.

In March the CACC/PB has its annual elections for board members.

We are waiting for guidance from the city regarding how we will hold elections, given the pandemic, but stay tuned and if you’re interested in getting involved — especially right now that we have a community plan update in progress; consider running for the board. The requirements are on our website under “membership.”

The website is collegearea.org.

Finally, as the community strives to move back to normal, Hardy Elementary is working hard to prepare for in-person instruction. It will take a lot of effort to make sure that

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Jan. 15 – Feb. 11, 2021 Mission Times Courier / College Times Courier its online monthly webinars without membership, but will clarify its fee structure when traditional programming resumes. Now, is a great time to get familiar with the College area Osher community, as staff work to generate more online programming opportunities.

The next webinar is scheduled on Feb. 15, 1:30-3 p.m. Oliva M. Espin, Ph.D., will make a presentation based on her recently published memoir, “My Native Land is Memory: Stories of a Cuban Childhood.” She will illuminate the pre-revolutionary Cuba of the 1940s and 1950s, based on history, family photos, stories, analysis and memories. Those wanting to learn more about Cuban history without reading historical treatises, will enjoy this presentation and Q&A discussion.

it is done safely. In recent history, the usual resources have never provided enough funds to accomplish certain goals and priorities. That’s where volunteer groups like the PTA and Dad’s Club come in. In order to make sure that there are enough resources available to get kids back to school safely, an eco/electronic waste disposal fundraiser is tentatively scheduled for Feb. 20 and 21. Please support a noble, worthy cause. Once details are firmed up, we will provide them and ask that you help and also spread the word.

Stay safe and stay well!

—Jose Reynoso is chair of the College Area Community Council/Planning Board.

11

Dr. Espen is a native of Cuba.

She received her Ph.D. in Florida, did post-doctoral work at Harvard University and was a Fulbright Scholar in Austria.

She is Professor Emerita in the Department of Women’s Studies at SDSU. It is not necessary to have read the memoir in advance, but for those who would like to, it can be found online and through local or national booksellers.

Monthly webinars can be accessed on the organization’s website. To receive information and a Zoom link, complete their form to request email updates. Go to ces. sdsu.edu/osher-lifelong-learning-institute-sdsu or email the office at osher@sdsu.edu.

—Karen Austin writes on behalf of the Alvarado Estates Association.

Librarian CONTINUED FROM Page 1

Since coming to CollegeRolando, Jones has created a routine despite the disruption in service due to COVID-19. He checks in with staff to make sure everyone is present, no one has symptoms and has done a temperature check.

From 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m. and 2-5:30 p.m. patrons who put their books on hold are allowed to come in for pickup and people can also use the computers. Browsing

the shelves is still not permitted.

Jones explained that he comes into work each day with a to-do list and tries to get the heavy administrative tasks done before lunch so he has time to interact with patrons without always being in a rush.

Like many organizations, San Diego Public Libraries have made a concerted effort to expand its digital offerings during the pandemic. On College-Rolando Library’s Facebook page, SEE LIBRARIAN, Page 19

Your San Carlos neighbor and local real estate expert.

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Contact me now.

Joe McLaughlin Broker Associate 619.980.5101 joe@homesofsandiego.com DRE 01323810 Compass is a real estate broker licensed by the State of California and abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws. License Number 01527365. All material presented herein is intended for informational purposes only and is compiled from sources deemed reliable but has not been verified. Changes in price, condition, sale or withdrawal may be made without notice. No statement is made as to accuracy of any description.

All measurements and square footages are approximate.

12

NEWS

Jan. 15 – Feb. 11, 2021 Mission Times Courier / College Times Courier

SDSU sustainable CONTINUED FROM Page 10

“Being nominated for this award means we were successful in designing streets that encourage biking and walking,” said Laura Shinn, director of planning for the Planning, Design and Construction department.

While SDSU Mission Valley did not receive this award, the nomination acknowledges its well-designed streets for all modes of transportation, which also includes aesthetically appealing and safe environments for bikers and pedestrians.

SDSU Mission Valley was previously awarded the Circulate San Diego Mobility Certification for

sdnews.com

its transit-oriented, sustainable, smart growth plan.

