La Mesa Courier, April 24th, 2020 by San Diego Community Newspaper Group

VOLUME 10 ISSUE 4 April 24 – May 21, 2020

Dining in? Use our list of open restaurants and businesses Page 11

INSIDE

NEWS BRIEFS

THIS ISSUE

HELIX WATER DISTRICT FREEZES RATES

B NEWS Sweet gift

Preparing for a pandemic Elams’ Hallmark plays Easter bunny for local healthcare workers. Page 3

Alvarado Hospital reports it is currently prepared to handle its share of the projected COVID-19 cases in the region. (Photo by Jeff Clemetson)

Alvarado Hospital takes steps to ensure safety of patients, staff

B EDUCATION Good marks in school

By JEFF CLEMETSON | La Mesa Courier

On April 1, Alvarado Hospital admitted its first conf irmed COVID-19 patient, a situation that Alvarado CEO Robin

The stories behind Grossmont High School’s historical landmarks. Page 12

Quarantine reads

La Mesa Library shares hot eBook titles available on the library website. Page 13

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B CONTACT US Editorial (858) 270-3103 x130 jeff@sdnews.com Advertising (951) 296-7794 hfine@sdnews.com www.sdnews.com San Diego Community Newspaper Group

As of April 6 when Gomez was interviewed for this story, Alvarado was caring for eight patients either with SEE ALVARADO, Page 2

Alvarado Hospital CEO Robin Gomez (LinkedIn)

Council approves COVID actions By JEFF CLEMETSON | La Mesa Courier

B BOOKS

Opinion Politics Art Business & Services Classifieds Puzzles

Gomez described as “very fortunate.” “Many other hospitals in the county cannot say that. There were many more that had positives before we did,” she said.

On April 14, La Mesa City Council met for the first time since citywide stay-at-home orders were put in place. And in another first, the meeting was held entirely online. At the top of the agenda was formalizing emergency actions to fight the coronavirus outbreak taken over the last month without a council vote. City Attorney Glen Sabine explained that San Diego County authorizes city mayors in the event of an emergency the ability to appoint a director of emergency and disaster and that the appointed director could take emergency actions without council approval as long as the council votes on those actions at the next city council meeting. On March

13, Mayor Mark Aropostathis appointed City Manager Greg Humora that role. Humora then gave a report of actions the city took in the days and weeks following his appointment as director of emergency and disaster, including: declaring a state of emergency; cancelling large gatherings and all city meetings and programs; freezing all evictions in the city; closing bars; ending ticketing for street sweeping; providing free parking in the Village for people picking up food orders from restaurants; closing the Secret Stairs; and closing parking lots for parks and playgrounds. The city also enacted some changes in its operations. In late SEE CITY COUCIL, Page 5

A screen shot of the La Mesa City Council meeting held by teleconferencing on April 14, in accordance with social distancing guidelines. Pictured (poorly) top to bottom: Kristine Alessio, Dr. Akilah Weber, Greg Humora, Colin Parent, Mark Arapostathis, Glenn Sabin and Bill Baber

(City of La Mesa)

Helix Water District’s Board of Directors voted at its April 1 meeting to freeze water rates through the end of the calendar year in an effort to support customers facing financial challenges during the coronavirus pandemic. “Our customers’ lives and incomes have been impacted by the coronavirus,” said Helix Water District Board President Mark Gracyk. “Although we don’t know how long the pandemic or its financial impacts will last, we do know that we can help our customers now by not adjusting water rates in 2020.” The district was in the midst of its budget-setting process and a cost-of-service study when the outbreak hit. A public hearing scheduled for August 12, when the board was to consider possible rate changes, has been postponed. Last month, the district’s board also voted to temporarily suspend late fees and water shutoffs to ensure all customers have access to safe, clean water during the public health emergency. Customers who are experiencing difficulties paying their water bills are encouraged to contact the district’s customer service team at 619466-0585 to make payment arrangements. “As a not-for-profit agency, over the coming months we will be looking at all options to balance our budget while continuing to keep the water flowing,” said Gracyk. “The board is prepared to have those difficult conversations - we’re committed to supporting our customers and community during these tough times.” SEE NEWS BRIEFS, Page 2

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Alvarado CONTINUED FROM Page 1

COVID-19 or under investigation for the virus — one on a ventilator. So far, Gomez reported, Alvarado is on pace to not be overburdened with patients like what is being experienced by hospitals in places like New York City and Italy. Although it took several weeks for Alvarado to see its first COVID patient, it began dealing with the crisis weeks ago. “In the beginning when it first started hitting, we had a line of patients out the door just wanting to be rapidly tested. I don’t have rapid testing, my tests come back in 24 hours,” she said. “The testing medium was very specific and we didn’t have that many test kits, so what we ended up doing was the patients who were coming to the hospital that had active symptoms and were being admitted to the hospital, we tested every single one of those patients. That way, as a hospital, we knew what we were dealing with.”

SAFETY MEASURES

Part of knowing what they’re dealing with is taking added precautions at the hospital. Nurses that care for COVID patients follow specific guidelines entering and exiting patient rooms. “We call it darning and dropping gowns. You put on the gown; you put on the gloves; you put on a N95 mask; and then you put on a surgical mask over the top of that, then a face shield on top of that,” she said. “In talking to the staff we say, ‘Hey we are actually probably safer here because we know where the COVID patients are, we have the protective PPE equipment to protect our staff against this virus. “We did a lot of things proactively,” Gomez added. “Number one, conservation of PPE (personal protective equipment). When I say PPE, it’s not just masks. We’re talking about face shields. We’re talking about regular surgical masks that are not N95s and you’re talking about N95s themselves.” Alvarado also only has around 150 mediums used for tests, and

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NEWS some of those are set aside for staff in case there is an exposure and everyone needs to be tested. “I always have to make sure I have enough mediums to test employees along with patients,” Gomez said. Beyond the protective equipment and the strict guidelines on how to use them, Alvarado has also made structural changes to where patients are treated. To reduce the chances of virus-laden droplets from spreading, the hospital has started cohorting patients. COVID patients and those under investigation for the virus are on their own floor. There is also a floor for COVID patients requiring a ventilator. Because Alvarado Hospital is an accredited geriatric emergency hospital, a third floor has been emptied to treat aged patients over 65 yeas old that are recovering from COVID-19. Gomez said that as patients recover from the virus, they go into a “convalescent” stage of recovery. “Maybe you need a little bit of supplemental oxygen, making sure you’re getting proper nutrition and all that,” she said, adding that the county has done a good job in getting hotel rooms or even college dorm rooms for younger patients to recover in but since older patients need a little more attention, the county asked them to step in. “So, patients that are no longer needing acute hospital-level of care, but can’t go back to the nursing home because they’re [COVID] positive, they’re going to be brought here and we’ll keep them here until they meet a set criteria and can be discharged safely.”

SUPPLY CHAIN WOES

Even with taking all the precautions and following the best practices available, there are still some aspects of managing a hospital during the pandemic crisis that are beyond the control of hospital administrators. “When you see on the news that we never know what we are going to get in our supply chain, that’s no joke,” Gomez said. For example, on a recent order for 500 large and medium N95 masks, Alvarado ended up receiving 200 smalls. The hospital is also having a “hard time” getting cleaning supplies. However, Gomez said, the hospital’s environmental services

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director has kept Alvarado supplied by finding some “phenomenally resourceful” solutions. “We ordered five or six cases [of the usual cleaning wipes] in our last order and we got none,” Gomez said. “But what our EVS director has done is she was able to get the liquid stuff. We could get the dry wipes, that’s easy, and we put together buckets and we did a makeshift container so we can pull them right out of the top like the other buckets were and we distributed those out on the floor with all the proper equipment and all the proper solutions to clean.” And although Gomez said the hospital is equipped with enough N95 masks for nurses to get one a day for “a number of weeks,” she still worries about keeping the hospital properly stocked. “PPE and general supplies is such a big issue. It really, really is such a big issue,” she said. “I just can’t say, ‘Oh we’re OK for today and tomorrow.’ I got to look ahead three weeks, four weeks because the reality is, I’m only allowed one order a month. That order goes in on the first of the month. Literally, my director, she woke up at 11:45 at night and at midnight she submitted our order because it’s first come, first serve in the queue.” The hospital has also begun reusing N95 masks by using a hydrogen peroxide sterilizer. “We’re able to sterilize and we get about half of them back,” Gomez said. The good news for the hospital’s supplies is that it is well stocked with ventilators — 28 total — and medication. “The hydroxychloroquine — we have it and so if it comes down to needing to be used, we have it; we have azithromycin and those are the two big ones being talked about on the news all the time,” Gomez said, adding that Alvarado has at least three weeks of doses. Although Alvarado is in possession of these drugs, they are still experimental and unproven thus far at treating COVID-19 and have lately become controversial as the Trump administration pushes for their use and the scientific community wants a more restrained approach to their use.

