CoViD-19: Cover Your Face, Dammit!

A January sunset from Lake Murray. If we had only been paying attention to China then. 

The well of scienctific knowledge about the novel coronavirus and CoVid-19 is constantly growing. But as "community spread" of coronavirus increases and information about how long the virus can hang in the air or on a surface changes, it's time (if you haven't already) to cover your face if and when you're out in public. This certainly doesn't mean you should run out and buy masks that could otherwise be used by essential personnel, but dig through your closet, your drawers, your old sports bags, and find yourself a bandanna, a scarf, or something to cover your face --your entire nose and mouth--when you're out. And as the kind man at Costco recommended to me today, you should also consider coverage for your eyes, too. Something, the science would now suggest, is better than nothing in preventing other people's droplets from entering your system or from keeping you from spreading should you be asymptomatic and carrying the virus yourself.

It's Time to Face Facts, America: Masks Work
Official advice has been confusing, but the science isn't hard to grok. Everyone should cover up. - Wired

Riverside County recommends covering face in public to prevent coronavirus - The Press Enterprise

Should you wear a mask? US health officials re-examine guidance amid coronavirus crisis - CNN Health

Should We All Be Wearing Masks In Public? Health Experts Revisit The Question - NPR

And this article argues that no, you should not, but only because they're concerned with shortages. Frankly, after reading this article about the Washington Chorale, I think saying no at this point is unbelievable irresponsible.

Should you wear mask in public if not sick with coronavirus? - PBS Newshour

Update 4/1:

LA has now given guidance that ALL PEOPLE should wear face coverings in public.

Mayor Eric Garcetti (April 1, 2020)

Early data suggests many who are infected with COVID-19 are not symptomatic, which is why we are recommending you use cloth face coverings plus physical distancing for essential activities. Do not use surgical and N95 masks, which are reserved for first responders and medical workers.

People are making their own face masks. Do they work? - Deseret News

Here's how to make an easy, no-sew face mask with materials you have at home - KOMO

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CoViD-19: What's Booze Got To Do With It?

I miss my bar pal, Julie. (This is an oldie from 2018)

Look, live your life as you will and I'll live mine. People can have differences of opinions so long as we keep our facts straight. And the fact is, certain states and entire countries are banning or otherwise limiting alcohol sales during the coronavirus pandemic. And look, I don't think California is gonna limit or ban alcohol sales. But, I also don't really need to be doing beer runs during the shelter-at-home order. So let's just say I panic purchased, and we're set, at least for a minute. I mean, I had to go get some stuff for my parents at CostCo anyway, so I don't feel like I was unnecessarily clogging the store, but if I happened to pick up a couple cases of beer and some liquor while there? Well, sorry not sorry.  And I'm not the only one.

(Wanna virtually buy me a drink? Venmo/PayPal)

So how is the rest of the country and the rest of the world handling alcohol during this pandemic? Some articles and references, after the jump.

CoVid-19: Following The Bay Area, A Glimpse of What Is To Come

Darren, his mother Billie, and nephew Jonathan taken January 2020

Darren was born an raised in the Bay Area, so we have a long-running joke/argument about things being better in San Francisco vs San Diego. The burrito debate. The public transit. The culinary scene. It's generally all in jest and out of love. But we have certainly been paying attention because his senior mother still lives in Contra Costa county with his two nephews, one of which takes the bus and BART daily to his job at an Amazon distribution center. San Diego has lagged slightly behind the Bay Area in cases, but also in responses, but we've noticed that any guidelines they enact are soon followed or replicated here, with perhaps a few days or a couple weeks of lagtime.

Today, the Bay Area extended their Shelter-In-Place order through May 3rd and have added the following restrictions. I wouldn't be surprised to hear similar restrictions placed on our entire region in the coming days:

• Use of playgrounds, dog parks, public picnic areas, and similar recreational areas is prohibited. These areas must be closed to public use.
• Use of shared public recreational facilities such as golf courses, tennis and basketball courts, pools, and rock walls is prohibited. These facilities must be closed for recreational use.
• Sports requiring people to share a ball or other equipment must be limited to people in the same household.
• Essential businesses must develop a social distancing protocol before April 3.
• Most construction—residential and commercial—is prohibited.
• Funerals are limited to no more than 10 people attending.
• Essential businesses will include service providers that enable residential transactions (notaries, title companies, Realtors, etc.); funeral homes and cemeteries; moving companies, rental car companies and rideshare services that specifically enable essential activities.
• Essential businesses that continue to operate facilities must scale down operations to their essential component only.

Coronavirus: Bay Area shelter-in-place extended through May 3 with new restrictions - Mercury News

I missed the County of San Diego update today but will post if there's any new info.

