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Contributor is exactly
Shanna Gagnon
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2020-05-23
Ladies and gentlemen, the graduating class of 2020!
My sister-in-law began working on her AA degree in 1997. As life took her in new directions, she never completed the degree. In 2016, as a mother of 3 and the Director of Human Resources for a foodservices company, she decided to go back and finish the work she once started. She completed her work in December of 2019 and our entire extended family eagerly awaited the day that we could watch her walk across the stage and celebrate her, as she has celebrated our academic milestones. Unfortunately, her graduation ceremony was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Not wanting this moment to pass by uncelebrated, we decided to host a virtual graduation party for her. We made her a "Congrats Grad!" poster, a money lei, hunted down a cap and gown, and even had mom sew a stole complete with the year and institution embroidered on it. We had our family dress up and join us via Zoom. We had her girls blindfold her and get her ready, and then walk her to a computer to join the Zoom call while Pomp and Circumstance was playing. It wasn't the graduation we had originally envisioned for her. However, it is one we will always remember. There were cheers, laughs and tears. And I am certainly glad that we did not let this moment pass us by. -
2020-05-28
Wondery's the daily smile Podcast, "Best Teacher Ever"
An uplifting podcast, the daily smile, distinctly chooses to bring joy to others during the COVID-19 pandemic. The May 28, 2020 episode is entitled "Best Teacher Ever." As the title, suggests, the podcast profiles how an exceptional educator has adapted to the new reality of teaching during a pandemic. Amidst the constant criticisms, demands, and pressures placed upon teachers today, the podcast refreshingly celebrates how teachers are adapting in this environment to do what they always do best, support, love and nurture our children. The podcast also highlights how teachers are not shying away from the challenges presented by COVID-19 but are instead leaning into them and finding ways to connect with their students in new and interesting ways. From creating pre-recorded lessons to conducting weekly video check-ins with each student, teachers are doing their best to support students academically, socially and emotionally. At one point in the podcast, the profiled teacher tells a story from her childhood. Despite adequately preparing for a test, she failed her. Her teacher asked her "Did you put your best effort forward?" When she responded "Yes" her teacher told her "That's all that really matters." Perhaps, as a society, we need to see more of the good in what our teachers are doing during this difficult time. They are clearly putting their best efforts forward, and all of themselves into their roles as educators, for the benefit of our children. -
2020-04-21
Wondery's Fighting Coronavirus Podcast, "Taking Care of Our Kids"
Episode 5 of Wondery's Fighting Coronavirus podcast, entitled "Taking Care of Our Kids," tackles the problems facing today's youth as a direct result of school shutdowns under nationwide shelter-in-place orders. Interestingly, of the major concerns surrounding children during this pandemic, learning does not enter the top 3. Instead, experts are more concerned with food security, student safety, and the long term social and emotional impact of the overall pandemic experience. The podcast also discuss the potential structural changes to America's education system as a result of the uncertain future of the pandemic and shift to remote learning. The conversation around remote learning is sure to continue as educational systems determine how best to proceed in the coming months. There are many calls throughout the country to reopen schools in the pre-pandemic format. This podcast suggests a complete different reality. -
2020-05-09
A Birthday To Remember: Celebrating With A 50 Participant Surprise Zoom Party!
We were invited to partake in a surprise Zoom call for a dear friend's 39th birthday. Our friend's partner asked all attendees to arrive to the virtual party 10 minutes before the official start time of 7 p.m. with a favorite celebratory drink in hand. Over 50 participants arrived on time for the call and stayed as long as 2.5 hours. Friends connected via the messaging chat function of Zoom, as well as through live video. Since we are unable to show our love for someone in person during the COVID-19 shelter-in-place, it is heartwarming that people still choose to show up the best they can for those they love. -
2020-03-23
Restaurants can now sell beer, wine and cocktails to-go during shelter-in-place, but will that help keep them around?
Amidst California's shelter-in-place orders, San Francisco Bay Area restaurants struggled to stay in business. One week into the shelter-in-place, the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) relaxed regulations and announced that restaurants and bars, with adequate licensing, could sell alcohol through delivery and take-out measures in an attempt to prevent permanent restaurant and bar closures. The guidelines stated that alcohol must either come prepackaged (i.e. in a can or bottle) or must accompany food if the drink is prepared on site. Patrons were directed to transport the alcohol in their trunks and were to consume on private property. For some restaurants and bars, the new regulations led to a recovery of approximately 50% of typical alcohol sales. For others, the regulations have provided little relief. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the San Francisco Bay Area restaurant and bar industry has yet to be fully realized. -
2020-03-26
Sequestered sipping cocktails brought to you by San Francisco bartenders
This article presents unique quarantine cocktails designed by San Francisco bartenders. Vanessa Vasquez from The Detour contributed "Quarantine on the Beach." Tim Hagney from ABV contributed "28 Days Later." Phil Mauro from Rye Bar and Restaurant contributed the "Sequestered Spritz." Gillian Fitzgerald of Casements Bar contributed the "Solitude & Tonic." Brynna Logan of Liquid Gold SF contributed "Corona Quarantine Sunrise." And, Tyler Puride of Black Cat contributed "Bae Area Bunker." The author of the article, Saul Sugarman, include the bartenders Venmo accounts and encouraged readers to leave these bartenders a tip. -
2020-04-08
Coronavirus supplies: Bay Area distilleries switch gears to produce much-needed hand sanitizer
This is a news article covering the decision made by various distilleries in the San Francisco Bay Area to shift production to hand sanitizer instead of spirits. The article highlights the 10th Street Distillery in San Jose, Sutherland Distilling Company in Livermore, as well as the company Endless West in San Francisco and LangeTwins Family Winery in Lodi. The hand sanitizer produced by the above companies is being used to support front line workers across the Bay Area. https://perma.cc/GJ8V-DHYT -
2020-03-31
Bay Area drinking 42% more alcohol than usual while sheltering in coronavirus pandemic
This is a news article that highlights the alcohol consumption behavior in the San Francisco Bay Area following the state's March 17, 2020 shelter in place orders. Based on a series of data across smartphone connected breathalyzer devices and sales from the web-based retailer, Wine.com, the company BACtrack discovered that alcohol consumption was up across. The company also reported seeing similar results across the country, specifically in metropolitan areas. https://perma.cc/K3FA-CYF6 -
2020-03-27
Coronavirus: Happy hour goes virtual as people try to be sociable while social distancing during COVID-19 crisis
This article details the ways people are adjusting their social behaviors during the COVID-19 global pandemic. Technologies typically used in a professional setting, like Zoom, are now providing opportunities for people to connect on a personal level during California's shelter-in-place orders. -
2020-05-06
Coronavirus crisis: Here's why SF officials are giving homeless alcohol, tobacco
This news story highlights the reasons for San Francisco's homeless substance distribution policy during the COVID-19 pandemic. https://perma.cc/YK5B-SWBP -
05/23/2020
They’ve survived earthquakes and Prohibition, but can Bay Area bars survive coronavirus?
This newspaper article examines how some of the oldest bars in the San Francisco Bay Area are withstanding the COVID-19 global pandemic. #ASU #HST580 #SanFranciscoBayArea -
2020-05-07
Walnut Creek Brewery, Calicraft, Launches Quarantine Blues Juicy IPA, Live Song
Calicraft, a brewery located in Walnut Creek, California, launched "the Quarantine Blues Juicy IPA" during the state's shelter-in-place. Restaurants and bars across the state are struggling to stay in business and some establishments, like Calicraft Brewing Company, are finding creative ways to drive business despite the difficult conditions. I discovered the beer on Memorial Day and it brought some much needed levity to the day. The label includes a clever poem/song that reads: Sittin' on the porch, got nothin' to do. Grab yourself a can of the Quarantine Blues. Kidz going crazy, you could use a little hazy. Crack yourself a can of the Quarantine Blues. Runnin' outta TP, makes you feel kinda queasy. Pour yourself a glass of the Quarantine Blues! Drink up: at home. Pair with: Tiger King, Homemade Bread. calicraft.com // @califcraft #ASU #HST580 #SanFranciscoBayArea -
2020-05-21
The San Francisco Bay Area is putting homeless people with COVID-19 in hotel rooms. Some are given alcohol to prevent withdrawal.
This is a news article that details how San Francisco is managing their homeless population during the COVID-19 outbreak. Based on CDC recommendations, San Francisco secured hotel rooms to provide shelter to their homeless population. The project is called "Project Roomkey." Additionally, under a "harm reduction" strategy, the city is providing alcohol and access to purchase medical cannabis to prevent withdrawals for addicts who may otherwise leave the provide shelters to retrieve said substances. The article highlights similar measures across the Bay Area. -
2020-05-23
Walnut Creek Brewery, Calicraft, Launches Quarantine Blues Juicy IPA
Calicraft, a brewery located in Walnut Creek, California, launched "the Quarantine Blues Juicy IPA" during the state's shelter-in-place. Restaurants and bars across the state are struggling to stay in business and some establishments, like Calicraft Brewing Company, are finding creative ways to drive business despite the difficult conditions. I discovered the beer on Memorial Day and it brought some much needed levity to the day. The label includes a clever poem/song that reads: Sittin' on the porch, got nothin' to do. Grab yourself a can of the Quarantine Blues. Kidz going crazy, you could use a little hazy. Crack yourself a can of the Quarantine Blues. Runnin' outta TP, makes you feel kinda queasy. Pour yourself a glass of the Quarantine Blues! Drink up: at home. Pair with: Tiger King, Homemade Bread. calicraft.com // @califcraft -
2020-06-01
"Helping the Most Vulnerable," Bay Area's Diablo Magazine features Choicelunch in Culinary Heroes article, June 2020 Publication
Diablo Magazine recognized Choicelunch as a local food service business that is "Helping the Most Vulnerable" during the COVID-19 pandemic. After the announcement of school closures across California, Choicelunch swiftly moved from delivering 17,000 lunches across the state to providing grocery staples to their customers to combat food shortages and difficulties presented by the traditional grocery story model. Choicelunch was recognized alongside Monster Pho, the Alameda County Community Food Bank, and Doubling Helping Hands. -
2020-05-21
Suicides on the rise amid stay-at-home order, Bay Area medical professionals say
This is a news article highlighting the concerns of a local hospital in regards to the dramatic increase in suicides and suicide attempts since the start of the COVID-19 shelter in place in the San Francisco Bay Area. While the shelter in place is helping to flatten the curve in the Bay Area, health professionals are expressing concerns over the state of mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic. #ASU#HST580 -
05/18/2020
"They told us to stay home, so that's exactly what we did!" Home Birth During a Pandemic - Part 2
One month after changing their birth plan from a hospital delivery to home birth, the DeNinno family expresses gratitude for the midwifery team that made it possible for their family to avoid a hospital during the COVID-19 pandemic. The father's sister and professional photographer, Kathy DeNinno, was present during the birth and was able to capture the first images of Rocco Cruz DeNinno entering the world. #ASU #HST580 -
04/19/2020
"They told us to stay home, so that's exactly what we did!" Home Birth During a Pandemic - Part 1
Amidst the global pandemic of COVID-19, the DeNinno family made a last minute decision to change their birth plan and welcome their son, Rocco Cruz DeNinno, in the comfort of their own home instead of at a hospital. -
04/22/2020
No Mask No Service
Contra Costa County in California issued an ordinance requiring patrons to wear masks when entering any open essential business during the shelter in place order which began March 13, 2020. Businesses within the town of Danville, as well as local government, worked hard to spread word of the new ordinance. *Crumbs (Danville, California), Town of Danville -
03/17/2020
San Ramon Valley Unified School District Emails to Community Follow School Closure Announcement
This resource is the collection of emails sent from SRVUSD to their community following the school closure announcement. The emails span the time frame 03/17/2020 to 05/01/2020. -
01/31/2020
San Ramon Valley Unified School District Coronavirus News, Pre-School Closure
This is a collection of emails sent to the community from the San Ramon Valley Unified School District prior to the announcement of school closures on March 13, 2020. The emails span January 31, 2020 to March 12, 2020. -
2020-05-10
Choicelunch Pivots Business Model to Avoid Shutdown
This is a newspaper article highlighting how a local business adapted to the challenges presented by COVID-19. Choicelunch pivoted from providing lunches to over 250 schools across California to providing contactless grocery pick-up throughout the Bay Area. They have been able to keep their business running and have been able to rehire many employees initially laid-off because of the pandemic. #ASU#HST580 -
2020-04-29
New Hobby Developed During Isolation
Delaney Gagnon, age 8, developed a new hobby during her time in isolation: balloon art! She proudly displayed her new skills during a virtual Girl Scout talent show held via Zoom. Delaney created the yellow dog balloon during the talent show. And decided to make herself the orange "isolated" balloon crown while watching her fellow Brownies perform their talents. #ASU#HST580