PUBLIC PRAISE

Gomez is very proud of her staff and how it has adapted to the challenges brought on by the pandemic.

stable both locally and across the nation. San Diego Blood Bank has issued a call for recovered CONTINUED FROM Page 1 COVID-19 patients, as they may Further details about the dis- be eligible to donate “convalestrict’s response to the corona- cent plasma” to help treat patients virus outbreak are available at fighting the virus. hwd.com. While COVID-19 has no proven treatment, plasma taken from those who have recovered may help patients currently fighting BLOOD BANK CALLS FOR COVID-19 PLASMA the virus. This is because the DONATIONS plasma has developed antibodies Thanks to community response against the virus.  to the plea for blood donation “Hospitals are reaching out to us amid the COVID-19 pandem- on a daily basis for convalescent ic, the blood supply is currently plasma,” said David Wellis, CEO,

A utility box in front of Alvarado Hospital is adorned with flowers and a thank you sign for hospital staff. (Photo courtesy Alvarado Hospital)

“I’ve worked in healthcare for over 25 years and I’ve never worked with a more cohesive strong leadership team,” she said, adding that her team is using a variety of communication strategies to keep up moral at the hospital. “We’re not just f ighting COVID-19 right now, we’re fighting fear, because there was an element right away of fear,” she said. “When they say the situation is fluid, it’s absolutely true. And what I’ve found is transparency alleviates fears, because if they know what I know, they know what I know.” The communication strategy is working and Gomez shared that a nurse recently volunteered to work on the COVID unit. “It is phenomenal the way our staff is stepping up to care for these patients and the energy they’re bringing, it is really heartwarming,” she said. The community has also stepped up in heartwarming ways. The hospital has received a number of donations, including “dirt cheap” produce from a market that the hospital gave out to staff; donations of masks that Gomez was “very grateful” for because those masks will be given to hospital staff that are not on the COVID floors; and Dominoes recently treated ER staff to pizza. “I want to thank the public,” Gomez said. “Everyone has been so supportive and so kind. People have put flowers on our front lawn and said, ‘Thank you healthcare heroes.’ They put some banners on our lawn last week, which was awesome, thanking the healthcare workers.” —Reach editor Jeff Clemetson at jeff@sdnews.com. San Diego Blood Bank. “If anyone has recovered from the virus, we are calling on them to join us in helping patients in critical condition fight COVID-19.” Individuals can donate convalescent plasma if they have a confirmed positive laboratory test and no symptoms for the last 28 days. People with a subsequent confirmed negative test can donate after 14 days of symptom resolution. People are encouraged to fill out the form even if they have not yet been tested. To submit SEE NEWS BRIEFS, Page 4

NEWS sdnews.com Elams’ donates Easter candy to local health care workers By JEFF CLEMETSON | La Mesa Courier

The COVID-19 pandemic and its ensuing stay-at-home orders have wrecked havoc on small retail businesses. It also wrecked havoc on most people’s Easter holiday traditions. So it is especially special that local Hallmark retailer Elams’ Hallmark managed to build a lemonade stand in the midst of so many lemons. The Elam family, which owns nine Gold Crown Hallmark stores in the San Diego region, including one in La Mesa’s Grossmont Center, shut down eight of their stores indefinately on March 20 by order of Gov. Gavin Newsom. The Carmel Valley store remains open due to the U.S. Post Office located inside. The closures were a real blow to the business, with the lucrative Easter holiday just ahead and stores packed with Easter items that would now go unpurchased. Something had to be done with the items that would spoil, but what? “We had about $15,000 of Easter candy combined in the eight stores that were closed,” said Christie Elam-Manry. “I called the San Diego Food Bank to donate and they told me they will not accept anything considered unhealthy.”

La Mesa Courier

Although candy was too unhealthy for the food bank, it was healthy enough for another group of deserving recipients. “Plan B, we decided the health care workers would love a surprise visit from the Easter Bunny — we turned lemons into lemonade,” Elam-Manry said. “I delivered a large amount of yummy chocolate and jelly beans for the hospital workers to enjoy to Scripps Encinitas, Christie Elam-Manry (far right) delivers a Sharp Memorial, Radys’ donation of Easter candy to Sharp Grossmont C h i l d r e n’s , S h a r p Hospital. (Courtesy Elams’ Hallmark) Grossmont and Pomerado Hospital in Poway. We spread the “Those baskets were then delove to as many hospitals that are livered to all of our nursing units located close to our stores, many and clinical area break rooms of the workers are our customers so that staff could enjoy a sweet — we wanted to thank them. This treat on their break,” wrote Reyes. is such a scary pandemic with so “I’m certain it’s not what you had many people sick and dying, this planned when you ordered your is the least we can do to put smiles Easter Candy several months on the Health care workers faces.” ago, but trust me when I say that The hospitals were appre- your candy made its way into the ciative. In a thank you letter, hands (and tummies) of those who Scripps Memorial Hospital’s gift are working so hard right now shop coordinator told the Elam- and appreciate it more than you Manry that the hospital admin- know.” istration staff assembled 17 large —Reach editor Jeff Clemetson at Easter baskets with the gift from jeff@sdnews.com. Hallmark.

College students relieving the pressure for essential workers A pair of Cuyamaca College engineering students are making things a little more tolerable for health care workers and other essential employees whose facemask straps can wear thin on the soft tissue behind their ears during their shifts. Dill Johnson, 24, and Nicholas Snyder, 20, are using their 3-D printers at home and the skills they’ve learned at Cuyamaca College to produce more than 200 “ear saver” bands to relieve the pressure caused by straps on a facemask. With essential workers from doctors and nurses to food service employees mandated to wear facemasks during the COVID-19 pandemic, and with health officials urging residents to wear one any time they leave their home, ear savers — which look something like a plastic comb and hook around the back of the neck — are becoming increasingly popular. Snyder’s venture began in developing a few ear savers for his mom, a nurse, and her co-workers at a local hospital. “It becomes incredibly uncomfortable to have all that pressure behind your ear all day long,” he said. About the same time, a friend asked if Snyder could use his 3-D printer to make more for essential

April 24 – May 21, 2020

Dillon Johnson

Nicholas Snyder

workers such as grocery store clerks. He’s printed dozens so far and has no plans on stopping. Johnson was motivated by his stays in the hospital while being treated for testicular cancer and appendicitis. “I have a true appreciation for health care professionals, who have had a huge impact on my life,” said Johnson, who has produced close to 200 of the ear savers. “Giving back to them in even a small way is pretty rewarding.” Johnson, who will be transferring to San Diego State in the fall to study mechanical engineering, said he was planning to use his 3-D printer to produce face shields and face masks. Then his sister told him about the need for ear

savers, which can be produced in a fraction of the time. He’s been making up to 60 per day. Johnson and Snyder have donated their ear savers to workers at UC San Diego Medical Center, Kaiser Permanente, Sharp Grossmont Hospital, and more. “If I see a problem, I’m not going to hesitate to jump in, come up with a quick drawing, put it into AutoCAD, and develop a workable solution, and I attribute that to the skills and knowledge I’ve picked up through the Cuyamaca College Engineering program,” said Snyder, who is aiming to move on from Cuyamaca College to earn an engineering degree and ultimately a master’s in mechanical engineering.

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NEWS Helix students killed in domestic violence shooting By JEFF CLEMETSON | La Mesa Courier

contact information to be qualified as a convalescent plasma donor, visit sandiegobloodbank. org/donateplasma. Donors will also need to meet routine donor screening criteria.

AVOID COVID-19 SCAMS

“The FBI has identified a new fraud scheme using text messaging and social platforms to reach potential victims,” said David Surwilo, San Diego Police Department community relations officer. “The message uses the promise of money, i.e., ‘stimulus check’ from retailer, Costco Wholesale, and provides a link, containing malware, ransomware or other fraudulent methods SEE NEWS BRIEFS, Page 5

On April 15, tragedy struck the Helix High School community when two of its students — twin 15-year-old sisters, Caira and Leah Cristopher — were victims of homicide in their Lemon Grove home. According to the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department report, 38-year-old Dwayne Edward Groves Jr. was arrested and booked into the San Diego Central Jail shortly after the incident for two counts of murder, two counts of attempted murder and one count of assault with a deadly weapon. In addition to the Christopher girls’ murders, 22-year-old Gary Paul Goode was also shot, resulting in non-life-threatening injury, in the Lemon Grove home and Joann Chantel Hoyt, whose

relationship to the girls was unclear, was also shot at. According to the Sheriff’s report, deputies questioned witnesses and learned that Groves had a prior relationship with the girls’ mother. On April 16, Helix students and staff learned of the tragedy. “It is with great sadness that I have to inform you that two of our 10th grade students have died,” wrote Helix High School Executive Director Kevin Osborn in an email to parents. “Our thoughts and sympathies are with their family and friends. We ask that you please respect and honor the family’s privacy during this difficult time.” The school made grief counseling available to students. Outpouring of support for the victims’ family was immediate.

Home may not be a safe space How sheltering in place puts domestic abuse victims at risk KENDRA SITTON | La Mesa Courier

With Californians ordered to shelter in place to stop the spread of Coronavirus, non-essential workers are trying to stay safe at home. For people who are never really safe at home, because of domestic violence or other forms of abuse, measures to combat the

virus are endangering them in other ways. In one of the first weeks of quarantining between March 17 to 23, the San Diego Sheriff’s Office received an increased number of calls for service regarding domestic disturbances. Officials at the office specified that it is too early to know if the growth in domestic

disturbances is a trend, but experts worry that people sheltering with an abuser are more at risk than ever. “For folks who are living with somebody who is a perpetrator of violence, who’s been abusive, these can be scary times,” said Verna Griffin-Tabor, the CEO of the Center for Community Solutions. There are worries that abusers can use the crisis to further isolate and control their victims. “For domestic violence [and] intimate partner violence, this is about power and control. When survivors are forced to stay in the same house or close proximity with somebody who’s creating harm. This allows the perpetrator to sometimes have unique impact on survivors, such as withholding hand sanitizers or disinfectant, creating more fear and providing this information to survivors around the pandemic, withholding things like insurance cards or health insurance to prevent survivors from seeking any kind of medical attention,” GriffinTabor explained. The Center for Community Solutions (CCS) has 10 local sites