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Covid-19: Fader Fort Goes Digital on March 31st & April 1st

The Fader Fort is one of the hotspots of SXSW every year, and since the festival was obviously canceled this year, The Fader has decided the show must go on, virtually, of course. Tune in to their link here. Videos will only be live for 24 hours, so check it out sooner rather than later.

(Update: due to popular demand, the live stream has expanded to two days. Check after the jump for full lineup.)

Full press release after the jump:

CoViD-19: Local Musician Drew Andrews Shares His Coronavirus Diagnosis, Experience

I'm so grateful to my sweet friend Drew Andrews for allowing me to share his story today on SoundDiego. Check it out: Local Musician Shares Coronavirus Diagnosis, Experience

My dear friend and colleague Graham Stevens also believes he may have the virus and has shared a personal video here.

I wish I had more to say but it's kind of overwhelming right now.
Just wishing the best for my pals.

Drew has continued sharing valuable information, which I'm reposting, after the jump:

Reading & Watching: Stuck At Home Edition

Safari Park Taken in November 2019 (I think it's Mkhaya but could be Zuli)

I've been watching a lot, reading a lot, and obviously posting a lot. I haven't done a general Reading & Watching list in a while but thought I'd update with some links I've been saving that don't really belong anywhere else. I'm on Goodreads, too, but I'll add some of the books I've gone through lately as well. Check it out after the jump if you're so inclined.

CoVID-19: California Closes State Parks To Vehicular Traffic

Hiking Anza-Borrego Slot Canyon in March of 2019

Well, we couldn't stay away. Californians heard the warnings and threats and then, as we do, found the loopholes. Last week it was City parks and beaches and canyons that closed, so everyone (including my family) found county and state park loopholes, or sought the cities where closures hadn't gone into effect, like Oceanside and Coronado. But it's bad. And the numbers keep growing. And we don't want to be like Italy. And I know we are accustomed to a certain lifestyle here in Southern California, that's why we pay the so-called 'sunshine tax' to live here, but now the state parks have had to shut down to vehicular traffic, too. And this is a good little primer from KQED: Can I Go Hiking During California's Shelter in Place? Yes, But Read This First, though I just realized this was posted on Friday, before the state expanded their closures. It's so confusing. I know.

Full press release after the jump.

CoViD-19 Diary: My Life At Home

I couldn't write yesterday. I was exhausted and it was all just too much. I needed a "mental health day," and I just kinda sponged and couched and slept. It didn't help that in the morning, my dog bucked my eye with the top of her head and gave me a shiner. Actually, it's just swollen at this point, but I imagine it will start going through the rainbow of blue, yellow, and purple as it heals. She just gets a little too excited sometimes, and having all of us home all of the time certainly has her over stimulated. More covid diary after the jump.

COVID-19: Important Reading

Luka celebrated her 1 Year Birthday today at the Safari Park (photo taken December 2019)

Hate to be grim, but it's not looking good out there. I had to take a couple days off covid posts because it was just too much. I thought I'd do a little article wrap-up in case some things missed your feed, but definitely don't read them all at once. If you want to skip them all, then just know that the numbers are going up, the US passed cases in China and Italy two days ago, and San Diego County just extended the stay-at-home/social distancing order to "until further notice."

Coronavirus: What Your Fellow San Diegans Are Asking KPBS

The Analogy Between Covid-19 and Climate Change Is Eerily Precise - Wired

F.A.Q. on Stimulus Checks, Unemployment and the Coronavirus Bill - NYT

Coronavirus conspiracy theories are a public health hazard - Wired

US coronavirus cases top 100,000, doubling in three days - CNBC

This Week Is ‘Crucial’ for San Diego's Virus Fight, Scientist Warns - VOSD

San Diego County extended its stay-at-home order so that it remains in effect until further notice. 

Every expert opinion you’ve heard about wearing masks is right Quartz

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CoVID-19: The Old Globe Arts Engagement Offers Free Education and Programs for Adults

TOGA- The Old Globe Arts Engagement

Check it all out after the jump.

SoundDiego: ‘You Are (Not) Going to Hate This’: The Frights Plan Full-Album Livestreams

The Frights at Spreckels Organ Pavilion in February 2020 

I wrote about The Frights at Home Tour for SoundDiego. Check it out. (watch tonight at 7pm via Instagram)

Here are the links to some of the other pieces I've written this week:

Blink-182 Gives Social Love to Coronavirus Parody ‘Wash My Hands Again’

Lady Brain Trust

San Diego Music Awards Rescheduled

Local Nightclubs Get Creative to Help Struggling Staffers

Seaport Sessions Switch Up

Local Artists #BandTogether to Livestream Concerts
Aztec Brews Livestream Shows for Housebound Fans

Entercom Lockdown Prompts ‘Local 949’ Hiatus

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CoViD-19: Help For Musicians and Venues

Everyone is struggling right now, no doubt, but I've heard of some great resources that you might want to check out if you're a musician or worker who has been furloughed, lost work, or otherwise are losing income during this time.

