UPDATE: Despite CA Gov. Newsom’s Announcement: Return of Stricter Restrictions & Business Closures Ahead of 4th of July Weekend Received With Mixed Emotions
By Elia Esparza
On Wednesday, July 1st, California Gov. Gavin Newsom announced a new round of lockdown measures as a result of the state’s sharp increase in COVID19 cases. According to Newsom, “The bottom line is the spread of this virus continues at a rate that is particularly concerning”.
With the not so welcomed news about the extension of the quarantine, Gov. Newsom was also recommending everyone to stay-at-home over the holiday.
In spite of all this, The acts of I am still kindness so many people continue to pour out, is a bight spot in an otherwise gloomy outlook. Being kind to others has an uncanny way of making the giver feel better, too. In fact, the more random and unexpected your acts of kindness are, the more they’ll trigger pleasure in your brain.
Once individuals begin doing tiny acts of kindness, in and around your community, chances are they will create new bonds with neighbors, which will have strengthens everyone by the end of this pandemic. We asked friends, colleagues, neighbors, former high school classmates, how they are helping those around them and teh response we received was heartwarming and touching.
This article is my second installment of pandemic/COVID19 related articles, and it proved to be harder this time around because, with the passing of time, it seem now it is more about self-preservation, perseverance, and sheer determination to keep going despite those overwhelming bouts with depression, unemployment, and financial hardships. Still, so many are there to lend a hand.
Even if you currently don’t know all of your neighbors, it’s surprisingly easy to reach out and offer assistance. For me, it has been picking up the mail for an elderly neighbor… it is those simplest of acts of assistance that make all the difference in the world. Just take it from these folks:
Michele Greene
Actor
Partial TV Credits: CSI: Miami, Big Love, Brothers & Sisters, The Unit, LA Law
Well, like many of us I have good days and not so good days dealing with this pandemic. Some days I am overwhelmed by the despair that our country is going through, other days I am hopeful and energized at an opportunity to build a better and more just society. In terms of community, I am revamping my performing and language arts program for at-risk youth and underserved communities to work on-line and writing original theatrical material that can be presented in a Zoom or Skype format to share with a larger audience. In my personal life, I am keeping in touch with several older friends who live alone and doing some grocery shopping for them so they do not have to venture out. I registered as my mom’s caregiver with her retirement community so that I can go by regularly to help her around her apartment and take her out for a drive every week since they have a “no personal visitors” policy right now. And since my teenage son is home every day doing Distance Learning through his school, I am supplementing that with an intensive, daily Spanish lesson and a weekly writing assignment. We have to stay focused on doing good and moving life forward, even as we mourn the suffering in our communities and the world. That is the challenge and we must each do our part to meet it. And of course, VOTE in November!
Lalo Alcaraz
Pulitzer Prize Finalist; Political Cartoonist, L.A. Based
During this pandemic, I have been trying to support people I know, especially local businesses. I patronize my local, usually, dine-in restaurants with take-out orders, and believe me, a family of five supports local restaurants a lot. I supported a local comic book shop by suggesting they make me a Mystery Comics Pack so that I could buy dozens of comic books at a time. I donated money to various fundraisers, especially COVID-19 victims, and even a fund for a bar. Also, I try to tip essential workers extra these days, they deserve it, no matter where they work. Early on in the beginnings of the pandemic, I bought some PPE for two nurses in my social media circles. They promised to share with their fellow health workers. I bought masks from craftspeople trying to make a few extra dollars. But the most important thing I am doing is wearing a mask and limiting my travel outside my home in order to protect people I don’t know. I hope we can all do that, and spread that everywhere.
James Tumminia
Actor/Producer and sometimes Chef
Current Credit: All She Wrote (2020 Primetime Emmy® Awards Consideration in Outstanding Television Movie or Limited Series)
Like most things in life, there is no “one-size-fits-all” solution or perspective, especially for what we are experiencing now; thankfully, there’s an abundance of them. So many among us are going through the most challenging experiences: losing loved ones they can’t be with, the fear of being or loving someone on the frontlines or the harsh reality of choosing to pay rent or buy food.
To say it feels surreal is an understatement. But what I’m constantly reminded and inspired by is not only the remarkable human spirit but human ingenuity. Adjusting or pivoting at a moment’s notice can be very difficult and also very effective. Communities all over the world have responded in inventive ways that fill my heart with hope and motivate me to do the same. It has been life-affirming to hear countless stories about how neighbors used chalk to decorate a neighbor’s driveway to celebrate a child’s birthday that almost went unnoticed…or how newborn babies first met their grandparents through a window. They are lifting each other in meaningful and creative ways, whatever the size. It has been vital to me to participate in creating joy or providing comfort too.
I have been using my dormant desire to become a chef by developing new cooking skills; now I deliver the usually successful results to a friend in need of a boost and a plate of bucatini all’amatriciana. I’ve also done lots of research on how to stay healthy and find coping mechanisms by testing meditation or workout apps – and then I gently “encourage” others to do the same. And sometimes I just listen.
Sara Monteagudo Oliveras
Writer/Filmmaker, Spain-based
First and foremost I consider my mother’s health, whom I have had under my care since she had a lung removed in 2007. Of course, there’s also keeping an eye on Monica, the recent widow who lives across the hall from us.
Secondly, our local city hall had made my husband, Iftikhar Ahmed, who is a kebab restaurant owner, the go-to person for newly arrived Syrian refugees in the town of Montcada I Reixac, allocating to each person a food voucher to eat at the restaurant. Well, during the quarantine period, the system, including the city hall was shut down but Ifti went through his phone and called every single one of his customers to make sure that they and their families weren’t going without. We also funded a month’s worth of food for five families with children. My concern is that the milk that is given to the children to not be diluted with water since this could cause parasites.
In addition, I’ve turned down my acceptance at a UK university and the thesis I was doing on archetypes, folktypes, and stereotypes, that would require extensive interviews I am now turning into a digital show to stream online called Lore Trends. I am currently seeking guests, celebrities, actors, screenwriters, and such who would like to share a folktype or tale that’s culture-specific and that they have in their artillery of creative constructionism “use as a muse” as part of character development in their acting or in their screenwriting and share these in 30-50 seconds.
Enrique Velez
Business Development Director
NEFT Vodka
It was my neighbor’s father Rudy’s 71st Birthday fathe a few weekends ago. Our neighbor’s 10-year-old daughter, Renae, asked my 16-year-old daughter, Isabella, to practice a Hula routine with her so they could surprise him for a birthday gift as both the girls attend the same Hula Studio. They practice a few days in the week prior to Rudy’s visit on a Saturday evening on their first dance was together. Then, Isabella did a solo and Renae finished with a solo. All while a collage video of pictures of our kids and Renae’s family was playing via a projector onto a wall behind them as the hula music played over a speaker. Rudy and his wife, Carol, were elated when they arrived and saw the performance for him. Both our families sang Happy Birthday to Rudy with fresh sugar-free, homemade cookies (he’s diabetic) and candles on them. Touching moment as mostly everyone began to cry. This was done in the front yard and even neighbors walking by had stopped to see the routine then we all clapped and cheered at the end. My goodness and pay-it-forward attitude is what I instill in my children and to see my daughter follow my lead to help another in making someone special to them feel extra special during these times is my way of paying it forward. My family’s actions are a reflection of my wife and I. Yes, all done distantly, six feet apart or more!
Marlene Dermer
Producer, Writer, Latin Film Programmer
Co-Founder of LPBP.org & Latinofilm.org, LALIFF, Immigrant
In this life-changing challenging times, we are living individually and as humanity, I can’t help feel it’s an incredible opportunity to awaken and reflect on our lives, what we value, who we are and how we can become better. I’m encouraged by the break that nature is getting to replenish and flourish without us and the abuse and consumption we have done to our world through the last century. The opportunity of self-reflection to face our fears or demons and grow from them when the world doesn’t and instead keep us throwing us forward like a hamster wheel rushing to accomplish everything externally without the caring of our inner self or earth. Of course, as always change or challenge doesn’t come without pain or sacrifice or adapting. My challenge has been not being able to travel, see my family, spend time with friends, and resist not letting the injustices happening to affect me. But ultimately that’s where growth begins, and thanks to most things being on the internet and having the time I’ve discovered ways to help me through the process on social media and even on YouTube. Such as meditation, a holistic Psychologist, an Indian Sage, Healing frequencies, and a few more. In addition, I connect with friends, support my neighbors, and speak with my family.
I feel blessed to have time to write, read, meditate, garden, create things with my hands (making jewelry, candles, painting, drawing) and work on personal projects. In addition to discovering films online and binge watch series, I didn’t have the time for before. Being home isn’t anything new for me as I work from home for the past few years but use my time much better now. What I think the most important thing is to learn to listen to our inner voice, learn to care for ourselves and to find things that make us happy. I find myself with a renewed desire to create and put my things in order. Ultimately, I think what a gift to be alive and be part of creating a better world for all of us. I believe we can by being grateful, remaining positive, and keeping a high frequency.