A GoFu nd Me page was set up to raise money for funeral costs for the Chistopher girls by their god sister Ma riah Drayton, who wrote that the murders were a “senseless act of gun violence.” Drayton also Victims Caira and Leah Christopher were twin sisters described Caira who attended Helix Charter High School. (GoFundMe) and Leah as the “Most sweetest and humblest To contribute to the fund, visit twins you would ever meet. bit.ly/2KuWUla. If you have information about Always smiling and happy. And so loved.” the incident, contact the San As of April 23, the Go Fund Diego Sherriff’s Homicide Unit at Me page had more 7,700 shares 858-285-6330. and 415 donors raising $20,145 — more than double the initial —Reach editor Jeff Clemetson at request. jeff@sdnews.com. in San Diego as well as three emergency shelters. The shelters have special protocols in place to try and stop the spread of COVID-19, including ending the use of communal kitchens in one of their shelters with individual apartment units. The court system has also put in place special protections for domestic abuse survivors, including a 30-day extension to restraining orders set to expire. CCS is in contact with judges and attorneys who are doing virtual restraining order hearings even while courts are closed. While there are efforts from the district attorney and sheriff to get inmates out of jail where coronavirus could spread dangerously, only non-violent inmates awaiting court hearings have been freed. People arrested for domestic abuse during the shelter in place order will remain behind bars. District Attorney Summer Stephan has also tried to bring attention to local resources for domestic abuse victims which are compiled on the website preventdv1.org/ along with a quiz to determine someone’s risk for domestic violence. “We acknowledge the necessity of Gov. Newsom’s order, but want to be sure we provide a lifeline to

those who may be at increased risk of violence at the hands of an intimate partner,” Stephan said in a press release. “Additional stressors such as losing a job and kids at home due to school closures can be triggers for domestic violence. We want people who are seeing warning signs of abuse or who are being abused to know that we stand ready to help them and that they shouldn’t suffer in silence.” At least in the first weeks of the COVID-19 pandemic, CCS did not experience a rise in the number of calls to the local hotline the way the Sheriff’s Department did, but Griffin-Tabor said the people calling are needing more resources than normal. GriffinTabor does not think this pattern will hold. “It’s early on in the crisis and our experience has been, during immediate crises, people tend to get through. What we see is, the longer things go on, our concern is we may see an uptick in calls for help,” she said. An example she gave was calls increase after wildfire evacuations or the holidays where an extended period of time home occurs. There are currently open shelter beds for domestic abuse survivors. CCS units are being limited to one family, instead of sharing space. While they are able to accommodate less people, those beds could fill up. Griffin-Tabor urges people to call the domestic violence hotline to create a safety plan to survive the crisis, including how to protect important medical documents. For emergencies, call 9-1-1. For anyone affected by abuse and needing support, call the national hotline 24 hours per day at 800-799-7233. If you are unable to speak safely, text LOVEIS to 22522. The San Diego County Domestic Violence Hotline is 888385-4657 (DVLINKS). —Reach contributing editor Kendra Sitton at kendra@sdnews.com.

NEWS

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March and early April, a community of operations plan (COOP) was put in place that allowed city workers to telecommute; provided more leave time for city employees who may have used theirs up; created a web portal for city employees to complete work; allowed for city permits to be issued online; and ordered department heads to prepare for a 30% reduction in workforce by cross training people from other departments to complete work. Currently, the city has not had to furlough any workers and is operating all essential services at capacity. Before taking questions from the council, Humora ended his report by thanking the city’s staff and employees for the work they have done in the midst of the pandemic. “I also want to thank the residents of La Mesa who have been adhering to the recommendations from the city and the medical community to stay home because it really does save lives,” said Council member Dr. Akilah Weber. “It is something in the medical community that we cannot stress enough.” Weber had two questions for Humora and Sabine. The first was whether federal relief funds are available for La Mesa. Humora said the city is already in the process of applying for both state and federal funding. “The tricky part is its coming from various departments of the federal government, but we are actively monitoring things,” he said, adding that one funding source the city will be taking advantage of is additional community development block grant funds coming later this year. Weber also asked for clarity on the city’s eviction freeze. Sabine said the city, the state and the Judicial Council have all confirmed that the eviction freeze is in effect and will remain in place for 90 days after the emergency is lifted. “More than anything, the rules that are enforced at the local level, the state level and now the Judicial Council, they provide for an affirmative defense against eviction,” he said. “Right now, at least from my standpoint, I feel pretty confident that folks can feel secure that they will not be evicted.” Following discussion, the council voted to officially make Humora the director of emergency and disaster and support the actions taken by the city since March 13. the City Council then discussed other possible actions the city could take. Council member Kristine Alessio said existing and future permits for public events in the city will need to be examined. “I cannot imagine a car show... I cannot imagine an Oktoberfest going on,” she said. “I think all this needs to put on hiatus in whatever legal way it can be.”

There were several public comments emailed in to the council and read into the record by City Clerk Megan Wiegelman about a proposal by Council member Colin Parent to have traffic signals automatically show a pedestrian crossing signal so residents would not have to touch the button requesting a signal. Public comments were split on people for and against it, with those opposed arguing the action would be a waste of money and cause additional traffic congestion. Public Works director Leon Firsht said that changing traffic signals would require some staff time and would also require a contractor because staff are not the ones who do the programming for signals. He also said wait times at lights for drivers could increase an additional 18 seconds to the 12 seconds on average currently. “That’s the tradeoff,” said Parent, adding that a “modest amount” of additional waiting is worth it to keep people out walking around during the pandemic from touching the same button that many others touch throughout the day. “I think it’s a legitimate public safety concern.” Parent said that in his neighborhood, pedestrian traffic has increased because people are out walking the sidewalks during the day

while they are unable to work at their offices or places of work. Council member Bill Baber added that the action would also be consistent with the city’s Vision Zero plan to improve pedestrian safety. The council, after hearing from Firsht that only a few lights would be able to be changed in a week, eventually voted to approve changing signals at high traffic areas using the best data available to determine where the most need is. Dr. Weber then raised concerns about the city’s parks, which despite closing the parking lots, remain open for residents to walk through if they are following the county’s social distancing orders. Humora said the parks are monitored closely and remain open as “a green space for people to go” during quarantine. Weber replied that keeping parks open when other cities in the state have closed them is “not necessarily the wisest idea at this point ... from a medical standpoint.” In public comments, resident Bonnie Baranoff thanked the city for keeping park restrooms open so homeless population can access the sinks and toilets, which lead to a discussion on whether the city could close the parks but keep the bathrooms open.

La Mesa Courier

Mayor Arapostathis and Police Chief Walt Vasquez commented that it would be difficult to enforce a park closure. After more discussion, the council voted to close only those parks that have a fence that can keep the public out — MacArthur Park and Sunshine Park. The parks that do not have fencing will be only open to those who follow county social distancing rules — gatherings of more than one person, with the exception of those who live under the same roof, are not allowed to congregate in public. The next La Mesa City Council meeting will be held on April 28 at 6 p.m. It will again be held online and can be viewed live on Cox Cable Channel 24 (within La Mesa City limits), AT&T U-Verse Channel 99 (in the San Diego Region), the city’s website (cityoflamesa.us) or Facebook Live (facebook.com/lamesaca). Members of the public who wish to make public comments may submit their comments by email to be read aloud at the Council meeting by the City Clerk. Email comments must be submitted to the City Clerk at cityclrk@cityoflamesa.us by 4 p.m. the day of the Council meeting and be no more than 300 words. —Reach editor Jeff Clemetson at jeff@sdnews.com.

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to steal identity, financial or other personal information.” Added Surwilo: “The FBI is warning the public that Costco is not texting or using social media platforms to reach the public or its customers to provide a ‘stimulus check,’ ‘freebies,’ or a ‘stimulus package’ in fake messages. Do not click on this type of unsolicited link. Do not provide personal information for unsolicited links.”

LIZZO ‘SHOUT OUT’

On March 31, pop singer Lizzo gave a “shout out” to Sharp Grossmont Hospital in La Mesa and bought lunch for its staff as part of an effort to thank hospital workers across the country. “Thank you so much for everything you guys have been doing during this pandemic. It has been a very scary Pop singer Lizzo time, and you addresses Grossmont staff via video guys have been Hospital on March 31. (Courtesy a peace of mind Sharp Grossmont) during this time and a hero” the Grammy award-winning artist said in a video message posted by Sharp. “I hope you feel the love and appreciation SEE NEWS BRIEFS, Page 6

Alvarado Hospital Achieved a five-star ranking on the CMS Hospital Compare website!

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City Coucil

April 24 – May 21, 2020

3/10/2020 11:59:39 AM

April 24 – May 21, 2020

La Mesa Courier

OPINION / POLITICS / NEWS Letters SAVE A LOCAL BUSINESS [Editor’s note: This letter to the editor all the way from Kansas included a plea to the community to rally and save this local businesswoman’s shop.]

1621 Grand Ave., Suite C San Diego, CA 92109 (858) 270-3103 LaMesaCourier.com Twitter: @LaMesaCourier EDITOR

CONTRIBUTORS

Jeff Clemetson x130 jeff@sdnews.com

Connie Baer Lynn Baer Jeff Benesch Pat Boerner Dianne Jacob Steve Jones Linda Michael Jennifer Osborn Ramona Price Tina Rynberg Julie White

CONTRIBUTING EDITORS Kendra Sitton x136 Tom Melville x131 Dave Schwab x132

WEB & SOCIAL MEDIA Jeff Clemetson

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PRODUCTION MANAGER

Heather Fine x 118

Chris Baker x107 chris@sdnews.com

BUSINESS CONSULTANT David Mannis

ACCOUNTING

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Julie Main, x106 julie@sdnews.com

Guest Editorial

Saluting nation’s unsung heroes during COVID-19 pandemic By STEVE JONES

OPINIONS/LETTERS: La Mesa 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. SUBMISSIONS/NEWS TIPS: Send press releases, tips, photos or story ideas to jeff@sdnews.com. For breaking news and investigative story ideas contact the editor by phone or email. DISTRIBUTION: La Mesa Courier is distributed free the fourth Friday of every month. COPYRIGHT 2020. All rights reserved.

In spite of the uncertainty that coronavirus (COVID-19) has caused, there are still many industries filled with hard-working men and women who are continuing to work amid the coronavirus outbreak. From hospitals to delivery services, to pharmacies, to grocery stores, transportation and logistics and security companies, there are many employees who, while they may not wear capes, are our nation’s heroes. These largely unsung heroes are helping our us survive this crisis by driving vehicles filled with crucial supplies, stocking store shelves, filling prescriptions and providing essential public safety services. Now is the time to share your appreciation or our nation’s unsung heroes. While most of are deeply thankful for the doctors, nurses and emergency workers who are tending to the sick, we should also be appreciative for the men and women who hold essential jobs that require they

show up to work during the pandemic. The front line in the pandemic are the heroes working at grocery stores, gas stations, convenience stores and take-out restaurants. These individuals are keeping us healthy by providing essential services that we desperately need. Consider thanking your supermarket’s shop clerk who is doing their best to keep the shelves stocked with necessities and the cashier who is ringing up the purchases. Express your gratitude to the Amazon delivery person who brought essentials to your home. Our nation should all honk in appreciation for the men and women driving tractor-trailer rigs across the country who are delivering vital food and supplies at an unprecedented pace. Some police departments in several states are helping truck drivers find safe places to park and are even arranging to get food directly to the driver. Let’s salute our hard-working highly trained men and women that are our country’s

first responders. Nationwide, there are over 1 million security professionals on the job, classified as essential personnel, who can be put in high-risk situations as they confront and detain criminals engaged in theft, trespassing, gang activity and every other manner of unlawful behavior that occurs. Employees, shareholders and other stakeholders look to their business leaders for strength and direction. Let’s express our gratitude to the company leaders who are sharing their intel to help others during this challenging time. For example, some leaders are publicly sharing their crisis plans, which include employee communications with information about COVID-19, how it’s transmitted, what they’re doing about it, employee FAQs, and links to resources with more information. —Steve Jones is CEO of Allied Universal, a leading security and facility services company in North America, and author of “No Off Season.”

By PAT BOERNER

As we go through an unprecedented challenge in our country, it is important to focus on the things we all can do to weather this crisis. President Trump has been doing a fantastic job and has shown the nation and the world

that he is an organized leader and a big-league problem solver. He understands the many parts of our economy and healthcare system and knows the steps necessary to get us through this COVID-19 pandemic. He is definitely the leader we want in charge now — and when the economy is ready to fire up again. He got the country on the right track after inheriting the floundering economy of the Obama administration and he

News briefs CONTINUED FROM Page 5

of pouring in from everybody from all around the world because we really do love and appreciate ya’ll.”

2020 LAKE MURRAY FIREWORKS EVENT CANCELLED

can do it again. Let’s all work to get President Trump re-elected in November and give him a Republican majority in the House. While we are following the guidelines and are isolated from one another and the public in general, there are things that we can do to help elect Republicans. Candidates always need volunteers to make phone calls to

As local, state, and federal authorities make critical decisions intended to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus, community groups are likewise making hard choices to protect our neighbors. As such, the Lake Murray Fireworks & MusicFest won’t be held this July 4, 2020. “We’re sad not to be able to bring this fun family day to our community, but it’s in the best interest of everyone,” said event chair Tracy Dahlkamp. “We look forward to returning the food, music, patriotic fireworks, and family fun to Lake Murray Community Park in 2021.” The decision to postpone the fireworks and music festival was made in accordance with

SEE RWCNC, Page 7

SEE NEWS BRIEFS, Page 14

Republican Women Navajo Canyon urge help to re-elect Trump LA JOLLA

I recently found out of the closure of long, longtime La Mesa business Morgan’s Monograms. Mary Morgan is reporting to clients that she suffered a recent flood and that loss, together with the impact of the CVOID-19 virus, is too much to overcome and has to close her doors. How can I succinctly put this without getting into a prose ... For 32 years Mary and her team have supplied the U.S. Navy and U.S. Marine Corps – almost exclusively – decoration and embroidery options for everything from flight suit personalized name tags to jackets to sweatshirts to anything you can embroider on. She not only did this (quietly) amazing task, she was also a pillar in the community to local sports teams and private schools. I have been in the apparel industry for 13 years. I have worked with many, many embroidery shops. I can, without a moments hesitation, tell you that the quality of Mary’s embroidery is unmatched by anyone I’ve dealt with. —Bill Glick, Kansas City Kansas

April 24 – May 21, 2020 POLITICS La Mesa Courier sdnews.com 7 News from you County Supervisor Dems explore the • Dianne’s Corner ‘Fifth Risk’ By DIANNE JACOB We’ve been tested before, but never like this. We’ve faced catastrophic wildfires and other challenges, but the coronavirus crisis is unlike anything we’ve seen in our lifetime. The County of San Diego, as the region’s lead public health agency, has been moving aggressively to fight this virus and address its impacts on our families, businesses and communities. To keep our residents as safe and sound as possible, we’ve ramped up critical programs and services, and we’re drawing on our robust general fund reserves to help weather this crisis.

RWCNC CONTINUED FROM Page 6

registered Republicans. It can be done on your own phone from your home. It is easy, rewarding, and effective. A large Republican voter turnout is essential to reach our goals. Because of COVID-19 and social distancing, we were not able to host our April event which was scheduled for April 14 at the Carlton Oaks Country Club. We hope to reschedule this evening event in July, but we will update

Please continue to do your part. Remember to physical distance. Wash your hands. Cover your mouth and nose when you’re out in public. If health officials order folks to stay home, then stay home. To keep up with the latest local developments and resources, go to coronavirus-sd.com. I’ve also posted a list of resources and on my website, diannejacob.com. Among them: • 2-1-1 SAN DIEGO – Access to local resources and services, Call 2-1-1 • SENIOR HOTLINE – County Aging & Independence Services, 800-339-4661 • MENTAL HEALTH HOTLINE – County Behavioral Health Services, 888-724-7240

CONSUMER PROTECTION HOTLINE – San Diego County District Attorney’s Of f ice, 619-531-3507 • INSURANCE HOTLINE – State Department of Insurance, 800-927-4357 • LOCAL COVID-19 INFO VIA TEXT – San Diego County, Text COSD COVID19 to 468-311 • STATE DEPT. OF PUBLIC HEALTH – covid19.ca.gov If you have questions, suggestions or feedback about your county government, call me at 619-531-5522 or email dianne. jacob@sdcounty.ca.gov. Stay safe!

as time unfolds. We look forward to resuming our regular lunch meetings on the second Tuesday of each month at the La Mesa Brigantine, but for now those meetings are on hold. Today, health is the main concern. Please follow all the CDC guidelines and stay healthy. During this period of social isolation, it is vitally important to help each other. COVID-19 is most often transmitted by touch so today we face the challenge of finding new ways to reach out and “touch” – a smile, an act of courtesy, an offer of generosity.

Kindness and respect are always important, but now more than ever. For more information on our activities, volunteer opportunities or joining Republican Women of California, please visit our website at rwcNavajo-Canyon.org and check us out on Facebook at Republican Women of California-Navajo Canyon. For other questions, please call Marjie at 619-990-2791.

—Dianne Jacob represents District 2 on the San Diego County Board of Supervisors.

—Pat Boerner writes on behalf of the Republican Women of California — Navajo Canyon.

By TINA RYNBERG and JEFF BENESCH

In the midst of the COVID-19 virus outbreak and quarantine, local Democrats have a lot to discuss. But with our April meeting cancelled, and the May meeting of the La Mesa Foothills Democratic Club in peril, we must look for other means of communicating with each other. It’s becoming increasingly clear, at the cost of tens of thousands of American lives, that “Democrats govern better than Republicans.” Our club’s vice president of political action Chris Pearson coined that phrase several years ago, and it’s never been truer than now. One of the most prescient perspectives of our current condition was penned by author Michael Lewis in 2018’s “The Fifth Risk.” Lewis introduces us to character John MacWilliams, a risk assessment deputy at the Department of Energy. Joe Klein reviewed the book for the New York Times in 2018, writing: “Lewis asks MacWilliams to list the top five risks. The first four are predictable: Broken Arrows. North

Korea. Iran (that is, maintaining the agreement that prevents Iran from building a nuclear bomb). Protecting the electric grid from cyberterrorism. But the fifth, most important risk is a stunner: ‘program management.’... “‘Program management’ is the existential threat that you never really even imagine as a risk. … It is the innovation that never occurs and the knowledge that is never created, because you have ceased to lay the groundwork for it. It is what you never learned that might have saved you. “It is myopia. It is the absence of leadership. It is democracy without citizenship. Enter Donald Trump.” I was particularly interested in a section of the book near the beginning, when Lewis quotes Max Stier, founder of Partnership for Public Service, who says: “The basic role of government is to keep us safe.” More from Stier: “People don’t understand that a bungled transition becomes a bungled presidency.” Trump’s had 28 acting cabinet secretaries, more than any one- or two-term President ever. Acting cabinet positions don’t need congressional confirmation. We still have 4 “acting” heads of departments: Chief of SEE LMFDC, Page 8

POLITICS

April 24 – May 21, 2020

La Mesa Courier

LMFDC

CONTINUED FROM Page 7

Staff Mick Mulvaney, Secretary of Homeland Security Chad Wolf, Director of National Security, Richard Grinell, and Management and Budget’s Russ Vought. FEMA has had a confirmed director only since January and still had no deputy director. During our unprecedented national emergency, and near economic collapse, wouldn’t it have been appropriate to have confirmed, vetted and fully qualified heads of these particular departments?

The U.S. and South Korea (population 51 million) had their first case of coronavirus on the same day in January. As of early March, the U.S. has 336,830 cases and 9,618 deaths. South Korea? 10,284 cases and 186 deaths. Leaders in South Korea used aggressive testing measures and introduced social distancing practices immediately. The U.S. still has eight states, all with Republican governors, with no stay-at-home measures. We have no coordinated national testing strategy. Most people wait days for their results if they are “lucky” enough to qualify for a COVID-19

REMODELING

test. South Korea showed what a country with coordinated national leadership can accomplish and slowed the virus two months ago. Trump dallied, lied, misled, had his inexperienced son-in-law coordinate some of the national response, and thousands of Americans have died and many thousands more will die in coming weeks and months. As our economy nears collapse with 10 million (and counting) unemployment claims, millions of small businesses (and some large ones) shuttered, a possible and unprecedented 30% unemployed workforce, the stock market off

LA MESA

one third and dropping, we can only wonder how much different our preparation and response would have been had a Democrat won the 2016 election.The next few months will be trying ones for all candidates, particularly ones we actively support and work to elect. The virus is affecting primaries in much of the nation so we won’t have the confirmed Democratic Presidential candidate until June or July, though it looks like Vice President Joe Biden will be our standard bearer. Fortunately, most polling shows him ahead of Trump in all of the critical battleground states.

“Family owned and Operated for 25 years”

Our local efforts to canvass, signwave, get-out-the-vote, fundraise and hold events like candidate forums and coffees are all in a state of flux right now. We urge you to stay connected and keep informed. And most importantly, stay safe and healthy. Please check out our interactive website at lamesafoothillsdemocraticclub. com, and check out our Facebook page for lots of information and updates. —Tina Rynberg is president and Jeff Benesch is vice president of programming of the La Mesa Foothills Democtratic Club.

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Apr 24 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; May 21 2020 FEATURE / ART La Mesa Courier sdnews com 9 Difference Maker: Chantal Lane Foothills Art presents ISOLATION Show By E CLEMETSON

La Mesan Chanta Lane s makng a d erence or young art sts wh e a so pursu ng her pass on or photography Lan began her e n Canada but moved to Orange County when she was our years o d A ter h gh schoo she pursues a bacheors degree n photography rom Brooks Inst tute o Photography n Santa Barbara a schoo she descr bed as hav ng â&#x20AC;&#x153;a ong and prest g ous reputat on n photography but came to a sad end more recent y â&#x20AC;? A ter graduat on Lane moved to the San D ego area met and marr ed her husband had a beaut u daughter and eventua y purchased a home n La Mesa n 2012 â&#x20AC;&#x153;We abso ute y ove our commun ty â&#x20AC;? she sa d It was Lane s husband who ntroduced her to the Museum o Photograph c Arts (MOPA) n San D ego s Ba boa Park â&#x20AC;&#x153;I oved t so much that I started vo unteer ng there as part o the r camp program â&#x20AC;? she sa d â&#x20AC;&#x153;By the end o the summer I was o ered a ob n the r educat on department â&#x20AC;? That was back n 2002 MOPA deve oped Lane s ove or arts educat on and a ter work ng or severa other arts nst tut ons n San D ego - work ng w th d erent commun t es or nst tut ons that represent a var ety o art med ums â&#x20AC;&#x201C; she ound her way back to MOPA n 2015 â&#x20AC;&#x153;MOPA photography and arts educat on are ust part o who I am â&#x20AC;? she sa d

n Stay hea thy stay home and stay arty and send photos o your work to Scott or post ng n our ISOLATION show â&#x20AC;? cont nues the message The artwork can be seen onne at ooth sartassoc at on com and by c ck ng on the ISOLATION Show header n the menu

By L NDA M CHAEL

The Footh s Ga ery ocated at the h stor c Porter Ha n La Mesa s temporar y c osed n accord w th precaut ons adv sed to prevent the spread o the Cov d-19 v rus but the art sts o the Footh s Art Assoc at on cont nue to pa nt In the absence o trad t ona ga ery show ngs Footh s Art Assoc at on has created an on ne ga ery t t ed â&#x20AC;&#x153;The ISOLATION Show â&#x20AC;? A message on the assoc at on s webs te descr b ng the show states â&#x20AC;&#x153;Sure we re current y between a rock and hard p ace t ptoe ng around try ng not to make th ngs worse or ourse ves our ne ghbors or our am es but we re art sts â&#x20AC;&#x153;Coronoa Por ra â&#x20AC;? by Joan Merr ck so we re used to mak ng the most o a d cu t s tuat on So When th s per od o soc a et s pa nt Let s draw Let s show so at on s over the Footh s each other what we ve been up to Ga ery w re-open and the by post ng our creat ons n our act v t es o the Footh s Art on ne-on y ISOLATION Show â&#x20AC;? Assoc at on (art shows and reArt sts are encouraged to take cept ons demonstrat ons and p ctures o the art they are work- workshops) w resume When ng on dur ng the quarant ne that happens we hope you w and ema them w th n orma- stop by the ga ery en oy the t on about the p ece such as t t e wonder u artwork o our oca d mens ons med a and pr ce to art sts Scott Tr m ett at FFHT13@ gma com â&#x20AC;&#x201D;L nda M chae s ed tor o â&#x20AC;&#x153;We re hop ng th s w be a Footpr nts the month y news etonce n a et me event so o n ter o the Footh s Art Assoc at on

Chan a Lane w h her daugh er Anna a MOPA Cou e y pho o

La Mesa Cour er recent y cought up w th Lane to earn more about the work th s d erence maker does

What s your ro e at MOPA? I ho d the t t e o Manager o Youth and V s tor Engagement Th s s a ro e that has deve oped over the ast coup e o years as we have moved to an educat on-based exper ence or a o MOPA s v s tors I oversee a o MOPA s youth programm ng wh ch nc udes our schoo outreach programs our spr ng and summer camps and our annua ur ed Youth Exh b t on â&#x20AC;&#x201D; a ong w th the very ta ented sta that teach and work on these programs I a so oversee MOPAs V s tor Engagement team who prov de an engag ng and educat ona exper ence or v s tors n our ga er es MOPA s rede n ng what an art museum exper ence shou d ook

and ee ke We are not nterested n creat ng a space that s nt m dat ng y qu et or academ ca y naccess b e We be eve that the art presented n our ga er es s open or nterpretat on and d scuss on We want v s tors to chat w th us and ask us quest ons and ee ree to express thoughts and responses Our v s tors get to gu de the r own exper ence but we are there or them O course we are now need ng to p vot n response to current events Our ph osoph ca pos t on around access b ty rema ns but we w aga n need to re mag ne how to best serve our commun ty

What s the Youth Jur ed Exh b t on? What does t do for young art sts? S nce 2006 MOPA has asked K-12 students rom T uana and San D ego to subm t photograph c SEE CHANTAL LANE Page 13

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April 24 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; May 21, 2020

La Mesa Courier

sdnews.com

Take Out Only! Untill The Ban Is Lifted. 5-21-20

FRESH ROASTED COFFEE FREE LOCAL 'LQH /RFDO Pick-up AT3LFN XS YOUR DOOR DELIVERY ON ORDERS OVER & /RRN :KRÂ¶V 2SHQ $20* 'HOLYHU\ Delivery )RU %XVLQHVV

Order online and get FREE Local Delivery or Shipping on orders over $20. No need to leave your house. Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll have fresh coffee at your door within 24 hours for local orders.

Free delivery for addresses within 5 miles of shop.

6101 LAKE MURRAY BLVD., LA MESA, CA 91942

Were Open For Take Out!

Were OPEN For Take Out!

Carne Asada Pollo Asado Carnitas Adovada

5-21-20

Were Open For Pick Up! 8AM to 8PM Pattyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s CafÃ© | 619-462-1922 | www.pattyscafe.com 6155 Lake Murray Blvd., La Mesa, CA91942 (Next to Big Lots)

2019

Were Open For Take Out!

Celebrating 11 Years! JULY 3RD

1/2 LB. STEERBURGER

Â¢

DINE IN ONLY. WITH DRINK PURCHASE. VALID JULY 3RD ONLY

619-644-1010 9104 Fletcher Parkway La Mesa, CA 91942

BUY ANY ENTREE OF YOUR CHOICE & GET THE SECOND ENTREE OF EQUAL OR LESSER PRICE

FREE

THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONTINUED SUPPORT

We Are OPEN For Pick Up-Carry-Out. Call Ahead To Have Your Order Ready. Lunch from 11AM - 2PM Dinner from 4PM - 9PM Closed Sunday & Monday

WITH PURCHASE OF TWO DRINKS Not valid with any other special. Up to $10 value. MUST PRESENT COUPON. Expires 5/21/2020

LA MESA R

Open Daily 11:30am - 8pm Happy Hour Daily 2pm-5pm DELIVERY AVAILABLE THROUGH

sammyspizza.com â&#x20AC;¢ 619-460-8555 Grossmont Trolley Center â&#x20AC;¢ 8555 Fletcher Pkwy â&#x20AC;¢ La Mesa, CA 91942

â&#x20AC;&#x2122;

April 24 – May 21, 2020 FOOD & DRINK La Mesa Courier sdnews.com La Mesa’s open restaurants and businesses*

619-463-4013 | 8751 La Mesa Blvd. thelunchboxcafe.com

Albert’s Fresh Mexican Food - Take out and third party delivery 8038 La Mesa Blvd. | La Mesa, CA 91942 619-464.2252 albertsmexicanfood.com/

Light Bulb Coffee - Take out and 3rd party delivery available from 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. 8138 La Mesa Blvd. 442-224-7750 light-bulb-coffee.business.site/

Anthony’s Fish Grotto - Take out from 3 p.m.7 p.m. The retail operation to purchase fresh fish is open noon-7 p.m. To order, call 619-463-0368. 9530 Murray Drive in La Mesa anthonysfishgrotto.com

Little Roma - Take out & curbside pick up: Lunch 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Dinner from 2-10 p.m. (Except Sunday & Monday dinner take out is available 2-9 p.m.) 619-461-7000 5575 Baltimore Drive #104-La Mesa littleromalamesa.com

BJs Restaurant and Brewhouse - Delivery: 11a.m. - 11:30 p.m.; Curbside pickup: 11a.m.-9 p.m. 619-589-7222 | 5500 Grossmont Drive Grubhub | Postmates | DoorDash | Online Ordering Brew Coffee Spot - Daily from 7 a.m.-3 p.m. daily for take out; fresh coffee and other items. 619-246-1244 6101 Lake Murray Blvd -La Mesa brewcoffeespot.com Cali Comfort BBQ - Take out dinners and full menu from 11 a.m.-7 p.m. seven days a week. Call 619-337-0670 or go to calibbq.media to order. Deliveries can be done through DoorDash. 8910 Troy St. in Spring Valley Cucina Basilico - Take out orders from 4:308:30 p.m. Order via telephone 619-8253171. At that time the staff will tell you of the fresh pasta choices and the specials! 7200 Parkway Dr. in La Mesa cucinabasilicolamesa.com Dream Dinners: Easy, Homemade Meals - Our March menu features 12 recipes that cook in 30 minutes or less. Place your order today. 619-460-6800 5208 Jackson Dr #116 - La Mesa dreamdinners.com Edible Arrangements - Take out La Mesa, CA 91942 619-464-1111 hediblearrangements.com/ El Pollo Loco - Open from 10 a.m.-10 p.m. for drive through meals. 619-797-1956 4990 Baltimore Drive in La Mesa elpolloloco.com Himalayan Cuisine - Take out meals - 11 a.m.- 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday. Friday & Saturday: 11a.m.-10 p.m. Call to order at 619-461-2503. 7918 El Cajon Blvd #P - La Mesa himalayancuisineone.com Hooleys Public House - 11:30 a.m.-7:30 p.m. 619-713-6900 5500 Grossmont Center Dr. #277 DoorDash hooleys.com Johnny B’s Burgers, Brew & Spirits - Food delivery & take out, bottles of wine and sixpacks of beer available for pick up only (no delivery), available daily from noon–8 p.m. 8393 La Mesa Blvd. 619-464-2465 johnnybsburgersandbrew.com/ La Mesa Wine & Spirits - Take out and delivery 8292 La Mesa Blvd. | 619-460-7500 facebook.com/LaMesaWineSpirits

Amethyst Moon 8329 La Mesa Blvd. 619)-440-4504 shopamethystmoon.com/ Blackbird 8201 La Mesa Blvd. 619-992-6052 blackbirdlamesa.com/ Bohemian House Vintage 8217 La Mesa Blvd. 619-644-3003 instagram.com/bohemianhouse8217/ Maxwell’s House of Books 8285 La Mesa Blvd.

Swami’s Cafe – Take out only 8284 La Mesa Blvd. 619-668-9030 swamiscafe.com/

small oranges • 2 cups granulated sugar • Juice of 1/2 a lemon • Pinch of ground cinnamon

By JULIE WHITE

Nonno’s Ristorante Italiano - Take out meals: Lunch from 11 a.m.-2 p.m.; Dinner from 4-9 p.m. Call 619-337-9559 to place your order. Closed Sunday & Monday. 5314 Baltimore Drive in La Mesa mynonnos.com

ORANGE MARMALADE

Panda Express – Take out 8011 University Ave., La Mesa, 619-462-6836

I hope you all are well and managing okay in these trying times. With so many oranges in La Mesa yards, I decided to make orange marmalade one afternoon. Its jammy sweetness has become such a hit with family and friends that I have made three batches! Please try making it if you have access to locally grown oranges or go buy Navel oranges in the grocery store. It is a fun project — perfect for idle hours during quarantine. Plus, your morning

Red Lobster – Sun.-Thurs.: 11a.m.-10 p.m.; Fri. & Sat.: 11 a.m.-11 p.m. 619-463-4449 8703 Murray Drive, La Mesa Grubhub | Postmates | UberEats | DoorDash | Online Ordering Take out only! Free delivery when ordering at redlobster.com! Round Table Pizza – Take out or delivery 8032 La Mesa Blvd. 619)-462-1650 roundtablepizza.com

The Lunch Box – Tues.-Fri.: take out meals 7:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday breakfast take out 7:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Closed Sunday and Monday.

INGREDIENTS: • 6 large Navel oranges or 10

Marie Callender’s - Open for take out meals, pies & bakery items from 11 a.m.8 p.m. Place orders over the phone at 619-465-1910. 6950 Alvarado Road in San Diego mariecallenders.com

Pizza Hut – Take out or delivery 8011 University Ave. #C2, La Mesa 816-224-3336

Tamarind Thai Restaurant – Take out and third party delivery 7970 University Ave., #310, La Mesa 619-337-2581

toast with marmalade will make you smile.

Los Pinos Taco Shop - Open for take out. The menu is on their website. Mon.-Sat. 10:30 a.m.-9 p.m..; Sunday 4-9 p.m. 619-462-5031 5646 Lake Murray Blvd., La Mesa lospinostacos.com

DIRECTIONS:

Wash 2-3 small jars and lids well and pour boiling water over them to sterilize. Drain. Using a vegetable peeler, remove only the rind from the oranges. Using a sharp knife, cut the rind in thin pieces. Place in a saucepan covered with two cups of water. Take the orange and remove as much of the white pith as you possibly can. Cut the orange flesh segments into half-inch pieces and set aside. Place the saucepan and rind over high heat and bring to a boil. Lower the heat and boil for 10 minutes. Drain the bitter water and once again cover with two cups of water and repeat. This process needs to be repeated three times. I think this is why this

Trolley Stop Deli – Take out 8150 La Mesa Blvd. 619-697-3354 trolleystopdeli.com

jam turns out so delicious — no bitterness! W h e n you have drained the rind for the last time, add the or- (Photo by Julie White) ange f lesh pieces, the sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon and two cups of water. Bring mixture to a boil and after 5-6 minutes reduce heat to medium. This mixture needs to simmer for 45-50 minutes. Stir frequently and don't leave the kitchen please. The wateriness and foam will subside as it slowly thickens. When it no longer looks watery and has thickened up, remove from the heat and pour into jars. The marmalade should cool on the counter until room temperature. Place on the lids and chill in refrigerator. Enjoy! “Hope smiles from the threshold of the year to come, whispering, 'It will be happier.'" —Alfred Lord Tennyson

San Pasqual Winery Tasting Room – Pick up or delivery available for bottle sales from noon-6 p.m., offering 25% discount on purchase of six or more; $5 shipping for overnight delivery in CA. 8364 La Mesa Blvd. 619-462-1797 sanpasqualwinery.com/ Subway – Take out and third party delivery 8142 La Mesa Blvd. 619-697-8048 subway.com Sheldon’s Service Station – Take out available daily from 8 a.m.-1 p.m. 8401 La Mesa Blvd. 619-741-8276 sheldonslamesa.com/ Starbucks Coffee – Drive thru only 7966 La Mesa Blvd. 206-318-4994 starbucks.com/ Surf Rider Pizza Co. – Take out available Tue.-Sun. from 11:30 a.m.-7:30 p.m., closed Mondays, and 3third party delivery available

RETAIL SHOPS OFFERING ONLINE SHOPPING WITH SHIPPING, DELIVERY AND/OR CURBSIDE PICK UP OPTIONS AND GIFT CARDS (BE SURE TO CONTACT INDIVIDUAL STORES TO CONFIRM SHOPPING OPTIONS) Act II Boutique 8243 La Mesa Blvd. 619-698-2392 myactii.com/

8381 La Mesa Blvd. 619-340-1270 surfrider.pizza/locations/la-mesa/

The Yogurt Mill of La Mesa – Take out and third party delivery 8158 La Mesa Blvd. 619-729-9577 the-yogurt-mill-of-la-mesa.business.site

619-462-3387 maxwellshouseofbooks.com/ Postal Annex 8030 La Mesa Blvd. 619-461-8977 postalannex.com Sara’s Selections Boutique 8374 La Mesa Blvd. 619-464-1714 instagram.com/sarasselections/ Small Batch 8332 La Mesa Blvd. 619-467-7429 smallbatchstore.com/ Uneeke Boutique 4674 Nebo Drive 619-82509487 facebook.com/UneekeBoutique/

*List provided by La Mesa Chamber of Commerce and La Mesa Village Association. To be added to the list, email jeff@sdnews.com.