“The certification was validation of our multi-modal approach to transportation planning at SDSU Mission Valley,” said Shinn.

The mixed-use, walkable, and bikeable community plan will allow the university community and greater San Diego community to experience a live-work-play

environment that emphasizes the use of active transportation and leverages the presence of the trolley station, which will connect SDSU Mission Valley to other destinations in San Diego County.

“We were recognized for the connectivity of our plan to the adjacent sites and the rest of Mission Valley,” said Shinn.

“This certification represents the

community's recognition of our efforts.”

Building a resilient and sustainable university is a priority in SDSU’s five-year strategic plan, "We Rise We Defy: Transcending Borders, Transforming Lives," which seeks to update the University Climate Action Plan, for all locations, with defined benchmarks.

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Jan. 15 – Feb. 11, 2021 EDUCATION / NEWS Mission Times Courier / College Times Courier sdnews.com Patrick Henry High School reacts to Capitol riot

Patrick Henry High School News

By MICHELLE IRWIN What an extraordinary day in history we engaged in with our fellow Americans on Jan. 6, 2021. As we stood in disbelief, we observed our democracy stand strong and reject such violent actions from a small minority.

Following this tragic day in our history, the faculty and staff at Patrick Henry provided time and a safe space to debrief this incident with our students while emphasizing that our country allows for varying opinions and perspectives, but in a peaceful manner.

What occurred in our Capitol is not what we stand for and it was emphasized when we debriefed

with our students. One of our history teachers was interviewed by the San Diego Tribune about how she addressed this event with our students. Check out the article at bit.ly/3s91Roy. Margaret Wheatley once said, “The future doesn’t take form irrationally even though it feels that way. The future comes from where we are now. The future won’t change until we look thoughtfully at our present. We have sufficient human capacity to think and reflect together, to care about one another, to act courageously, to reclaim the future.”

As we continue along our journey with our students, we have a with a renewed commitment to our democracy and to our country.

COVID CLOSURE UPDATE

Due to the rise in COVID-19 cases, our district has delayed the reopening of our schools for Phase 2. In a few weeks, we will have a status update on a possible reopening date.

There are many factors to reopen which include the utmost safety conditions, agreements between our district and our employee unions and implementation of PPE equipment at every school.

Please remember to visit the Patrick Henry website for up to date information about our school and district at patrickhenryhs.net.

On behalf of the Patrick Henry High School Faculty, we want to thank you for being our partner in education so we can ensure all students graduate with integrity, purpose, and options.

YEARBOOK INFORMATION

Yearbook is working hard to capture memories from this unique school year. We want to see every student featured.

Given the uncertainty of this year, we need your help to ensure that every student is included. We are asking students of all grade levels to submit DIY portraits for this year’s book. Instructions for taking and submitting a DIY

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portrait are posted on the Henry website. We’ve made it as simple as possible for you.

Seniors, please submit your DIY portraits by Feb. 1. If you have already taken a studio portrait, you do not need to submit a DIY portrait. In addition to your senior portraits, buy a senior ad in the yearbook! Details can be found in our Order Center online at bit.ly/2XDD26h. Use code 8053.

Freshmen, sophmores and juniors, please submit your DIY portraits by Feb. 15.

Students who do not submit a portrait for the yearbook, if we have a PowerSchool photo of you, we will use that instead.

13

We are still looking for your stories this year. Please check our Linktree and our Instagram page @henryyearbook for updates so that we can share as many of your stories as possible. This year, you are helping us create the book like never before — your pictures, your stories.

Don’t forget to buy a yearbook.

Share photos and stories with us using our Linktree at linktr. ee/PHHSYearbook2020, and for E-share, visit bit.ly/35sErR8.

Thank you for your continued support. We look forward to featuring all of you!

—Michelle Irwin is principal of Patrick Henry High School.

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NOW ENROLLING! PRE-KTHRU 8THGRADE Thank You for Voting Us Best Of!

By KAREN AUSTIN

As we shift from 2020 to 2021, I’d like to acknowledge the dedication of the Girl Scout organization which rallied to help girls and volunteers stay connected as they continued to deliver on their promise to build girls of courage, confidence and character. Girl Scouts has been operating in San Diego since 1917, with troops of girls participating for the past 104 years right here in our College Area schools and neighborhoods.