NPR: Resources For Music Businesses And Industry Workers In Need Amidst The Pandemic

MusicCares: Recording Academy and MusiCares Launch Coronavirus Relief Fund

COVID-19 Freelance Artist Resources

New Music Solidarity Fund (offering $500 grants for musicians)

San Diego COVID-19 Community Response Fund

California EDD 

Conversely, if you're looking for ways to help out, we set up a PayPal for the Casbah to support the staff currently out of work.

Here's an article I wrote for SoundDiego with a list of venues and ways to help.

If you'd like to help keep things going here at sddialedin and have found this site to be a useful resource, we're certainly struggling here without Darren working and no telling how long this will carry on. You can Venmo me direct at @sddialedin or PayPal, too.  As everyone would like to keep reminding you, every little bit helps. Truly.

COVID-19: Online Arts, Museums, WebCams To Keep The Kids Busy

I've posted these links before, but thought I'd add to the list and update.
Leave a comment if you've got some for me to add.

San Diego Humane Society "Humane at Home" series- Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 2pm

San Diego Zoo Kids Programs

California Women’s Museum

Free Drawing Classes by Professional Illustrators

PBS Learning Media has media and resources for all grade levels

Khan Academy Math Resources

eLibrary Resources San Diego: San Diego Public Library has online resources

San Diego County eLibrary

NYPL Remote Learning Resources (some available without NYPL card)

State Resources that Support Distance Learning 

Travel Sites and Attractions That You Can Visit Virtually

Virtual Field Trips - Google Doc -

Oceans Initiative Virtual Marine Biology Camps

List of Free Educational Site Resources (Kids Activities Blog)

National Park Services (scroll down to "Opportunities to Find Your Park Virtually):

Outside Science (inside parks) Video Series

Watching Wildlife Webcams

Bloomcam National Mall & the National Cherry Blossom Festival

Explore The Universe with NASA

Sea World Educational Resources 

Learn With MOPA

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CoViD-19: Organizing Links & Resource Information

(Originally posted 3.20.2020, but have made some updates and added links for clarification)
I didn't expect to have so many posts this week, but here we are. Italy has just launched their military to enforce lockdown and had their highest death day yet, with 627 deaths. (Source: CNN) New York is now the epicenter of COVID-19 while idiots in Florida are partying for spring break like nothing is going on...it seems the longer other places don't lockdown, the longer we will be, and it sucks. I still (like many) can't find toilet paper. Thought I'd update the lists of sources and information that have been helpful in this time.

Here are the important links to keep up with everything:

International:
World Health Organization (WHO) WHO Myth Busters

Johns Hopkins University Coronovirus Resource Center (and world count)
Coronavirus Data Dashboard 

National:
CDC - Center for Disease Control
Centers for Disease Control - How it spreads

Prognosis: Coronavirus Updates via email 
National Park Service Health Update (check for individual park closures)

State:
California Governor's Office 
California Department of Public Health
California Governor's Office of Emergency Services

Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
California State Parks COVID-19 Resource Center
CA Employment Development Department

White House National Guidelines
Department of Homeland Security - Travel Guidelines

County:
San Diego County Coronavirus Positive Cases (Updates at 4pm daily)
San Diego County COVID-19 Information
San Diego County Park Updates
San Diego COVID-19 Community Response Fund

City:
City of San Diego Coronavirus Information
Dogs and the New Coronovirus - A Resource for Pet Owners from Rover
Travel Resource from TripAdvisor
NBC San Diego Coronavirus Coverage
Voice of San Diego Coronavirus Coverage
KPBS- Tracking Coronovirus

And if you need a reminder about the obvious (I've added some of my own):

• Washing hands with soap and water. Use hand sanitizer when washing hands is not possible. 
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily. If surfaces are dirty, clean them using detergent or soap and water prior to disinfection.
• Avoiding touching eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue or your elbow.
• Avoiding close contact with people who are sick.
• Staying away from work, school or other people if you become sick with respiratory symptoms like fever and cough.
• Following guidance from public health officials.
• Replace handshakes with smiles and elbow bumps to avoid unnecessary contact.
• Use gloves or a paper towel when using shared surfaces, like gas pumps
• Hands off surfaces, railings, handles, doorknobs as much as possible (STOP LETTING YOUR GRUBBY HANDED CHILDREN PLAY ON PLAY STRUCTURES!! Generally, they're not getting infected but they're definitely little carriers!)
• Use a pen or stylus at ATM, store card/chip readers, credit card machines

CoViD-19: A Summary of Hiking Closures

A View of Point Loma from Coronado, taken 12.28.2020

The other day I said I wouldn't post comments from a private group, but I thought this one was important. This is from Nick Gee, admin on the group San Diego Hiking Society, posted Marcg 24 around 9am. This is a constantly evolving situation:

