Covid in California Six Months later

Summer is Ending

September 7 - My Birthday

A sizzler. Temperatures today and yesterday record breaking - above 100 °F. Every surface in our house hot to the touch in the afternoon. All windows and doors wide open. Yesterday we woke up to news about a ferocious fire in the Sierras and campers had to be airlifted to safety by helicopters. This morning an eerie sun glowed through haze. A heatwave, raging fires, a pandemic and a contentious presidential election coming up. I'm not going to forget this birthday!

Despite the gloom I spent most of the morning on video and audio calls with family members and friends. Comforting to feel cared for. Daryl baked a lemon cake and is planning to make quiche for a dinner we'll share with Premi and Sri.

It's Labor Day. Beaches are closed for stationery activities to avoid the Memorial Day fiasco which led to Covid spikes. Can't afford to undo the progress we're making statewide. Nationwide new daily infections and daily deaths are in a slow decline thankfully. Disappointing to see surges in Spain and France where they're back to April daily case numbers. It's a younger demographic affected so there may not be huge death tolls. We'll know toward the end of September. Meanwhile, India is the most affected with daily infections now over 80,000. Brazil appears to have leveled off. Latin America still a hot zone. Mysteriously, Africa's deaths are low. 

Vaccine news appears daily. Health centers nationwide are being asked to prepare for a possible delivery by the end of October. An optimistic scenario ... but, just in case ... Experts are telling us an available vaccine is more likely to appear in early 2021.

On the first Saturday of September we went to More Mesa Beach which we accessed via Mockingbird Lane. We followed the wide, straight trail to a steep flight of stairs allowing for an easy descent onto a sandy beach protected and shaded by cliffs. In the early morning, with the tide out, we enjoyed a magnificent stroll to Hope Ranch Beach and beyond before turning back.

September 10

The calamities continue to pile on. Currently, there are raging wildfires throughout California as well as in Oregon and Washington. Photos of an apocalyptic San Francisco with an orange glow over the Golden Gate Bridge appear everywhere.

Another disappointment is the suspension of the Oxford vaccine. A trial participant fell seriously ill with an inflammation of spinal cord nerve tissue. A panel of experts is reviewing the situation and will decide whether to continue or terminate. This vaccine from the Jenner institute, which AstroZeneca will manufacture, has so far been the frontrunner with thousands of participants in a Phase 3 trial in the UK, South Africa, Brazil and in the USA. Depressing with a capital D.

Making headlines this week is journalist Bob Woodward's new book in which Trump's disastrous Covid response is detailed. In recorded tapes Trump admits he's awareness of the scale of the impending pandemic back in February but deliberately chose to downplay it. Of course, none of this is news to us. Perhaps Trump faithfuls may actually demonstrate outrage. Maybe Covidiots will open their eyes to what we're dealing with.

Worldometers had good news. Covid transmission is on a decline nationwide and statewide. California recorded 1,616 new cases on Sept 8, the lowest since early May. Death toll at 83 and a return to double digits at last. The 14 day average of new cases is 4,316 and deaths 102.

New case numbers for Sept 9: USA 35,244; deaths 1,209; South Africa recorded 1,990 new cases and 82 deaths and has dropped to 8th place on Worldometers.

Though the trend lines look good, and I feel less anxious than a month ago, I can't relax. South Africa's economy now fully open can only spell a new surge in the near future. It's inevitable. We're seeing this in Europe right now. Here, in Santa Barbara county, students will soon be returning to Isla Vista even though all classes will be online. Everyone is anticipating a fall surge.

The fog rolled in yesterday and has kept our temperatures down, thankfully. The grey sky is a combination of smoke from wildfires as well as fog resulting in a weird light. I've been enjoying running on the beach. So effortless and energizing. Doing stretches on the shore facing the water is a thrill.