My own daughters are two of those neighborhood Girl Scouts and are among more than 20,000 in San Diego.

With such a rich and long history, the organization has learned to adapt and evolve to meet the needs of girls, their families and communities. The 2021 cookie program is an example of just that. Carol M. Dedrich, the current Chief Executive Officer of the San DiegoImperial Council, says, “Our girls are using innovative techniques this year to market cookies in a socially distanced manner. They will rely on channels like Digital Cookie, an order taking website and app, to help them safely and effectively manage their cookie businesses online and provide

A masked Thin Mint symbolizes the Scouts' commitment to safety.

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A Girl Scout using contactless delivery for a cookie order (Photos courtesy Girl Scouts)

customers with the option for direct delivery by FedEx or USPS.” “Moreover,” she continued, “for the first time, our girls will learn and utilize e-commerce technology as we partner with Grubhub‘s delivery service.”

This new national partnership will allow cookie customers to order and pay for cookies through Grubhub‘s website or app. A few other program modifications will also help to ensure the safety of Girl Scouts and cookie buyers alike, as cookies are sold around town. Girl Scouts will, of course, follow the health guidelines established by the State of California and San Diego County to help reduce COVID-19 transmissions.

Under the current purple level, booth sales in front of grocery stores and other businesses are not permitted.

Instead, Girl Scouts will use their entrepreneurial skills to provide a contactless cookie experience. Expect girls to put their tech badge skills to good use with digital marketing, ordering, and even payment acceptance. They will organize distribution and

deliveries by dropping off orders at door steps, creating a pick up point or posting cookies by mail.

Girls may choose whether or not to participate in this Girl Scout tradition, which was started in 1917 by a troop in Kansas. Soon, Girl Scouts and their mothers around the nation were baking and selling cookies together in their neighborhoods. The original shortbread recipe was used to develop the current Trefoil cookie, fashioned in the shape of the Girl Scout emblem.

An important fundraising effort to raise operating revenue, the cookie program also aims to help girls develop these five skills essential to their own leadership and success in life: setting goals, decision-making, money management, people skills and business ethics. In addition to personal development, girls can earn fun rewards and a share of money they collect for their own troop activities. All net proceeds stay in San Diego to fund local Girl Scouting, including programs, activities SEE SCOUT COOKIES, Page 15

WE BUILD LEADERS W H O I M PACT THE WORLD. At the Rock Academy, our education is anchored in a solid foundation of Christian Faith and strong academics. Our diverse, close-knit community, engaging teaching style, and safe environment will allow your child to grow into the unique leader they are called to be.

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14

FOOD & DRINK sdnews.com San Diego Restaurant Week to host first-ever April celebration Jan. 15 – Feb. 11, 2021 Mission Times Courier / College Times Courier

A blossom of foodie adventures await San Diegans as San Diego Restaurant Week (SDRW) bundles the yields of spring into an eightday edible extravaganza expanded to provide more dining than ever before alongside much needed industry aid! The beloved foodie event brings new life to the restaurant community from Sunday, April 11 through Sunday, April 18 and features over 160 restaurants offering variations of prix fixe menus at affordable prices.

In its first-ever vernal season debut, SDRW will return to San Diego in alignment with a celebratory ‘Spring Harvest’ theme for San Diego diners. Whether you are looking to pluck a deal, glean a great value, produce a customized dining plan or just enjoy a budding tasting experience, SDRW gathers all of that into one meal of your choice.

“Transitioning San Diego Restaurant Week from January to April in 2021 lets the community enjoy the fun dining experiences they love with SDRW but in a way that will maximally benefit our restaurant industry,” stated Ben Clevenger, CRA San Diego Chapter president. “Diners will get

to choose their method of support through in-person dining, to go orders or even gift card purchases. As we start to shake the winter dust off, this week of dining in San Diego will boost energy into our cultural communities and our favorite restaurants.”

Spanning across San Diego County, participating restaurants will offer three-course prix-fixe dinner menus for $20, $30, $40, $50 or $60 per person and/or twocourse prix-fixe lunch menus for $10, $15, $20 or $25 per person.

Restaurants sprouting with innovation will showcase their menus through traditional in-house dining, expanded outdoor spaces as well as to go accommodations.