There are numerous updated and current posts about closures to specific areas and lands managed by every agency present within San Diego County. County parks and preserves are still open, except those closed for rain damage. City parks and reservoirs are all closed. Torrey Pines State Reserve is closed. Carlsbad parks and beaches are closed. State parks like Cuyamaca, Anza-Borrego, and Palomar Mountain are open for hiking but not camping in developed campgrounds. Other wilderness areas, state conservation areas, and wildlife refuges are open. National parks like Cabrillo are open for hiking. Cleveland National Forest is open, though the two popular waterfall trails, Three Sisters and Cedar Creek Falls are closed to hiking. That's a comprehensive breakdown of current conditions on Tuesday morning, March 24th.
"The Trails" do not exist on their own. "The Trails" are a product of political acts made by many different agencies and public government entities. We really need to realize this for our future decisions of land use and jurisdiction for public lands and utilities, and private lands that surround them. Let's get serious about our hobby when this is over.

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COVID-19: Where To Find Music LiveStreams

This is the perfect time for me to remind you that I have a YouTube channel with hundreds of live performances in San Diego. In fact, if you're bored and want to comment on untitled posts, I can go in an update with the proper titles. But aside from that, obviously there are hundreds (thousands?) of musicians with the same intent to livestream. Some of the best lists I've found are below. I'd love to organize a local list but I've got a few other priorities right now. Maybe I'll get around to that. In the meantime, check out the links below:

Radio.com/ALT 94/9 Music Live Streams

AXS The Ticket Report

Live Music at Home - PASTE

KEXP - Upcoming Virtual Concert Schedule

NPR - Tiny Desk Home Concerts

Billboard- Live Streams & Virtual Concerts to Watch During Coronavirus Crisis (Updating)

SongKick Live Stream Concerts

91X Live Stream Concert List

Ben Gibbard of Death Cab for Cutie (Because he deserves his own link. 4pm PST Daily)

Beatport Presents: ReConnect, A Global Music Event

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COVID-19: San Diego County Graphic Related to County Managed Properties

County of San Diego Parks and Recreation:

This relates to County-managed properties, only. Some agencies have instituted their own policies, based on staff and the likelihood of maintaining safe social distancing. Get info before you go.

You can also check Get Outside San Diego, which can tell you which jurisdictiton manages specific trails and parks.

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CoViD-19: City of San Diego Furthers Beach, Park, and Trail Closures

Mission Trails Regional Park is on of many closed due to COVID-19 (photo from January 2020)

I have directed the @CityofSanDiego to move forward with closing all City-owned parks, beaches and trails. There were far too many ignoring physical distancing rules this weekend. The actions of a few can cost the lives of many. Please stay at home, San Diego.

— Kevin Faulconer (@Kevin_Faulconer) March 23, 2020

"This weekend, in response to numerous reports of gatherings at parks and beaches, gatherings both large and small, we closed down City owned parkings lots around beaches, parks, and trails. Now I am directing City of San Diego staff to move forward with the closure of all parks, beaches, boardwalks, bays, city lakes, and trails to the public, until further notice in order to slow the spread of COVID-19.
I wanna be clear, we are still encouraging people to go outdoors. But do outdoors close to home. It's time to look out for each other." -Mayor Faulconer

The City's site for COVID-19 can be found here, though it does not have the present update. More cities within the County of San Diego and the County itself will likely issue similar orders, so stay tuned. California State Parks have a closure and resource page, though the Governor has closed many state parks and beaches (KPBS), too.
More after the jump.

CoViD-19: This Is Why We Can't Have Nice Things: Parks, Beach Lots, Hiking Trails CLOSED

A photo of Crystal Pier from January 2020 -- when we should've been paying better attention to China 

Well, if you caught my post earlier this morning, you know that the issue of getting out of the house was front of brain. But just like alcohol at beaches...people couldn't follow the rules and demonstrated they have no common sense and ruined it for everyone else. The thing that really bums me out is that this is definitely a social equity issue...the wealthy live in these expansive homes and live in traditionally more picturesque areas while us apartment dwellers living on top of each other in sub-1000 square feet in the 'hood are surrounded by freeways and 'buy here pay here' auto lots. Anyway, the City of San Diego is cracking down, as is Cleveland National Forest. County Parks are still accessible for the time being, but I'd recommend checking their site for updates. Twitter updates and full press release are after the jump.

CoVid-19: To Hike (or Bike or Run or Skate) or Not To Hike

I recently joined a Facebook group called San Diego Hiking Society. And while there are a lot of informative posts and beautiful photography, there's also a lot of Nextdoor type scrapping going on. The current debate rages on of whether a "stay-at-home" order allows for hiking. The answers, it appears, can vary from "yes, as long as you're social distancing" to "yes, but only in your neighborhood" to a flat "no, not ever, stay at home."
Since it's a private group, I'll refrain from sharing the comments, but you can imagine all the ways it went. And it totally sucks. Just last week I was sharing places we'd like to go before the Stay At Home order. And we did a jaunt (more than a walk, less than a hike) to a couple San Diego spots, still, before the Stay At Home order.

