The Toni Times | February 2021
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February may be the shortest month of the year, but it’s going to be a busy one. At the top of the list, of course, are the ongoing efforts to address COVID-19. Having passed the sad milestone of losing 400,000 Americans in this pandemic, we must redouble our efforts, even if we are all weary and frustrated from this fight. There is hope, and there is progress. One thing we should all applaud is the collaboration we’re seeing between UCSD, the County of San Diego, the San Diego Padres, and Petco Park. That work helped our region build the Petco Park Vaccination Super Station, one of the first of its kind, in just four days, with the ability to vaccinate 5,000 people a day. This model is being used throughout the region, including the South Bay. Because this is a constantly changing situation, vaccine information is being continually updated and the County COVID-19 vaccine website is a great place to make sure you get the most up-to-date information. If you don’t have computer access, you can make appointments or get information by calling 2-1-1. Volunteers are needed to administer vaccinations in our county and throughout the state, so if you or someone you know have a medical background your help would be greatly appreciated. You can find out more from the County of San Diego Medical Reserve Corps website.
COVID-19 response and relief will continue to be a key part of the budget activities keeping us busy in Sacramento this February. In January, the Governor officially announced his 2021-22 state budget, which provided a responsible framework for the Legislature to incorporate with our own proposals. While the budget deadline is in June, we are working toward taking early budget actions to address the most pressing needs caused by the pandemic, including getting school campuses reopened as safely as possible and boosting economic recovery through direct assistance for small businesses and workers. The Senate’s budget hearings in February will address both early actions and work on the final budget. One of our very first actions this year has been to extend the eviction moratorium we had put in place to help protect tenants and small landlords. That moratorium was slated to expire this month. Along with extending the eviction moratorium to June 30th, we are also moving to distribute new federal stimulus funds quickly and equitably across the state. Our work is nowhere near finished, but these steps are important parts of the Legislature’s COVID-19 response and recovery efforts.
February is when we celebrate Black History Month. And it’s inspiring that the whole country has been able to see history in the making recently, with the elections of Vice President Kamala Harris and Senator Raphael Warnock, and our own Dr. Shirley Weber becoming California’s Secretary of State. This is also the month we acknowledge our Presidents and send love to our Valentines. Ten days into the term of our new President Biden and Vice President Harris, I am very excited about the leadership and stability they are bringing to our nation, and grateful for the effective partnership they will offer California on everything from broad policy goals to technical waivers and agreements that will help our state pursue our priorities when federal agencies are involved. It will be a nice change from a four-year relationship that was primarily “see you in court.”
Finally, I hope your February 14th is filled with love, happiness, and maybe some great take out from one of our amazing local restaurants. And I also hope that the work we do in this shortest month will mean long lasting benefit for us all.
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By Nadine Lamberski, DVM, DACZM, DECZM (ZHM)
Board Certified Specialist in Zoological MedicineTM
Chief Conservation and Wildlife Health Officer
San Diego Zoo Global
On January 11, we announced our gorilla troop tested positive for SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. Transmission to this troop occurred despite us taking all recommended precautions. The transmission is emblematic of what is occurring in our community and around the world as the spread of COVID-19 intensifies.
We are happy to report that all of our gorillas are recovering. This is thanks to the efforts of our veterinary team and our partnerships with local, state and national colleagues to provide the best possible care for our troop.
We have learned the troop was infected with a new strain of the coronavirus which has been increasingly identified in California and may be more contagious than other strains.
Our beloved silverback, Winston, was provided antibiotics and treated with what is known as “monoclonal antibody therapy.” People who contract COVID-19 can receive similar antibody treatment, but Winston’s was a synthetic supply, not permitted for human use. Our veterinarian team believes the antibodies may have contributed to his ability to overcome the virus.
We also received a limited supply of a vaccine, not for human use, but to protect animals against SARS-CoV-2. Animal candidates are being identified for vaccination at the San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo Safari Park.