Sept 11

We've had just glimpses of the sun in the past few days. the sky is mostly blanketed by grey smoke. Even though there aren't any fires in our county, the rest of the state is being ravaged on an unprecedented scale. An apocalyptic orange glow bathes the Bay Area. A permanent dusk with ashy air. Similar to what we saw in Sydney in December. Our spirits are rock bottom.

September 17

With summer in its dying days we've stopped going for an after dinner walk in our neighborhood due to darkness setting in before 7:30. Our weekly walk up La Goleta Road to join Petar and Anna Kokotavich for a glass of wine has changed to an earlier time. Out on their deck the view of our backcountry is breathtaking especially as the sun is about to set.

We've been living with this pandemic for 6 months now and we've adjusted to a new normal. Life goes on while we employ modifications. Everyone accepts the need for face masks - glaring ads from vendors on every web page - and stores have been vigilant with safety measures. Restaurants have expanded their outdoor seating. Friends gather in backyards. My book group met at Oak Park where we sat on our folding chairs spaced out but happy to see faces. We've learned not to pine for normal and be grateful for what we have.

Right now, with less than 2 months before the elections, we desperately hope we are seeing the tail end of Trump and his clan. Though what he'll do in these weeks keeps us anxious. Will there be an October surprise?

It's a good feeling to see that our Covid numbers in the county and state are continuing with a downward trend. Los Angeles has made outstanding progress and their daily new cases are now back to pre Memorial Day numbers. The new daily case numbers curve for California shows a peak on August 11 and then a steady decline. 

But we can't sit back and relax. Nationwide, after a steady decline, new case numbers are increasing again, with 44,000 infections today. Europe's new surge is a concern, especially as numbers are exceeding spring daily totals. Many Latin American countries are still reporting explosive growth in infections, but Brazil has made progress. India's new daily infections are close to 100,000 now. A friend with relatives in India said that infections are mild. Deaths are relatively low and this could be due to strong immunity from living in unhygienic environments, eating street food, etc. Same is probably true in African countries which appear to have adopted a laissez faire attitude and not bothered to report daily new case numbers. Death tolls are low, so the guess is that infections are mild with few hospitalizations. We may yet witness natural herd immunity!

Vaccine news is prominent these days. The Oxford vaccine which was suspended earlier this month due to a participant developing a neurological reaction, has resumed trials at all their sites except in the USA. The FDA will need to give its approval. Two other leading contenders, Moderna and Pfizer, have released blueprints today. They essentially hope to have results in December or maybe January, depending on whether they obtain the minimum number of infections from participants on placebos. They are guessing that widespread distribution will start in spring 2021.

So we'll have to continue restricting our movements. Depressing, yes, but knowing what we're dealing with is helpful. The worst is over. We are more than halfway to freedom. There won't be food shortages. I can shop at Sprouts early in the morning and at Trader Joe's just before closing time there. Grateful for little things.

Wonder what the world will be like 2 weeks from now?

Covid in California as Summer Peaks

August 24

Foggy morning, thank goodness! After 2 sizzling weeks - due to tropical storm systems south of us - the lower temps  are blissful. Did my morning run on the beach, from Goleta Beach to the bluffs on campus, down to another stretch of beach and back. Found it soul nourishing. A balm for my battered spirits. Dry thunderstorm activity a week ago ignited raging wildfires across California. The northern part of the state is experiencing the worst of it, where evacuation orders complicate efforts to isolate and prevent Covid 19 spread. Our skies and air have been smoky. Firefighters from across the nation and even from Australia came over to help put out the fires.

Politics now leads the news due to the elections in just over 2 months. This week the Republicans will have their convention and Trump promises to dominate on each of the 4 days. Stomach churning.

The Postmaster General - DeJoy (a Trump appointee) - has been called for questioning by Congress. The Post Office has been taking down public mail boxes and other questionable actions are going on raising suspicions of potential problems with mail in election ballots.