I have some very serious opinions, after the jump.

CoViD-19: I've Been Everywhere, Man. Finding Stuff in San Diego.

It's Saturday and I cannot tell you how good it feels to finally have the things we need. We have an abundance of produce and pasta and rice and canned goods and a freezer full of food...that's just how we roll on the regular...but not having toilet paper? Man, that was really stressing me out. But we took care of it and now could pretty much last for months at home if we really had to. After the jump, I'll share my adventures in shopping.

(Update 3/25/2020: This one has been the most popular post to date, so scroll to the bottom with some updates.)

SoundDiego: Local Nightclubs Get Creative to Help Struggling Staffers

I miss my friends. 

I wrote a little article for something that is especially close to my heart... Casbah's current effort to sell merch, with proceeds going to a staff relief fund. Other venues have stepped up, too. If you wanna buy merch, the links are below and in the article.

Casbah
Soda Bar
Bar Pink - will be open Fri/Sat from 7-9pm selling merch, to-go alcohol
Brick By Brick
Music Box
Belly Up
Blonde Bar
Whistle Stop (Virtual Tip Jar)

CoViD-19 Diary: My Life During A Pandemic

Things have no doubt been crazy for everyone. I've been busy trying to keep up with information and posting that information, because I guess that's how I respond during crises. But like everyone, we're dealing the best we can. We have no shortage of food over here; I grew up in a house with four closets converted to pantries, two chest freezers, a full size fridge and three mini-fridges dispersed in various rooms around the house, so to say that it's ingrained in me to be prepared for anything is an understatement. Which is why I'm still so pissed we didn't get more toilet paper when we could. Where the fuck is all the toilet paper??? I was literally looking at an old CityBeat thinking, "hello, future toilet paper."

more after the jump.

CoViD-19: In Case You Were Not Aware, Your President Is A Fucking Racist

Trump's notes today show "Corona" crossed out to read "Chinese virus" (Photo: Jabin Botsford/The Washington Post via Getty Images) pic.twitter.com/ekZWPQlWC5

— Axios (@axios) March 19, 2020

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CoViD-19: Governor Makes Stay At Home Order

Governor Order: Stay home except for essential needs

Everyone is required to stay home except to get food, care for a relative or friend, get necessary health care, or go to an essential job. If you go out, keep at least 6 feet of distance.

CA is issuing a statewide, mandatory STAY AT HOME order.

Those that work in critical sectors should go to work. Grocery stores, pharmacies, banks and more will stay open.

We need to meet this moment and flatten the curve together.

Go to https://t.co/xtXFwVeWc2 to learn more.

— Gavin Newsom (@GavinNewsom) March 20, 2020

This is the Critical Infrastructure Page linked in the order's full text. 

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Seaport Sessions Live Stream with Low Volts & Dirty Sweet

I wrote another thing for SoundDiego. Seaport Sessions Switch Up

CoViD-19: Six Things That Have Me Looking On The Bright Side

Being that this is my personal blog, I don't ever specify or clarify that everything here is my opinion. I do my best to have links when presenting facts, but I also try not to rant too much. But I've kinda got this in my head and don't really need a discussion about why I'm wrong or terrible or whatever. Sometimes I need to be allowed to say some shit about shit.

Regular Unleaded is under $3/gallon at Ultra Gas on El Cajon Blvd and 33rd Place 

• Maybe the whole cruise industry will collapse. After reading this deep-dive from The Hustle, I'm disgusted by the whole industry. Not the people who work in the industry, mind you. All job losses at this time are tragic and need to be dealt with. But the companies paying low wages, no taxes, and expecting US gov bailout can go F themselves.
• Maybe AirBnB operators will lose so much money, or maybe as hotels are being used for quarantining, the Governor will force the same for STROs, they won't like it, and then return housing stock for actual rentals. Imagine if the estimated 11k plus units in San Diego suddenly came online for long term rentals? Maybe rents would adjust to realistic numbers.
• Maybe the inaction of this administration really means the end of it. There sure are a lot of people and businesses who don't hate "entitlements" now. Remember, the first US case was January 19th. The failures just keep piling on and there are much better and smarter people making note of it every day. Recommended follows: Heather Cox Richardson, Rebecca Solnit, Dan Rather's News & Guts.
  Bonus reading: How testing failures allowed coronavirus to sweep the U.S.
• Gas prices are dropping. I just paid $2.85/gallon at Costco on March 18. The gas station on 33rd Place and El Cajon is at $2.99 (cash price).
• Air pollution is down the more we lockdown. China's went down. Italy's went down. Maybe the lie that everyone needs to work in an office will die.
• Maybe people realize that health care for all matters and needs to be a priority. In that vein, maybe the people revolt against profit in medicine altogether. 