Now You Can Order For Pick-Up or Delivery

April 24 – May 21, 2020

La Mesa Courier

EDUCATION

The historic markers on Gossmont High’s campus

Helix High adapts to distance learning

Helix Highlights Foothiller Footsteps

By JENNIFER OSBORN

By CONNIE BAER and LYNN BAER

Distance learning. A month ago, this phrase was not a familiar one to most of America. But in just a matter of weeks, almost everyone with school-age children is not only aware of the term, but they are likely experiencing it in their own homes. With the shut down of schools during the COVID-19 pandemic, districts, schools, and teachers across the nation are working to ensure children are still learning. Professionals in the education field are also learning, as they explore and innovate to find ways to continue to connect with students from afar. Transitioning to an exclusively distance learning environment poses many challenges, especially when students are in need of computers or other devices that allow them to stay connected to their school and their educational program. Helix students and teachers have been working in a one-toone environment for the past five years — all Helix students have school-issued Chromebooks and teachers have been incorporating technology into their curriculum during that time. While the transition to distance learning has been far from easy, having this infrastructure in place did ease many of the pains and has allowed Helix teachers to continue to provide academic work to their students. Helix returned from Spring Break on April 30 and started distance learning with two weeks of enrichment activities, designed to reconnect to school and develop new habits related to the online educational systems, while at the same time allowing staff to determine the needs of families and reach out to students who were not engaging in the activities. After two weeks of transition time, coursework has resumed. Teachers are posting assignments for students on Monday of each week, and all work is to be completed by the following Sunday. Teachers hold “office hours” during the week via Zoom meetings to allow students to check in, get additional help with assignments, meet with classmates, or participate in optional activities. Helix’s Academic Coaches are also available throughout the week to provide academic support to students who need it. Students have been provided with a tutoring schedule and can sign up for an on line session with one of the coaches. The ASPIRE after school program has also gone digital. The

Grossmont High School’s nearly 100 years are reflected throughout its historic campus. While the campus has been dramatically modernized over the past 10 years, reminders of its past include bronze plaques as well as signs and features documenting its history.

DRINKING FOUNTAIN IN THE UPPER QUAD Since the first Foothillers graduated in 1921, the most enigmatic bronze plaque on campus is the one celebrating the Class of 1916’s drinking fountain. It reads: “The Class of 1916 donated a drinking fountain made of granite from a local quarry and inscribed ‘Class of 1916,’ to the old El Cajon Valley Union High School. When Grossmont Union High School was established in 1920, the fountain was moved to the Grossmont’s temporary home for its first two years, the closed Riverview UHS campus in Lakeside. When the new Grossmont High School building was opened in 1922, the Class of 1916’s fountain was moved to the new school. For forty years, thousands of Grossmont students drank from the fountain. In 1960 the drinking fountain was buried near its original location as a senior prank. The granite base of the fountain was unearthed in 2008 and refashioned into a decorative fountain.”

HISTORIC IVY BRONZE PLAQUE IN THE LOWER QUAD In 1925, the GUHS P.T.A. paid renowned horticulturalist Kate Sessions $350 to landscape the school to “make Grossmont one of the garden spots of Southern California,” according to the 1925 El Cajon Valley News. Then in April 1926, it stated, “About 500 trees and shrubs have been planted around … the building, a long row of creeping ivy (ficus repens) has been planted in front.” The English ivy from the back of the school planted in the 1930s is believed to be from Washington Irving’s New York home and originally from Sir Walter Scott’s home in Scotland. During these early years, Algerian ivy was also planted in the rear of the school. Cuyamaca C o l l e g e ’s Or na menta l Hor t icu lt u re Department assisted in the preservation of the ivy by growing cuttings, which are now planted along the fence in front rather than on the 1922 granite Castle.

WPA Old Gym plaque

Two GUHS teachers at fountain in 1922

THE WPA BRONZE PLAQUES IN THE UPPER QUAD In December 1935, a $90,000 bond issue funded three major projects on campus, the Manual Arts (Vocational Arts and Agriculture) building; the reconstruction of the rear wing of the original 1922 school from an auditorium to a two story classroom wing; and the creation of a new physical education-auditorium building. Forty-five percent of the cost was an outright gift from the government through the WPA (Works Project Administration), with the remainder funded through a community bond. Architect Frank L. Hope designed the building in the art deco style typical of WPA projects at the time. In 2015, the Class of 1964 funded the replacement of the historic art deco sign that once appeared above the doorway, which now proclaims, as it did in the past, “Auditorium-Gymnasium” with the added year of completion, 1937. On the corner of the building is the original WPA bronze plaque commemorating the campus’s historic construction. There are several other reminders of the WPA’s historic influence on campus: the reconfiguration of the football field from east-west to north-south alignment; a river rock sloping wall behind the home stands of the Jack Mashin Stadium; the wide and deep cement steps leading to the stadium; the X design of the upper quad sidewalks; and a cement tennis bench with a bronze plaque commemorating the tennis courts and benches constructed where the current school office stands with the words “Built by the WPA 1935-1936.”

THE BIG G ON THE HILL

For decades, the G has represented Foothiller pride as a large visual symbol of the campus. Early 1930’s photographs show a whitewashed letter G on a hill near Grossmont. In 1947-48, the Hi-Y Club (YMCA) built the Big G on the slope in front of the original school made out of shrubs, blooming in colors of blue and gold. During the 1960s, the shrubs were showing their age, but still intermittedly blooming. In 1993, volunteers, along with RCP’s Gene Chubb

Class of 1916 Fountain today (Photos

courtesy GHS Museum)

(Class of 1948), replaced the G in the same location with one made of brick and rock. In the late 1950s to the 1970s, there was also a large G on Cowles Mountain (with an S for SDSU on the other side). Yearly, as part of a weeklong freshmen initiation, ninth grade students “whitewashed” the G. Today, Bill Woolman (Class of 1962) lovingly cares for the G in front of the original school. If you drive by the G on Murray Drive, don’t be surprised if you see Bill there as he trims, weeds, and rakes to keep it looking its best. Recently, Bill funded a solar light that shines on the G at night, enabling the G to broadcast its Foothiller Pride day and night.

BECOME PART OF AN HISTORIC CAMPUS Today, there are several opportunities to celebrate yourself, your family, your class, or your business. One way is to contribute to our GHS Endowment Fund and become a Foothiller Friend or Founder. Your donation will be permanently commemorated with a gray tile on campus. Visit grossmont.donationtiles.com to place an online order or email or phone us to receive an order form by mail. Other opportunities include donating a personalized royal blue bench on campus or sponsoring a decade showcase for the new GHS Museum, opening next school year. Please email or phone us for more information. —Connie and Lynn Baer write on behalf of the Grossmont High School Museum. To learn more about Grossmont High School, past and present, visit the GHS Museum website at foothillermuseum.com. Due to the coronavirus, the GHS Museum is currently closed. Contact the museum at ghsmuseum@guhsd. net and at 619-668-6140.

ASPIRE program has been a staple on the Helix campus for many years, providing after school activities for more than 300 students every day. Not even a school shut down can stop ASPIRE! The program is offering fitness classes, tap dancing, robotics, creative writing, baking, gaming, money management, academic support and Club College (assistance with anything having to do with applying to college), all through online platforms. Behind the scenes, staff continue to collaborate. A recent Zoom staff meeting had more than 200 members in attendance. Staff emails abound, containing helpful resources, tips for using technology, updates from the tech team on how many students are engaged in online activities, encouragement from the administrative team, and much more. While the physical campus is quiet, the virtual campus is buzzing with activity. It is not a perfect situation. Teachers and staff miss their students and coworkers. Students miss their friends and, yes, even their teachers. Athletes are eager to get back to their sports. Students involved in performing arts are missing their time on stage. Seniors are finding creative ways to celebrate their prom. The rest of the school year will certainly look different than any other we have experienced. Helix students and staff undoubtedly will be working to ensure there are still achievements and celebrations to make it memorable.

HIGHLANDER OPEN CANCELLED It was with heavy hearts that the board of the Helix High School Foundation announced the cancellation of the annual Highlander Open Golf Tournament. With all of the uncertainty, it was next to impossible to plan an event of this size. The Highlander Open is the Foundation’s biggest fundraiser each year, raising thousands of dollars to provide Helix graduating seniors with scholarships to help them on their college journeys. The cancellation of this year’s tournament will make it very challenging to provide the level of support we have come to enjoy. Last year, students received more than $50,000 in scholarships. With this in mind, the Foundation is asking for community support to build this year’s scholarship fund. Donations can be made on line through their website (helixhighschoolfoundation.com) or by mailing a check to The Helix High School Foundation at 7323 University Ave., La Mesa, CA, 91942. —Jennifer Osborn writes on behalf of Helix Charter High School.

April 24 – May 21, 2020 BOOKS / FEATURE La Mesa Courier sdnews.com Library eBooks to get you through quarantine Chantal Lane

you are and what’s important to you.