Go inside. Honor your voice. Don’t compare yourself to others. Respect everyone’s individuality and know that everything will be OK. Be aware of external happennings. Resist the dark side and participate in what we can that can bring about positive things.” — Marlene Dermer
Gabriel Reyes
President, Reyes Entertainment
When asked what am I doing to help others during this pandemic, the best answer I can give is ‘I’m caring for myself.’ Not in a selfish way but with the understanding that I can only be of help when I myself am healthy and in a position to help. All of us are affected by the pandemic in one or more ways and although some folks are wealthy enough to ride this through from the safety of their homes, most of us are figuring out how our businesses and our livelihoods will survive the unprecedented economic fallout unleashed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
To be sure, I am helping where I can: Sending money here and there to people in dire need, offering pro bono services. People who know me can vouch for the fact that I’ve dedicated myself to helping others throughout my career. However, at this time, and speaking for myself, the best thing I can do is nurture and maintain my physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being first and foremost. Then, I must step up creativity and resourcefulness to help my existing client base navigate this unprecedented time as well as, secure the funding needed to keep my business afloat for the rest of the year. Only then can I turn my attention outward to help others in ways that I am able to.
Helping others is an idea deeply ingrained in the American psyche. According to World Giving Index, a ranking that measured how residents of 128 countries practice acts of generosity, The United States ranks number one as the most generous country in the world over the past decade. At the top were the U.S., Myanmar and New Zealand. At the bottom were Yemen, Greece and China.
Helping others – charity – is big business in the United States. Charities in the U.S. took in $427.71 billion in 2018. And while I’m sure the overwhelming majority of charity organizations in the U.S. are fiscally responsible, there are probably too many examples of misspent donations or downright fraud among them. Indeed, there are and have been cases involving high-profile charities who can’t explain how funds have been spent. Too many well-meaning Americans donate their money to charities without demanding to know how their funds are being spent. And because Americans are generous and our society puts a large emphasis on helping others, it is easier for our government to refuse benefits to taxpayers. For decades now, efforts to establish programs to help the poor and needy are met with an admonition, calling any push to extract benefits for citizens from the government as “takers that want free stuff.” Many needy Americans are therefore forced to depend on churches and charity organizations to provide the benefits they rightly deserve from the taxes they pay.
I’m helping myself so I can help others but I also want our leaders to step up and provide the citizenry with the resources to get through this period as well as strengthen our system for the future.
Diane Taramasco Hunt & Rich Hunt
Retired San Dieguito District Educator, and Owner & Operator
of Rich Hunt’s Guitar Shop (Escondido, CA)
Rich and I have been helping his father and my mother during this pandemic. Rich’s dad is 94, and he is not used to staying at home, so it has been difficult for him. He lives about 500 miles away, so Rich calls him at least twice a day to make sure he is staying safe and healthy. My mom is 90, and she also is not used to staying home. I call her once or twice a day just to talk and to see how she is doing. Since she lives nearby, Rich does all her grocery shopping for her, and my sister and I often make her meals. We are lucky that our parents are still active at their ages, but we don’t like them being at home alone without anyone to interact with. A daily telephone call or two helps us all stay connected.
Maria Orozco
Attorney At Law, L.A.-based
I had decided to retire and it was just before the pandemic hit. As such, staying inside was not on my radar. In the first week of retirement, I volunteered at a legal clinic (Episcopalian-run) to help immigrants attain their citizenship (a week before pandemic hit) but then it closed. But I met the woman who ran the clinic and got the phone number to their online church services. From there, I got involved in a minimal way, with a group who sewed masks for donations. I brought out my old sewing machine, still reliable, and went at it! Since I’m not a great seamstress, but because the need was great, I made an easy-to-sew mask design that could fit a coffee filter inside. I gave them away to family and friends. I made them in irregular sizes for those whose faces were too long, too small, too large for conventional masks. And I’d add a little twist now and then! I found a fabric store that allowed us to enter a few at a time so I went and bought funky pin-on or sew-on button bees or flowers for nature lovers or used heart patterns for those kindred souls and cat faces for cat lovers. I’m still looking for the dog fabric [chuckles]. Other than that, I must say that the quiet has been good for the soul. Instead of feeling hyper and needing to go “somewhere”, I now simply enjoy quiet time, meditating, being with immediate family, listening to music or going for long walks. It’s actually very soothing.
Lexie Grace
Actor, Comedienne
I have dropped off food to some friends, put a few dollars in my friends’ Venmos, and called my friends to make them smile. Also, I did a big collab with a lot of my friends to do a variety show to lift people’s spirits.
Hector Aponte
Salsa Singer Extraordinaire
I have been a salsa singer for over 50 years and this is the first time I’ve had to encounter a difficult time that has greatly altered the normal lifestyles we’ve become accustomed to living by. Mentally, it has taken its toll. I’ve read of many colleagues dying because of this horrid virus and this I must admit has got many of us a little paranoid. When I go out shopping, I stay a safe distance from people. And, this is hard to do since as an artist, I’m used to being surrounded by a lot of people. On a personal level, it has been extremely hard because I am not working with my musician bandmates nor am I able to travel abroad for performing gigs. Everything stopped cold. The industry has collapsed. And, most unnerving is the uncertainty as to how this pandemic and all of us are going to survive. My heart goes out to everyone because I understand how difficult this time has been. I am an artist used to always having people around me but this situation probably will make all of us more cognizant of my surroundings and probably a bit rude. I hope not but we will see what future awaits us. Stay strong, everyone.