This delicious week is the perfect opportunity to explore the trending food scene of the Spring 2021 season, the return to the thriving culinary scene of San Diego, and to show your support for your local restaurant owners who have traversed an exceptional year of challenges. Both veteran favorites and newly established eateries that have carved out their places in San Diego’s Culinary Bedrock will participate in this foodie-favorite week operating

(Image by Free Photos)

under the most current guidelines from public officials.

“Our San Diego restaurants have faced tremendous hardships over the course of the last year.

From multiple rounds of closures to costly infrastructure investments to support safe outdoor dining, the strain on small business owners has been insurmountable for many,” stated Andy Baumann, San Diego Restaurant Week Chair.

“Our neighborhoods eateries need community support to dig out of these holes as we have just

begun our climb back. San Diego Restaurant Week will come at a perfect time for restaurateurs to create new dynamic offerings with the Spring Harvest and to generate the essential revenue they need to sustain business into the future.”

San Diego Restaurant Week encourages “Restaurant Week Your Way” by creating dynamic meal options and flexibility for the diner. Create your perfect palate with personalized menu options from your favorite participating San Diego eateries. Choose between

your combinations of entrée, appetizer, drink, and/or dessert to create your own customized, one-of-a-kind Restaurant Week experience.

Don’t just eat and drink like any other week — indulge until your blooming heart’s content with everything San Diego has to offer.

Tickets are not necessary for this delectable week of discounted dining, but reservations are recommended! Visit SanDiegoRestaurantWeek.com for more information.

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SPORTS / NEWS sdnews.com Crusaders Soccer Scout cookies Club turns 50 CONTINUED FROM Page 1 3

By JAY WILSON

2021 is the 50th anniversary of the Crusaders Soccer Club, established in 1971. Crusaders Soccer Club is the premier youth soccer club serving East County and provides a top-notch soccer club experience.

The 2020 season ended with very successful fall programs for our competitive and recreational teams and two winter camps during the holidays. This was all accomplished in compliance with strict COVID-19 protocols and we thank everyone involved with our soccer programs for their understanding and compliance – players, coaches and parents.

We are beginning January with tryouts for our 2021 competitive program for boys and girls born between 2003 and 2017. We have added a number of new teams and players to our existing teams. If you are interested in joining a competitive soccer team in 2021, please go to our home page for more information at crusaderssoccer.org.

Registration for our 2021 recreational spring season for boys and girls born between 2006 and 2017 started and is moving quickly. We anticipate practices starting mid-February with games/ activities in March.

Crusaders Soccer Club is proud to announce the return of Daisy Contreras as a member of our coaching staff for the 2021 season. Rene Miramontes, our director of coaching stated, “We are always excited seeing

News briefs CONTINUED FROM Page 4

proof they’re a health care worker. Board of Supervisors Chair Nathan Fletcher brokered deal with partners to join County’s supersized “POD” pilot.

This new “POD” (point of dispensing) program being piloted by the County is a way to quickly and safely vaccinate the 500,000 health care workers in our region eligible for Phase 1A-Tier categories on the state of California’s vaccine priority list. The County had previously established four small pods across the region that were administering hundreds of vaccines to health care workers daily that will continue to operate, but the Vaccination Super Station will enable up to 5,000 doses per day of vaccines to be administered.

The Vaccination Super Station operates from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. seven days a week. Vaccines will only be administered to healthcare workers who have made an appointment online at VaccinationSuperStationSD. com. The County’s Vaccination Super Station is located at the Padres-controlled Tailgate Lot,

our Crusaders alumni come back as members of our staff.

She was part of the powerful Girls 2001/2002 Academy team that ended up taking the San Diego Development Academy Championship and, also part of the winning squad that took the CIF championship at West Hills High School. Coming back from playing in the Universidad Autonoma De Nuevo Leon in Mexico, Daisy will be helping lead our Girls 2011 Premier team and we know she will be a great addition and example for this group of awesome players.”

All activities are contingent on approval of Gov. Newsom, the California Department of Health and the County of San Diego Health and Human Services Agency guidelines for all youth athletics.

Join our social media network and follow the Crusaders Soccer Club Facebook and Instagram.

and the financial assistance that helps all girls participate.