CONTINUED FROM Page 9

By RAMONA PRICE

In this strange time of social distancing and staying at home, how do you get new books when the libraries and bookstores are closed? Luckily, the San Diego County Library has you covered with our eBook and downloadable audiobook collection. Download the Libby app to your phone/tablet or go to sdcl.overdrive.com on your computer, sign in with your library card number, and you are good to go. If this is your first time using our eBooks, there is a guide to help you: sdcl.org/ebooks.html. Here are some highlights from our “Read Together, Separately” eBook and audiobook collection that are always available for checkout. In Ann Patchett’s sprawling epic “Commonwealth,” two families are torn apart and brought together by a single illicit kiss at a christening party in the 1960s. That kiss spawns two divorces and upends the lives of six children, who eventually form their own insular tribe as they are shuttled between their families in California and Virginia. Over 20 years later, the siblings’ story becomes the basis of a bestselling book, forcing them to face their demons, their guilt and the deep connection that ties them all together. A fascinating history of one of the biggest industrial scandals of the early 20th century, “Radium Girls” by Kate Moore explores how radium went from being a miracle to a nightmare. Touted as the glowing wave of the future, radium was everywhere, but it was most prevalent in watches, whose radium coated dials allowed the wearers to tell the time in the dark. Those dials were hand-painted with radium by young female workers, whose bodies became so coated in the substance that they would glow in the dark. Being a “shining girl” was a coveted job, until they started falling mysteriously ill. As the factories continued to deny that radium was unsafe, the workers and their families started to fight back. Have you been watching “Little Fires Everywhere” on Hulu, based on the novel by Celeste Ng? If you’re loving it as much as I am, you should take a look at her first book, “Everything I Never Told You.” Equally lovely and heartbreaking, this story of a Chinese-American family in 1970s Ohio whose world comes crashing down when their teenage daughter suddenly and mysteriously dies will take you on an emotional rollercoaster. Exploring themes of race, class and gender, this is a beautiful and thoughtful read. Newlyweds Celestial and Roy are the envy of their friends and

fa m i ly w it h promising careers and a bright future in “An American Marriage” by Tayari Jones. But suddenly everything crumbles when Roy is sentenced to 12 years in prison for a crime Celestial is sure he didn’t com m it . A s Celestial tries to put her life back together, she finds her love for Roy changing, and starts depending on her childhood friend Andre fo r s up p o r t and companionship. When Roy’s conviction is overturned after five years, he returns expecting to resume his life with Celestial, but discovers that everything has changed. A romantic and emotional exploration of how quickly lives can change. Using this time at home to declutter? Explore Marie Kondo’s world-famous method in “The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up.” Learn how to

artwork for our juried youth exhibition. Previous years challenged youth to interpret sound, boundaries and the self. This year, we’re asking youth to interpret the theme of “growing up.” MOPA’s juried youth exhibition is an opportunity for local youth artists to exhibit their photography and short films at our museum. For an entire exhibition cycle, their creations are on view. Every year, we hear a lot from parents on what the experience does for their young artists. From exhibiting higher levels of confidence to showing more interest in being creative, the outcomes that we see are in a way what encourages us to show their great work every year.

categorize your stuff and prioritize what to keep and what to let go. Maybe you’ll find some hidden gems you forgot you had, and come out more organized and streamlined on the other side! —Ramona Price is a librarian at the La Mesa branch of the San Diego County Library.

With camps and programs cancelled or postponed, what kind of projects or resources can young artists/photographers utilize right now? There’s a lot of ways to be creative still, and a way MOPA is looking to show that is with our new online show directed toward youth. Called “Through My Lens,” it provides weekly opportunities and challenges for youth and their families to engage with the camera and make art. Find the show online every Friday afternoon at MOPA. org/YouTube. This can also be a time that is spent creating that one artwork that will make it into MOPA’s youth exhibition. This is the chance to become an exhibiting artist. That’s exciting.

How can young photographers get involved?

Any final words about MOPA, the future of programs, etc.?

Youth artists can complete their application at MOPA. org/yx. On that website, they will find requirements and instructions for how to submit their artwork. We also provide a list of FAQs to support their process. As always, the best way to stand out is to have fun and get excited to create art. Make work that reflects who

No one knows when this will be over and when we will be able to safely return to Balboa Park. We are very optimistic that MOPA will be able to get past this and thrive in the future. Please know that we are looking forward to having you all be a part of that future. —Reach editor Jeff Clemetson at jeff@sdnews.com.

Connecting generations through technology 2. Video Chat Video chat makes you feel as though everyone’s in the same room. Use apps like Skype or FaceTime to have a video conversation from virtually any device, and share life events such as graduations or weddings.

Four easy ways tech can help grandparents bond with younger family members Grandparents: a word often associated with presents, special outings, yummy food and unconditional love. Yet many Americans don’t talk to, or see, their grandparents as often as they’d like. Here are four ways technology can help you connect with your grandparents.

1. Messaging Apps A recent study revealed that 73% of grandparents own smartphones. Messaging apps like WhatsApp or Talkatone are a great introduction to texting for grandparents. With messaging apps, you can send and receive text updates, photos and videos in one place. When there’s time for a longer conversation, you can use these apps to chat for free, as most don’t use cell minutes.

3. Gaming and Creativity Apps Apps like Magisto and PhotoFunia allow you to personalize photos and videos. Looking for some friendly competition with your grandparents? Try a gaming app like Wheel of Fortune or Minecraft. Or keep your grandparents updated with an app like Keepy, an interactive platform for sharing school projects and artwork. Use family tree apps like Ancestry to discover photos and stories together as you navigate your family history.

4. Social Media Start a private Instagram account where you can post photos and videos. Grandparents have lots to share as well, so encourage them to make their own Instagram handles and record their stories. This can be a unique way to learn about your grandparents’ past, pass down family memories or share family recipes.

Snapchat is another option for sending and receiving custom pictures or videos with a variety of fun filters and lenses.

How to Help Your Grandparents Only 44% of grandparents identify as tech-savvy. Teaching non-tech-savvy family members how to use video chat and social media can be a bonding experience. You can also set your grandparents up with useful home features like the SURE Universal Remote, which allows them to control their TV and other devices from their smartphone. Less tech-savvy grandparents may not realize they can watch their cable TV content from their mobile device or schedule DVR recordings with apps like Cox Connect. Giving your elders the power to connect helps build relationships with the people you love most, and that’s priceless at any age.

BUSINESS & SERVICES / NEWS

April 24 – May 21, 2020

La Mesa Courier

SERVICE DIRECTORY ATTORNEY

WORSHIP DIRECTORY

CLEANING

ENGRAVING

LANDSCAPE/GARDEN

PAINTING

PLUMBING Wed. Night........6:30pm to 8:00pm Sat. Night..........6:30pm to 8:00pm Sunday.............10:00am to 11:30am Tuesday.............6:30pm to 8:00pm

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Call Heather @ 951.296.7794 hfine@sdnews.com

News briefs CONTINUED FROM Page 6

Gov. Gavin Newsom’s order requiring 40 million California residents to stay at home, and the San Diego County Health and Human Services Agency’s public health order restricting public gatherings. The Lake Murray fireworks show is just one of many local summer events to be canceled or postponed amid the COVID-19 pandemic, including San Diego Comic-Con International, the San Diego County Fair, and San Diego Pride. All city parks have been closed until further notice. While some bill payments and permit applications for the 2020 event had already been completed, Dahlkamp said she’s hopeful they will roll over to the 2021 event. The neighborhood donation drive has been postponed until 2021. Funds raised through business sponsors and individual donations cover the expense of fireworks, city permits, insurance, emergency personnel, portable toilets and sinks, entertainment, and lighting and stage components. Stormberg Orthodontics had signed on to be the title sponsor. The 2019 music festival drew a rotating crowd of an estimated 3,000 people, while the evening fireworks show could be seen by an estimated 100,000 people throughout La Mesa and San Diego’s Navajo neighborhoods of Grantville, Allied Gardens, Del Cerro, and San Carlos.

2020 CENSUS IS UNDERWAY

By now, every household in the San Diego region should have received an invitation by mail to participate in the 2020 Census. The Census provides more than a snapshot of a community's demographics. Its count determines where nearly $1 trillion of taxpayer money is allocated for healthcare, education, housing, community resources, transportation, and disaster relief. It is fast and easy to complete your Census questionnaire at my2020census.gov, by phone (844330-2020), or by mail. All your responses are confidential and private – responses are protected by federal law and are gathered for statistical purposes only. With questions about the Census, email raquel.juarez@2020census.gov.

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For more information contact Heather Fine:

hfine@sdnews.com Cell: 951-296-7794

COLa M

UR es IE a R

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sdnews.com

April 24 – May 21, 2020

La Mesa Courier

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48. Very unpleasant smell 50. Graduates 51. Seedless raisin 52. Self-protection 53. Clue 54. Life-savers 55. Ingest too much 56. Misrepresented 58. Small Eurasian deer 59. Most mocking 60. Soviet Socialist Republic

CLUES DOWN 1. Flower cluster 2. A form 3. Inner organ regions 4. Local law enforcement 5. A citizen of Senegal 6. Positively charged electrodes 7. Connects granules 8. Business practice 9. The Mount Rushmore State 12. Leader

13. Hindu queen 17. Proofreading mark 19. European country 20. Greek mythological nymph 21. Grandfather 25. Clears 29. Amount of time 31. Mollusks 32. German municipality 33. Body part 35. City of Angels hoopsters

38. Suffocate 41. Pleasing to the eye 43. Poplar trees (Spanish) 44. Ship officer 45. Individual investment account (abbr.) 46. Prefix meaning within 47. Ceased to live 49. Day by day 56. Not color 57. Condition of withdrawal (abbr.)

April 24 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; May 21, 2020

COVID 19 agency SD Community.pdf

La Mesa Courier

4/14/20

11:53 AM

sdnews.com

An Open Letter from the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California and Your Water Providers

CMY

To the communities we serve,

There is plenty of water.

These are difficult times, carrying great uncertainty

Southern California has an extensive distribution,

and many challenges. However, the Metropolitan

storage and treatment system to ensure continued

Water District of Southern California and its 26

deliveries even during a disruption. And, our reservoirs

member public agencies continue to deliver safe,

are at some of the highest levels ever.

high-quality and reliable water supplies to homes and businesses, just as we have done for nearly a century.

Tap water is safe.

Water deliveries are reliable. Agencies are taking steps to protect the health and safety of our workforce. Our laboratories, treatment

Our water agencies use state-of-the-art, advanced

plants and facilities continue to be staffed by skilled

treatment processes that remove and kill viruses,

and dedicated men and women who provide the vital

including coronaviruses, as well as bacteria and

services that keep our systems running.

other pathogens. Metropolitan and your local water agencies are working together, combining our vast resources and talents, to maintain critical services to the communities we serve. Sincerely,

mwdh2o.com Gloria D. Gray, Chairwoman

UPPER SAN GABRIEL VALLEY MUNICIPAL WATER DISTRICT

Joined Metropolitan March 27, 1963