It's really hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel, especially when experts are saying we haven't even gotten to that tunnel yet, but this is going to make everyone reevaluate the lives we live, the lifestyles we live, and the way we either fight or accept the power structures in this country.

As gig employees, our incomes have greatly diminished. Darren cannot drive for a living. The Casbah is closed indefinitely. I have no listings to share on SoundDiego. That said, I get a really sweet commish on CBD products from Pure Ratios. If you or someone you know loves the benefits of CBD, please consider making a purchase through my link, or if you like the work I'm doing, Venmo at tip @sddialedin.

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CoViD 19: How To Not Let Your Kids' Brains Turn To Goo

Nova is in middle school, so all the students are working from home, getting daily assignments, and all students were provided Chromebooks if they didn't already have them. (A parent survey revealed all students had regular consistent access to wi-fi) So I know it comes with a heavy dose of privilege to assume that everyone has internet access and a device to access it, but you're here, so some assumptions aren't too far off base, I hope. I thought I'd share some resources to keep your kids' minds active as they're going to suffer from seclusion more than the rest of us. I will keep adding to this list, but I promised the family a break so I need to take that now. Please comment if you have additional resources to add here.

The San Diego Humane Society is launching a "Humane at Home" series. On Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 2pm, the Humane Education Team will bring fun, educational content and activities via Facebook Live on the San Diego Humane Society Facebook page.

PBS Learning Media has media and resources for all grade levels. I haven't delved too deep, but looking forward to deep diving into this one.

Khan Academy This is the math resource used at Nova's school, but is also available for free to any learner, all grade and ability levels, with exercises, video tutorials, and more.

eLibrary Resources San Diego: San Diego Public Library has online resources. Unfortunately, I don't know if during this shutdown if you can get a new card if you didn't already have one, but we are loving having a large list of eBooks and Audiobooks through the CloudLibrary App.

And maybe this is the site that Governor Newsom was citing yesterday:
Resources that Support Distance Learning 

Travel Sites and Attractions That You Can Visit Virtually

These links were provided by one of the English teachers at her school:

Virtual Field Trips - Google Doc - This is absolutely incredible. Go places you've never been, virtually.

Oceans Initiative Virtual Marine Biology Camps

List of Free Educational Site Resources - This is a super exhaustive list of free resources, but it's an ad-supported mommy blog, so be sure to scroll through and only hit the hyperlinked alphabetical ordered list and not an ad that takes you who knows where. Unfortunately, there's no description of the resources, but if you've got time, click through some of them. (Side note, I make pretty much no money from my page because I don't add these obnoxious types of ads within posts, but do accept PayPal and Venmo donations. You can find those on the top of the left column when you use this page from your browser or select "desktop version" from your mobile.)

Free Drawing Classes by Professional Illustrators

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CoViD-19: San Diego Humane Society Open By Appointment Only

As families are facing the unknown -- will I still have a job? will I lose my home? what am I going to do with the kids?--our pets can bring unconditional love and comfort. Two of my family's current three are San Diego Humane Society adoptees. (Kiwi came from a litter of cats born to a mom whose owner thought she was a he over 20 years ago.) And we just realized that today, 3/17 is the 5 year anniversary of the first time we met Ficus, named Sunflower at the time, before we finalized her adoption 4 days later, on March 21, 2015.

The whole world is really insane right now, but if you have stable living conditions for the foreseeable future, consider adoption via the San Diego Humane Society. Sadly, times of financial strife often result in pet relinquishments, so they will be extra busy. Pets will definitely be therapeutic companions for many who live alone and will be asked to shelter in place for the next several weeks or months, so if you're one of these people and you have stable housing, what are your waiting for?? You can even browse animals online.

Anyway, the San Diego Humane Society has been sending updates about their current status in light of the pandemic, and you can read the whole thing here. The TL;dr most important parts are below.

1. SDHS is open by appointment only. 78 animals came in on Monday alone to add to the over 1000 animals already in their care; finding homes for animals doesn’t stop. Call 619-299-7012 to make an appointment or drive up to any of our campuses and make an appointment from your vehicle.

2. There will be a need for fosters. Sign up here.

3. The 'neuter scooter' will cease operations for now.

4. Before relinquishing a pet, please consider rehoming.

5. Injured and/or orphaned wildlife can still be brought to Project Wildlife at 5433 Gaines St

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CoViD-19: CA Gov. Newsom Addresses State Response - School's Out For-ever

In case you missed the Governor speaking, who was speaking at the same time as San Diego Mayor Faulconer.

Governor Newsom Signs Emergency Legislation to Fight COVID-19 

"I would plan and assume that it's unlikely that many of these schools--few if any--will open before the summer break." -Governor Gavin Newsom




"We reserve the right to go farther if we don't think the local efforts are meeting the moment."