This year’s cookie lineup includes: Thin Mints, Samoas, Dosi-dos, Lemon-Ups, Tagalongs and Trefoils priced at $5. Due to higher production costs, the Girl Scout S’mores and gluten-free Toffee-tastics specialty cookies are $6 each.

If you aren’t inclined to eat cookies, maybe you’d consider donating boxes to deployed service members through Operation Thin Mint. This amazing program originated here in San Diego in 2002 under the leadership of Jo Dee Jacob. When

Jan. 15 – Feb. 11, 2021 Mission Times Courier / College Times Courier she transitioned from a 27-year career as a military officer to the San Diego County Girl Scout council CEO position, Jacob literally switched from Navy blue to Girl Scout green and from working with military troops to mentoring Girl Scout troops.

Twenty years later, her win-win approach to raising needed funds for Girl Scout programs has sent 3.25 million boxes to the surprise of military troops serving our country in places like Iraq, Korea and even the Arctic Circle.

That really says something about the generosity of our San Diego community.

As a volunteer who leads troops for both of my two daughters, I have first-hand experience supporting girls who sell cookies

—Karen Austin writes on behalf of the Alvarado Estates Association.

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as a way to give back to the organization. When I asked my 15-year-old daughter, Caroline Austin, what stands out in her memories of those times, she said, “I had fun selling cookies with my friends at booths, I remember pulling our wagon with cookies through the neighborhood and now I’m just going to have to figure out how to help sell cookies COVID-style!”

I know the value of the Girl Scout experience and and I know how yummy all those cookies are! For information about Girl Scouts and the 2021 cookie program, visit sdgirlscouts.org or email cookies@sdgirlscouts.org.

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Fletcher said the County hopes to eventually replicate the supersized vaccination POD model across San Diego County. No timetable has been set, but the Chair said that as the model proves effective, and more doses of the vaccine become available, and individuals designated for Tier 2 and Tier 3 are eligible, having the Vaccination Super Station model will be vital to distributing the vaccine to more people in a fast, safe environment.

The County of San Diego administered its first COVID-19 vaccines on December 16, 2020.

Quick tips for health care workers who make an appointment at the Vaccine Super Station: • Health care workers are encouraged to first contact their healthcare providers to request the vaccine, but if none are available, then they should make an appointment for the County’s COVID-19 Vaccine Super Station • Appoi ntments a re re quired and have to be made at VaccinationSuperStationSD.com • Do not schedule an appointment if you have COVID-19, or are

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16

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NURSERIES, KATE SESSIONS COMMITMENT PARTNER TO PLANT TREES Local nonprofit Kate Sessions Commitment is partnering with Walter Andersen Nursery, City Farmers Nursery and Mission Hills Nursery to offer new, affordable 5-gallon trees for a perfect, pandemic-safe winter activity.

Delia Juncal, Director of Tree Nursery Partnerships said, “Growing or gifting of trees demonstrates hope for the future, and planting a tree is such a positive way to start the new year.”

Kate Sessions Commitment is an active network of arborists, gardeners, community advocates, climate activists, local businesses, and neighbors across San Diego. Its mission is to advocate and take action for the equitable advancement of a San Diego County tree canopy to benefit community health, well-being, climate, and economic opportunities.

Explained Team Leader and Urban Forester, Anne Fege, PhD., “Planting and caring for a tree is an act of creating a better future and leaving a legacy for future generations. And it’s something that can be done safely, outside in the fresh air, either alone or with family.”

The Kate Sessions Commitment program offers high-quality nursery trees that are relatively easy to grow in San Diego. Certified arborists have been working with local nurseries and have reserved ornamental, native trees, and fruit trees to receive the Kate Sessions Commitment logo as an indication of meeting quality standards.

Participants can choose from over 20 varieties of trees including natives and fruit trees, hand-selected for optimal growth and sustainability in the local climate. View the full list of trees on the pre-order page at katestrees.org.

Kate Sessions Commitment chose to launch this program now, as winter is the ideal time to plant new trees.

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FEATURE Great outdoors More outdoors books Jan. 15 – Feb. 11, 2021 Mission Times Courier / College Times Courier

CONTINUED FROM Page 3

By JEFF CLEMETSON | Mission Times Courier

write his own memoir. He transcribed his journals over a twomonth period before writing his first draft and then polishing the book for four years.