Marilyn Alverio
Founder, Latinas & Power Symposium
I pulled out a sewing machine I had originally purchased for my daughter as a high school grad present but took it back when she lost interest. While I hadn’t sewed in 30 years, I went on Youtube and learned how to sew the much-needed masks. I followed the instructions and the masks just started to fly off my machine. What inspired me, in the beginning, is that my niece is a nurse and when this all came down, she sent an SOS to her family and friends that they were down to the last of masks and asked if we could sew up masks and donate them back to designated nurses from our local doctors and medical facilities. It felt good to contribute in this way. The old sewing machine came in handy.
Juan Bueno
Filmmaker, Director, Writer, Poet
Producer/Director of Amorous Pancho Villa
“No me aburro. Un burro se aburre.”
Far from the madding crowd, I find truth in that old saying that you are never finished with a book. A book that does not hold your interest is put aside after the first chapter. But those that capture your attention will remain your friends forever. I can’t find enough time to read and reread “Don Quijote de la Mancha” like I can’t help but go back to Swift’s “Gulliver’s Travels” or Sterne’s “Tristram Shandy” when I seek the wisdom of the British Isles.
In these Corona times, I have sought refuge visiting that old friend, Don Miguel De Cervantes Saavedra, whose perfect dissection of the human spirit in its middle state, “darkly wise and rudely great,” that immediately after finishing reading the masterpiece, draws me to read it again and again.“Ay, pero que’ bobo eres si te llegas a aburrir, habiendo tantos que haceres en tan poquito vivir.”
John C. Freeman
City Councilperson of San Juan Bautista, CA
Personally, I try and set a good example by wearing a mask or N95 covering to protect others if I should have the disease when I leave my house. I try and stay in and only venture out once a week to shop for necessities and food. I actively encourage others to do the same on social media.
Officially, I have four or five meetings a week involving the city, county, and many other governmental organizations I am a member of, all are by Zoom or Cisco Webex. I am busy either preparing for them or participating in them. Many decisions are being made that will affect all people in this area for the next year or so. I try to balance everything, between our physical health and safety and the economy. It is not easy as there is no real model for what is happening. Similar pandemics happened in societies that were very different than ours (1918 Spanish Flu epidemic for example). I do for the most part follow the science and the recommendations of the Public Health Officers. I see our society is divided by sociological forces or a political divide that is causing great harm to civil society. I often wonder if I can do more in helping our society come together and I do I have the right personality to do it?
John Rouleau
Global Director of Training & CEO of GreatCulture
I think of my response this way: What am I doing to help those in my household, my community, my work, and the larger world, the human family?
I live part-time with my wife and sixteen-year-old daughter, and part-time in the Silicon Valley for my work in a tech company there. Sure, with COVID’s rapid onslaught, layoffs at work were possible. With tremendous individual effort and results, with this potentiality in mind, I was able to survive the layoffs and continue to provide income and benefits for us all. Luck of course is a part of this as well, no doubt. This keeps the stress down, good for vigorous health. My wife appreciates the minimum stress from my work stability. I also participate in deep cleaning in the home. Every day, another deep clean somewhere in the house. I spend as much time as she’ll have me with my daughter to reduce her requests to leave the home to visit friends. We take long walks together at least five times a week. She’s is in better shape over the past three months of walking. Of course, I also strive to keep good cheer whilst at home, stay lighthearted, even as work is intense and demands long hours. We all practice physical distancing according to guidelines.
My mother is very elderly and living alone. I call her at least three times a week to talk politics and make sure she knows I’m thinking of her. For my community, it’s simple, but I always wear a face mask when out and often wear nitrile gloves. I’ve also contributed cash for PPE drives and canned foods for the places which provide such to those needing help. I am aware that folks are under stress and sudden change, may be experiencing mental health issues, and I take a soft approach. Non-aggressive driving, for example. Not stopping in crosswalks.
For my work, as for my team, I lead them with the same high expectations I set for myself, and I tell them why, and share my strategy to ensure we are all seen as “essential.” I secure their buy-in, and, as a result, they all are still employed as well. Further, I keep one-on-one sessions with each person who reports to me each week and has gotten to know their loved ones, makes sure to ask how all are doing. Keep the “human” side alive and vital. We talk about how they are doing with the quarantine, spouses losing jobs, etc.. They know I care about them as real people. As a result, we are highly productive, well-respected, and employed. For the larger world, the things I mention above positively impact the world as our effects ripple outward. I also contribute financially to various causes which are specifically targeting COVID needs in targeted areas.