-Moratorium on evictions or utility disconnections
-OESnews.com for Small Business Loans up to $2 million
-98.8% of schools have closed down (in California) The rest will likely shut down.
-"We announced and put out for public distribution detailed guidelines for curriculum"
-PBS has an extraordinary full day classroom/Available now/
-Guidelines are dynamic and update every Friday

-"Let me be candid. This is a very sober thing to say. And I can't say this with certainty, but I can say this quite learnedly. Don't anticipate schools are going to open up in a a week. Don't anticipate in a few weeks. And I say that because one needs to be honest and I need to be accountable to you. I don't want to mislead you. To 6+ million kids in our system and their families, they need to make some plans, at a time when a lot of plans are already being curtailed, but planning with kids is some of the most challenging planning: I would plan and assume that it's unlikely that many of these schools--few if any--will open before the summer break." (then he goes on to say that kids won't need to worry about testing.)

-Gathering guidelines are "common sense" and don't mean that you should isolate from your family and social group.
-"Must adapt to the moment, Shelter in place (broadly defined with all kinds of exemptions) will expand beyond the current six counties the call for no gatherings. "That doesn't mean within your own social set, your own family, that you can't have a BBQ, doesn't mean you can't have a walk in terms of getting your essential needs met with that walk- walking with intention-to get food and get medicine and do the things you need to do...it's just common sense."

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CoViD-19: Mission Trails Visitor and Interpretive Center Closure

photo taken at Mission Trails on 1.9.2020.

Most of the closures across the county and across the country heartbreaking because of their devastating impact (like all the bars, restaurants, and venues presently shut down,) but after my post of things that we could still do, though I was kind of expecting this closure from Mission Trails, it doesn't mean I'm not bummed about it. But to clarify, the lot gates won't be opened and the visitors' center will stay closed (which means NO BATHROOM ACCESS, so plan accordingly) but it doesn't mean you can't find those surrounding parking areas and still have a little hike through, or start on the other side by Kumeyaay Lake and walk in that way. Just don't be stupid, because the last thing we need is our first responders taking care of you when they've got so much else to deal with at the moment. Mission Trails press release after the jump.

CoViD-19 Experiencing shortages? Count On Fresh Produce

This is definitely not usually in the scope of this site, but I know my own family would like to continue eating veggies and salads beyond this week, and I've definitely seen people suggesting that they couldn't find even kitchen staples like potatoes and onions, let alone fruit and veggies. Keep in mind, all of the guidelines for California regarding gatherings, sheltering-in-place, and #socialdistancing all came down rapidly in a matter of days, so people certainly stocked up and cleared shelves. But as this becomes our new normal, supplies and distribution are already bouncing back, so I thought I'd share this important message from SGS Produce. If you're in San Diego, we just took a walk to North Park Produce and they are very well stocked in pretty much all fruits and vegetables (even loose potatoes). They also have large bags of white rice, fresh tortillas, fresh bolillos, a full service meat counter, and a hot food/takeout section with things like shawarma and gyro by the pound, rotisserie chickens, lamb shanks, and beef kabob. At checkout, I had no wait.
Press release is after the jump.

SoundDiego: Aztec Brews Live Stream (and others are streaming, too!!)

It's been so heartwarming to see musicians, artists, yogis, teachers, and others embracing live streaming while we're all staying home and limiting contact. Aztec Brewing is going to be streaming artists live, and I wrote a little thing about it for NBC SoundDiego here:

Article: Aztec Brews Live Stream
Check out the livestream: Aztec Brewing Facebook

I'm also keeping an eye out for other streaming stuff, so here are a few things to save in your calendar:

"Same Same but Different Festival will be hosting a series of online live beneficiary concerts to raise awareness and give the community an opportunity to directly help musicians through this tough time. The first streaming concert will be held on Wednesday, March 18 at 7pm on the Same Same But Different website."

Seaport Sessions was scheduled, then canceled, then rescheduled to go Virtual. It will be streaming via their Vimeo channel on Thursday from 6-8pm with Tim Pyles hosting and Rowlberto Media handling the broadcast. Live performances by Low Volts and Dirty Sweet. (Please do not show up in person. You will be asked to leave and it will be super awkward for everyone.)

And if you're looking for some national acts, check out messages from Ben Gibbard of Death Cab For Cutie (streaming daily at 4pm here), The White Buffalo, Joe Pug and others who are committing to scheduled livestream concerts.

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SoundDiego: Entercom Lockdown Prompts ‘Local 949’ Hiatus

I'm fortunate that NBC SoundDiego has allowed me to pivot a bit since we won't be posting my listings for the foreseeable future. You can check out my first article, Entercom Lockdown Prompts ‘Local 949’ Hiatus, and keep an eye on SoundDiego for diversionary content through these unprecedented times.