“Uphill and Into The Wind” is Reeds’ debut memoir, although he points out that he has been published before in a San Diego Writers Ink anthology and throughout his career in various landscape architecture trade publications. But this memoir is special to him.

“It’s a really interesting story.

I’m so glad I put it out there,” he said.

The book is already gaining some recognition. In November, the Surfing Madonna Oceans Project awarded Reed its Local Authors Community Arts Award.

As part of the award, they purchased a number of books for local distribution through the Little Free Library at Surfing Madonna Park, located at Leucadia Pizzeria and the intersection of Highway 101 and Encinitas Boulevard.

Hardback versions were gifted to The Cardiff Library and the Encinitas Library.

For more information about the book, including a video trailer that features many of the photos Reed took during his trip, visit uphillandintothewind.com.

—Reach editor Jeff Clemetson at jeff@sdnews.com.

If you need to shed some pandemic pounds, or if you just need a good laugh to cheer you up from the COVID blues, here are a couple other titles with outdoor themes and local roots:

“PACIFIC CREST TRAIL: SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA” Last year, Wilderness Press released the seventh edition to its Southern California Pacific Crest Trail guidebook. This edition’s update was written and compiled by Laura Randall, upon previous editions by Ben Schifrin, Ruby Johnson Jenkins, Thomas Winnett and Jeffery Schaffer.

The book is designed to guide readers along the 942.5-mile section — from the Southern border

to Tuolumne Meadows — of the 2,650-mile trail by helping hikers locate the trail, find water sources, and access resupply routes. It offers rich descriptions, planning tips, and information on the region — including detailed information on the geology, wildlife and fauna found along each segment of the trail.

The book also has sections promoting the “Leave No Trace” principle.

The book also provides important details on camping, permits, the best seasons to go, and more. Also, the full-color maps of the trail are drawn to scale with one another.

“Pacific Crest Trail: Southern California” is a complete guide to planning a day hike, a weekend trip, or an ambitious thru-hike, but is also an interesting read for nature buffs.

The Pacific Crest Trail Association states that “Pacific Crest Trail: Southern California will plant both your feet in the dirt, so you can travel into the wild with confidence.”

“Pacific Crest Trail: Southern California, 7th Edition” ($29.95, softcover) is available wherever books are sold, including bookstores and gift shops, as well as popular online retailers.

“TITILLATING TALES FROM THE OUTHOUSE” From Serra Mesa resident Tom Leech, co-author of “San Diego: Hiking, Biking & Camping” (Premier Pub), comes a, well, different kind of book about the outdoors.

“Titillating Tales from the Outhouse” is a collection of poems about the “small but important little buildings that go by many names – outhouses, privies, porta-potties, johns, loos, cans, crappers, thrones, and many more,” according to a press release for the book.

“I grew up in a small midwestern town and had many relatives who lived on nearby farms.

Most did not have i ndo or plumbing, so the outhouse was a constant source of humor, day Tom Leech and night, summer and winter,” Leech said of his inspiration to publish the book. “For campers, world travelers, and people with powerful memories, outhouses continue to be a topic of amusement and triggered occasional fun poems over several decades. Finally I said my poems could well be a real book.”

Some of the subjects of poems in the book include: How the term “crapper” got its name; the story of José who rents his portable baño to drivers at the world’s busiest border; and two-story outhouses used by military colonels.

“Titillating Tales” is not Leech’s first book to feature poems.

“In many of my published books I’ve included an original poem or two that relates to the topic and provides a fun change-of-pace,” he said.

“With co-author, and wife, Leslie, we

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wrote a poetic illustrated children’s book ‘The Curious Adventures of Santa’s Wayward Elves.’”

Although meant to be an enjoyable humorous read, there are some tidbits of practical advice for outdoor hikers and campers who find themselves between toilets.

“As a long-time group hiker, it’s standard practice after an hour or two on the trail we split the guy and gal hikers with the phrase, ‘OK, it’s time for our bush break,’” Leech said.

“When you feel the need to go, look for a bush or shrub in a somewhat secluded spot. Several book poems (numbers 6, 8 and18) have some fun with the need to locate a spot to take a pee.”