This pandemic has brought out the best in the scientific and medical communities and has led to advancements in patient care at unprecedented rates. These colleagues include professionals from San Diego County Public Health, UC San Diego Health, Rady's Children's Hospital, the Scripps Research Institute, UC Davis California Animal Health and Food Safety, California Department of Public Health, California Department of Fish and Wildlife, National Veterinary Services Laboratories, US Department of Agriculture – Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, CDC, The Great Ape Heart Project based at Zoo Atlanta, and Chicago Zoological Society Radiology Consulting Service.
COVID-19 is our wake-up call reminding us of our relationship with nature. Human health, wildlife health, and the health of our environment are all interconnected and interdependent. When we protect nature, we protect ourselves.
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Since the start of the pandemic, my district staff hasn’t stopped working for you and with you, despite our transition to remote offices. We are aware of the challenges you have endured this past year, especially with unemployment insurance. Our district office has worked to close more than 1,200 cases – each case representing a fellow member of our community. We are committed to helping you navigate the ever-changing environment related to the Employment Development Department’s processes. You can find a list of helpful EDD links and resources, including an FAQ, on my website, and, of course, my staff and I will continue to be here to assist you in your time of need. Please feel free to contact us online or call my office directly at (619) 645-3133.
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I was proud to participate—albeit virtually—at the groundbreaking of a new, affordable housing community in Linda Vista. Community HousingWorks’ new Ulric Street Apartments will be a unique affordable housing project that transforms an underutilized, aging property—with deferred maintenance and just 20 units—into 96 homes for working families, veterans, and transitional age youth. Located close to transit stops, shopping centers, a park, a library, schools, and a full-service grocery, it is an example of the good that can happen when we use innovation to guide our approach to creating more housing solutions in California.
Another project downtown by Father Joe’s Villages is about 50 percent complete. St. Teresa of Calcutta Villas, at 14th and Commercial, is a 14-story, 407-unit affordable housing complex that will provide 270 supportive housing units for those overcoming homelessness. It will offer access to support services, including case management, employment services, and fully integrated medical and behavioral health care.
Both of these housing projects are helping to put people to work at a time when our economy, and California families are hurting and offers hope in our housing crisis. The State is a proud partner on these projects, providing funding though a variety of California Housing Department grants.
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Each February, our nation celebrates Black History Month, collectively honoring the innumerable contributions made by the Black community throughout our country’s history and recognizing that we must continue to work on racial and social justice, and ensure equity for all. This year, I am proud to highlight San Diego’s own Dr. Shirley Weber, who has made history as California’s first Black Secretary of State. A close family friend and legislative colleague of many years, I have seen first-hand her brilliant leadership, unwavering determination, and principled dedication to her constituents and all of California. Undoubtedly she will serve Californians well and perform the duties of this important office with the same grace and dignity that made her such an accomplished and respected legislator. Congratulations, Dr. Weber!
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Tax season officially begins for individual filers on February 12 and closes on April 15. As you prepare to file, take a moment to see if you are one of the millions of Californians who qualifies for the California Earned Income Tax Credit. The CalEITC, which I’m proud to have created and expanded, helps working families keep more of their hard-earned money. If you have a lower income, work, and are at least 18 years old or have a qualifying child, you may be eligible. If you don’t have a social security number, don’t worry—taxpayers with an ITIN (Individual Tax Identification Number) are eligible, too. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to keep more of your money in your wallet. Learn more about the credit and see if you’re eligible by visiting CalEITC4Me.
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The coronavirus cases and deaths have risen significantly in the last few months. In his inaugural address on January 20, President Biden said that we may be entering the toughest and deadliest period of our fight against this virus. It’s important to keep an eye on our local and statewide COVID-19 numbers to best understand the situation at hand and to best make informed decisions. The state’s COVID-19 website provides daily updates on the number of coronavirus cases, deaths, testing, and hospitalizations on the statewide dashboard. The site also has a county status page with information on San Diego county’s current risk level and the metrics that determine that level. Another important resource is the County’s coronavirus page, which has daily updates on local case numbers, hospitalizations, testing sites, and much more.
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