Rediscovering San Diego

R.S.V.P. Trip 1/23/18 "The two most important days in your life are the day you are born and the day you know why"   - Mark Twain The visit to the County Headquarters building to learn about the programs and volunteer opportunities available through the Retired & Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP), You Are Not Alone (YANA), and Legacy Corps was extremely informative. The presenters were engaging and loaded with knowledge to share. Their energy, passion, and dedication was palpable - you could feel how much they enjoyed their work. The Mark Twain saying above is the motto of one of the volunteers who presented and speaks to the motive behind the gratifying work of helping people in our community. I was amazed to learn that RSVP volunteers serve at 91 sites throughout San Diego County and augment the police and sheriff departments.  They not only patrol neighborhoods and assist in traffic control, incidents and homicide investigations, they will also chec

California Center for the Arts Escondido 1/16/18 What a splendid day spent exploring the Center and accompanying grounds. The various groups and agencies that were true visionaries in wanting their community to celebrate the arts and art education collaborated to bring their dream to fruition in October 1994. Visited the museum first before viewing the campus grounds. Even before you venture inside there is beauty to behold just outside the front doors. Besides large, rare, black granite rocks, the main entrance is graced by a large LithoMosaic called Star Streams, a permanent exterior public artwork combining small pieces of colored materials with concrete. It was installed last month and the first of its kind at a U.S. museum. Niki de Saint Phalle's Grande Step Totem Lucky for me/us, the Niki de Saint Phalle exhibition had just opened to the public last week. So many gorgeous pieces to see with so many intricate details, not only by Niki but by so many ot

Pure Water San Diego Demonstration Facility 1/9/18 The walking tour of the Pure Water Facility was inviting despite the rainy weather and very interesting. Only open since mid 2011, the Facility is a marvel of ingenuity. It uses wastewater that is treated, recycled, purified, blended with existing water supplies, treated again and then distributes it to the community. Our region faces numerous water challenges including limited local supplies, the high cost of imported water, population growth, and recurring drought conditions. Because 85% of San Diego's water supply is imported, it is critical for us to find ways to produce safe, reliable, and cost effective water. Pure Water San Diego (Pure Water) is "a phased, multi-year program that uses proven technology to produce a safe, reliable, and sustainable water supply for the City of San Diego."  By 2035, it is expected to produce one-third of the area's water. It was fascinating to lear

S.W.A.T. - 1/2/18 The presentation by San Diego Police Department (SDPD) Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Team at the Ray and Joan Kroc Community Center was excellent. It was fascinating to learn about the history that led to the formation of this elite unit of the police force. Unlike agencies in other parts of the state or country, we have the privilege of having nine police stations/divisions, spanning Carmel Valley to San Ysidro and in between, all of which have SWAT units. The specialized and rigorous training that people must endure to not only make it through the police academy, but then to complete the SWAT Academy is truly mind-boggling. Add to that the daily routine of having to wear a load of heavy gear on any given day, despite the weather, location, or any mitigating factors that make the job so much more challenging, along with having the ability to think on their feet and be a problem solver in dangerous, life-threatening situations is truly amazing. I was alwa

Journey into 2018 - 1/1/18 “Fortify your self with contentment, for this is an impregnable fortress.”     – Epictetus                                                             As we begin the new year, many of us may be inclined to make New Year resolutions – lose weight, etc. It is tradition to open up the new year with thoughts of improving ourselves, for all that we strive to do and become. Often times, life and old routines get in the way of our plans. We may get down on ourselves and fret about our lack of progress in reaching the goals that we set for ourselves. What’s important to remember is that we are okay, just as we are, at any particular moment. In the present time, we should be proud of that, despite whatever shortcomings we may perceive ourselves to have. This year I am not making any resolutions. I am focusing on appreciating all that I have become, rather than what I am not or have not achieved. I believe that this will help me to live in the mome