For more information about “Titillating Tales from the Outhouse” and other books from Leech, visit presentationspress.com.

—Reach editor Jeff Clemetson at jeff@sdnews.com.

NEWS

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Librarian CONTINUED FROM Page 11

the staff has weekly programming for children and adults. Jones hosts “Read More! With Trevor” in which he talks about the books he is reading and encourages others to share what they are reading. For instance, this week he is reading “Desert Oracle” by Ken Layne, a book described as a love letter to the Mojave Desert. Jones, who said he loves memoirs, is also reading “Yellow House”

by Sarah M. Broom.

Jones said that now that production is in place, these virtual events will extend even when library services return to normal.

The College-Rolando Library (sandiego.gov)

Advocating for literacy is one of the reasons Jones was drawn to this career path. His father pushed reading on him as a kid and he constantly went to the library. In retrospect, he said being a librarian serving families is a way to pay it forward.

“Building reading as a habit is so important to being a citizen in our country, being an informed person, being someone who can have rational public discussions. I think we're definitely seeing now in society just how important it is for people to be educated, well read. They know how to cite sources,” Jones said.

He majored in English Literature in college and initially went into teaching.

After eloping with “the love of his life” in New York, he was interested in the work

she did as a paraprofessional at university libraries and went on to get a Master’s in Library Sciences.

The couple stayed in New York for several years but when they had a child, decided to raise them outside of the city.

They moved to San Diego where Jones’ wife works at SDSU and he commuted to a library near UTC. Nine years later, he landed the job at College–Rolando that means he is close to home, his children’s school and his wife’s workplace. He can even walk or bike to work if he desires.

Now that he is at College–Rolando, Jones is focused on strengthening the Friends of the Library — a nonprofit organization that fundraises for programming at the library largely through book sales.

“A lot of the Friends over the past couple years have walked away. I know that we could have a much more r obu s t F r ie nd s groups here, it's really just a matter of getting the word out, letting people know they're welcome, their ideas are welcome and we want to hear from them,” Jones said.

At whatever point library services return, Jones said he is ready to “hit the ground running” to use their rooms for events.

“We really want it to be like a community center again and I think people are going to be really excited to be doing social, in-person events again,” he said. “I’m just a librarian in the city. I honestly do what I do on a day-to-day basis but I do feel like there’s such a larger perspective of how important libraries are.”

For more information on the Friends of the Library, visit collegerolandolibrary.org. To take part in the library’s virtual events, visit facebook.com/ collegerolandolibrary.

—Reach contributing editor Kendra Sitton at kendra@sdnews.com.

Jan. 15 – Feb. 11, 2021 Mission Times Courier / College Times Courier

19

Renters need to consider buying this year

By SARAH WARD

If you are currently a renter or know a renter, please read this column carefully.

You are likely aware of the government money printing occurring — the trillions of dollars of stimulus for struggling taxpayers and businesses. While I certainly support the idea of aiding society during these unprecedented times, an issue I want to highlight, as any economics professor will tell you, is that increasing the money supply without additional economic output leads to a weakened dollar and eventual inflation.

Simply put, flooding the economy with additional dollars makes each current dollar worth less and likely leads to rising prices, including higher food costs and higher rents coming soon.

The absolute best protection against this coming inflation is to own hard assets, which includes real estate.

As the dollar weakens and inflation accelerates, expect both rents and real estate prices to significantly increase over time. A slow economy is masking this inflation effect currently but as the pandemic wears-off and this economy heats up, many experts are saying to expect rising prices for everything.

If you are currently renting, contact me at your earliest convenience for a more detailed discussion of your purchasing options. Purchasing a property this year will lock in a

fixed housing payment for many years to come and protect you from rising rents. Additionally, much of your housing payment is typically tax deductible, possibly saving on annual income taxes. Other benefits of purchasing property include building equity as San Diego real estate prices appreciate and additionally, gains on primary residences are typically partially or fully tax-free.

San Diego real estate values are still discounted compared to other areas of California and land here in America’s finest city is scarce. Demand for property continues to increase and supply is limited. There has never been a more important time to own valuable real estate.

If you are renting, please consider purchasing a property this year. It is time. Let me address some of the typical buyer concerns I have heard over the years. For one, your first home does not have to be your forever home. You can live in a property for a couple of years and then either stay, sell and move up, or rent the property out.

One method (I have used myself) is to purchase a new primary property every few years and then rent out your existing property. That way you can start building up a small portfolio of rental properties.

Another issue worrying buyers is having a lack of down payment. However, there are many programs

that only require a 3% to 5% down payment and for most veterans, a zero down payment program is available. On my first two properties, I only put down 3.5% on each one. The key is that mortgage approval is mostly based on credit score and income.

Something else to consider are mortgage rates.

Rates are still ridiculously low but a weakened currency generally causes interest rates to increase, especially when the economy starts growing. In fact, mortgage rates, while still quite low, are starting to increase.

Another item to consider is that there are actually a lot of desirable properties that continuously come on the market but you need an experienced buyer’s agent to uncover excellent properties, present a clean offer, and get an offer accepted. I have an outstanding system and track record for finding my buyers desirable properties and getting offers accepted. I work closely with my buyers throughout the buying process.

So if you are renting, think seriously about the idea of a property purchase this year. Now is the time to finally start the process of becoming a real estate owner, protect yourself from increasing rents, and build long term wealth. Call me: 858-431-6043.

—Sarah Ward is a realtor with Fine & Coastal Real Estate. Reach her at sarahwardo21@gmail.com.

REAL ESTATE SHOWCASE

Call 858.270.3103 to get your property featured today!

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You need an expert to guide you through the largest financial transaction of your life.

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20

Jan. 15 – Feb. 11, 2021 Mission Times Courier / College Times Courier

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Sarah Ward, Your Local REALTOR Single-Family Home Stats

Median Sale Price

5876 Eldergardens San Diego, 92120

4904 Chaparral Way San Diego, 92115

3 Bed | 2 Bath | $649,900 Representing Buyer!

4 Bed | 2 Bath | $677,000

Average Days on Market

Sale-to-List Price Ratio

6210 Agee St. #241 San Diego, 92122

2020 YTD vs. 2019

Up 5% to $645,750

Down 41.7%

Up 1.8%

204 Garden Grove Lane El Cajon, 92020

1 Bed | 1 Bath | $370,000

3 Bed | 2 Bath | $671,000 Represented Buyer!

Months Supply of Inventory

Down 64.3%

Analysis Median sale price is now at $645,750, up 5% from $615,250 in 2019. When you price correctly from day one, you can maximize offers and ultimately sell for the highest possible price as quickly as possible.

Median days on market are exceptionally low, at 14 days for the year. Current high demand and low supply play a major role, especially when compared to 2019’s statistic at 24. Strategic pricing and marketing ensure your home sells for top dollar in few days on market.

Correctly priced, strategically marketed homes sell at or above list price, and sellers focused on ROI often seek my advice on how to invest in strategic updates before listing their home for sale.

This year’s ratio at an impressive 99.7%.

Have you ever seen a house fly?

Well for-sale homes are flying off the shelves these days. We are seeing historically low supply in 92115 at only half a month of supply. Ready to cash out? Now is the time!

Ready to find your dream home, but not sure how to maximize the equity in your College Area home?

With this much money on the line, and so many tedious details to keep track of, you’re right to want to approach this carefully.

Understanding your local market is an important part of a successful move.

You deserve to get a strong return on investment and with the right information and preparation–you can!

My hands-on approach takes the stress and confusion out of selling your home because I sweat the small stuff–allowing you to stay focused on this move.

REALTOR | DRE#01943308 Sarah@fineandcoastal.com

From start to finish, I work with you to help prepare your home, attract buyers, and facilitate a successful sale. Thanks to my proven system and passion for real estate, I’ve built a reputation for routinely providing a seamless and successful experience for my clients.

858-431-6043 Call Sarah Today For Your Initial Consultation!

We support Equal Housing Opportunity and follow REALTOR® Code of Ethics. If your property is currently listed with another real estate broker, please disregard this document. It is not our intention to solicit the offerings of other real estate brokers. Free home valuation report available to home owners at the discretion of broker and includes opinion of value based on comps and inspection. Broker DRE#: 01243316.

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