Andrew, Mario and TJ 

CoViD-19: New Orders & Guidelines In Place; "Countrywide Lockdown" Imminent

A pic from Oct 2019, before COVID-19 was a recognized thing

I did that whole giant post about all the things I'd like to do while we're in this CoViD-19 crisis, but the truth is that so far, I've spent most of my time reading emails, staring at the internet, at social media, gathering information, reading all the pandemic porn.

Literally the worst thing you can do. (more after the jump)

CoViD 19: No School, No Work. What are we going to do?

People often comment on how much I go out, but I don't think that the reality of what a homebody I am is evident to everyone. But I am. I binge a lot of TV. I read a lot. I can stay in pajamas all day and all night. Financial concerns aside (because if there aren't emergency funds or reprieve for renters, we are effed) it isn't that hard for me to be asked to stay home. However, with all of us home, we are going to be right on top of each other, all day and night, for the foreseeable future, so here are some thoughts of ways we hope to ease this time. In lieu of listings this week, I give you #socialdistancing in San Diego:

CoViD-19: Conflicting Information

One of the things that is making the CoViD-19 (novel coronavirus) so especially dangerous is all of the conflicting information. I'm not talking about straight up misinformation and lies being spread by shady media, conspiracy theorists, or straight up deniers who don't believe the crisis is real, I'm talking about information that is constantly evolving and changing, because one, the number of people being tested is so low that the numbers beings shared daily may not adequately reflect the real numbers, and two, because it's novel--new--means science is trying to catch up with the virus itself and researchers and doctors and professionals around the world are trying to share information with each other, trying to let the public know as much as they can, while also trying not to disseminate false information. (read more after the jump)

CoViD-19: A Little Levity

This video seemed worth sharing, because even while it's humorous, in a lot of ways it's more informative than what we've been getting. Stay home if you can.

Sunday Update: CoViD-19 and San Diego | State Guidance | Senior Isolation | End of Gatherings

When I woke up this morning, I declared out loud to my family, "nobody leaves this house for any reason unless and until we need something from the store." I've spent the last three or four nights getting even more sucked into Twitter and Facebook and news updates than usual. Hours after my declaration, Nova asked if she could play with a friend, I reiterated the lockdown. I did a big shopping trip on Wednesday, and another on Thursday. We went to the Safari Park on Friday, stopping at a taco shop and a donut shop on our way. That night I went to the Casbah and then the Ken Club.

In spite of getting needed supplies, and supporting businesses, and a really, really great show, I've felt nothing but guilty about all my non-essential trips. (Except Safari Park, which was so empty because of the rain that social distancing was most definitely not a problem.) Darren continued to drive Uber customers on Saturday, and now the thought of anyone being in our car besides us sickens me. Like most people, this is going to be a huge financial hit. He can't work, but he's also not protected to receive unemployment benefits. I don't know which of my incomes will continue and if I can carry my family on what's left. But for now, we have essentials and we're home and we don't plan on going anywhere.

In the time since my last CoViD post, obviously many more events have canceled or postponed, public spaces like the San Diego public library, San Diego Zoo and Safari Park, Sea World, and even Disneyland have closed. Bars are closing until further notice, including the Casbah. Some have the arbitrary date through March 31st, others through April 6th, but two weeks could very easily turn into two months, according to a conversation with Assemblywoman Toni Atkins that a friend of mine happened to overhear.

Whatever continues from here on out, I'll add some more resources to this post with updates as I hear or read them.

California Department of Public Health
Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
World Health Organization (WHO) WHO Myth Busters
Centers for Disease Control - How it spreads
Dogs and the New Coronovirus - A Resource for Pet Owners from Rover
Travel Resource from TripAdvisor

More after the jump:

COVID-19 and San Diego: State and Regional Links and Resources | Closures | Protect Yourself

It is impossible to know the right protocol in these unprecedented times. As someone who reads way too much on Twitter, I've certainly been experiencing increased anxiety over COVID-19, aka the novel coronavirus, though probably least concerning is the illness itself and more concerning is the panic and financial hardship my family and millions of others will be facing as resources become taxed and unavailable. I'm trying to track all the cancellations and notifications while also keeping abreast on the actual impact in numbers, and it's just too much. However, I can at least share some information and resources that I've encountered so you can do the best to keep yourself and your family safe, informed, and healthy.

San Diego County Order of the Public Health Officer (effective 12am 3.13.2020)
California Department of Public Health COVID-19 Updates
Gathering Guidance 
CA Employment Development Department
San Diego County COVID-19
US Gov CDC
KPBS- Tracking Coronovirus
Voice of San Diego Pandemic Information
Bloomberg Prognosis - Health Information
KCRW (LA) Coronovirus Reference Sheet
JamBase Concert Cancellations & Postponements
Cons, Crud, and Coronavirus - An Essay By Kelly Lagor

More after the jump: