A scene that sums up the COVID-19 pandemic
Lyle and Vera Cook recently celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary, but not in the way they would have imagined back on their wedding day. Lyle is in Vienna rehab. Vera still lives at home. The only way Vera could visit her husband on their anniversary was by standing in a flower bed outside the nursing home, peering through a window into his room. Scenes like that remind us of how much COVID-19 has disrupted life as we knew it. … Restaurant owner Job Sanchez is reportedly in a hospital in critical condition with COVID complications. A GoFundMe page seeking $20k has been set up for Sanchez, who owns Casa Mexicana Mexican Restaurant. The address is gofundme.com/48c70c83. … Looks like it’s back to the chalkboard for negotiators. Teachers recently rejected a tentative contract agreement by a 70 percent margin, according to a union member. So much for the superintendent’s public cooing about how things were finally settled. Teachers have been working without a contract for about two years.
CLOSED: The Save Mart grocery store on Kettleman Lane has closed. It will reopen in a month or two as a FoodMaxx. As we noted about a month ago, all of the employees were offered transfers to another Save Mart or given an opportunity to stay on with the new store. Save Mart owns FoodMaxx. In the meantime, loyal customers of the store have expressed their sadness at the closing. … Contrary to earlier dire predictions, the city’s financial position looks to be stable, according to officials. “Overall, revenues continue to look solid for FY 2020-21,” says Deputy City Manager Andrew Keys. A more complete report will be released late this week, says Keys. Last March city officials were worried the budget was headed over a cliff.
MLK DAY: The Martin Luther King Day celebration presented by Lodi’s Breakthrough Project will be, you guessed it, virtual this year. The event will be livestreamed.
The featured speaker will be Cheryl Francis of Grace and Mercy. Other highlights will include student essay winners from Lodi Unified 5th and 6th grades reading their essays regarding MLK's legacy, according to Lusandra Vincent. As you will recall, the Breakthrough Project was formed in 1996 following a cross-burning in front of Tokay High School.
TIMBER: Betty Wilson brings to our attention the many dangerous trees in our city, ones that are on private property but whose owners neglect them. Many are very tall and unkempt. Some tilt. Some shed branches onto neighbors’ property. Still others are a constant tower of worry, especially when the winds kick up and neighbors fear a big gust might blow it over onto their house. But, as City Attorney Janice Magdich points out, not every tree that looks dangerous actually is. A professional arborist can tell for sure. And for situations where the trees actually are dangerous, there’s a section in the Lodi Municipal Code entitled, “nuisances prohibited,” where the city is empowered to take action.
THE GOOD YEAR: It was the worst of times. It was the best of times. We asked if anything good came out of 2020. Here’s a sampling: Sheri Zapara said, “I have seen the good come out in people!!! Support for our small business!!” … “Seeing people support other people. Supporting small businesses more and helping one another out!” wrote Wendy Ann Diaz. … Scott Woznick said, “(I) worked on healthier habits.” … “Slowing down, not so ‘on the go’, needing less ‘stuff,’” said Janis Christy. … Wayne Flanders rejoiced in being able to “meet and hold my first grandson.” … Alexis Ward rejoiced over the birth of her nephew. … Judy Brown said, “After living in the same home for 48 years, we moved into town. We are adjusting; bought tomatoes and grapes for the first time in my life. We always had a big garden; one thing I miss about living in town.” … Denise Pease Mangini said, “My first grandchild was born. Sadly, (I) have yet to meet him in person or hold him. But I love him dearly and enjoy our zoom chats.” … It was a big year for Alyssa Redwine, who said, “When the pandemic hit it put me out of work; luckily we were able to manage and I’ve been able to stay home with my two kids; (I) really help them one on one with distance learning. I also became pregnant and birthed a healthy baby boy this year.” … James Lanchester said, “Those of us who know Jesus are one more year closer to being with him.” … Sarah Twitty DeFonzo said 2020 was good because she was able to spend “more time with my kids and another blessing on the way February 2021.” … Tara Phillips said, “Connecting closer to our family, being creative with our spare time, and clinging onto Jesus more than ever before.” … Karen Munro said she “took time to finish projects that I had put off for far too long.” … Leah Suelter put it into one word: “Intention. People have been intentionally doing things with kids, getting creative, shopping small, working out, supporting rights, and I truly believe it will heal divides and continue to make community over conflict.” … Leah Reposa had a lot to be thankful for in 2020: “Two new granddaughters, I dropped a bunch of weight, we paid off our mortgage and are completely debt free now.” … Kay Duelfer said, “For me it's a new realization of just how much my family and friends mean. Not seeing them and hugging them has been difficult, but when I have, those hugs mean even more than ever.” … Linda Tremble said, “Each day is a gift and it takes seconds to be kind and helpful. This year has challenged our students, teachers and businesses alike, but resilience and perseverance has shaped us all.” … Lori A. Heyd said, “Overcoming my fear of Suduko and saving money by not going out nearly as much!” was something to be thankful for last year. … Lynette Bailey said, “Against all odds, my 88-year old dad beat Covid. Doctor says he is a walking miracle.” … Julie Wall was thankful for “checking in with friends and family more often to make sure they are okay and have them check in with me in return.” … Sheri Didreckson said, “Poke-a-dots Rescue was blessed to help 65-plus dogs find new loving homes (in 2020). And we were blessed with our business Sheri’s Sonshine Nutrition Center to be able to serve people with what we offer.”
REMEMBRANCE: We note the recent passing of retired Lodi Police Captain Charlie Mauch. A Vietnam vet, Charlie was an imposing figure, standing about 6foot-6 or so. He began his career with the Lodi Police Department in 1967, retiring in 2002. He issued Yours Truly his first traffic citation. Someone posted on Facebook, “Thank you for the break you gave me back in 1985 when I was 17 and facing some serious charges. That experience and your decision changed my life. Nothing but love and respect for you and your family.” … Former political consultant Don Parsons passed away from a stroke last week. Parsons owned Strategic Research and assisted several local politicians with their campaigns over the years.