Covid news has been muted. Daily case numbers and deaths in California and in the USA are continuing to trend downward. More states are showing declines than not. Europe, on the other hand, is dealing with new outbreaks and growing new daily infections. South Africa has stabilized to around 3000 new daily cases. There's still explosive numbers in Latin America and India but we aren't getting news that conveys the kind of urgency we'd been hearing about in Europe and the USA.

Cayden and Shrayen started school again today. Fingers crossed that all will go well until the end of the year. 

August 28

Covid anxiety lower in the last 2 weeks as countywide, statewide and nationwide new infections trended downward. California's 14 day average for new cases is 6456 and for deaths is 124. In the USA daily new cases in the past two weeks are above 40,000 and daily deaths around 1,300. South Africa's daily case numbers have declined to around 3000 or less in the past 2 weeks. India now holds the record for highest cases on a single day when their Aug 27 count was 76,800. Latin American countries continue to have high daily infections. Europe is seeing a worrying surge, especially in Spain and France. Everyone wants to avoid another lockdown, so mask wearing is increasingly emphasized.

I'm not expecting the current situation to change much until a vaccine is available. Openings, shutdowns, restrictions, the odd lockdown somewhere, successes, concerns, failures and disrupted student lives. There's talk of rapid Covid tests and new therapies (monoclonal antibodies in particular) and these will help with some sort of stability while we ride out the pandemic.

The Republicans just had their 4 day convention. Daily circus acts where they flouted Covid safety measures and spewed out lies and took credit for successes they had no part in. Trump gave his acceptance speech in front of the White House to an unmasked crowd - a grotesque act for multiple reasons. If we're lucky these may be the final months of this despicable administration.

My book group met at West Campus hosted by Adrienne. Perfect summer evening, mild temperatures, wafts of ocean smells drifting from the beach nearby. Chairs arranged in a circle on a grassy patch, overlooked by a row of towering palms. Over brown bagged dinners we shared our personal stories and discussed The Vanishing Half, a novel about twin black sisters from a small Louisiana town. One uses her light skin and straight hair to pass as white and moves to Los Angeles where she lives the American dream. The other marries then divorces a dark skinned abusive black man and returns to her home town with her very dark skinned daughter. Themes of prejudice in all its forms run through this very engaging book.

August 31

When NPR came on at 6:00 AM and I opened my eyes I was amazed at how dark it was. The peak of summer has no doubt past. Sigh! It's been the weirdest summer of my life. I want it to be over so that we can get closer to better days. Yet, I feel my usual sadness as it wanes.

Total identified Covid cases in USA 6,170,000; total deaths 187,000. Still trending downward with 42,000 new daily cases and 1,200 daily deaths. A while to go before returning to May lows of 21,000 new daily cases and daily deaths in the lower hundreds. Perhaps that won't happen since states in the heartland are now experiencing surges. California is making progress, reporting around 6000 new daily cases and about 120 deaths in the past 2 weeks. Governor Newsom has introduced a new color coded system for counties which details where they are and what they need to do to progress to a new level. Our county, like much of the state, is purple, the most serious level and this means no schools, no indoor dining, and restricted personal services. Other than that the economy is functioning with measures in place.

South Africa, after a week of an opened up economy still showing progress with new daily infections around 2,500 and just over a 100 daily deaths. Will be watching this closely in the next weeks. Curious to see the situation in mid September.

Australia has things under control again, with small numbers of new daily infections. It's the only country that has banned its residents from traveling out of the country. Max is stuck, unable to fly to Germany to be with his family.

Meanwhile, India now tops the world in daily infections which are close to 80,000. Significant new daily infections in Peru, Colombia, Argentina and other South American countrie. Europe grappling with how to suppress new surges.

It looks certain that there won't be another massive lockdown again here, or anywhere. Local governments may impose varying degrees of restrictions. In California, we've settled into a lifestyle that allows us to get through our days reasonably well. If this is sustainable then we may struggle on with some bumps along the way until we're saved by a vaccine.

Though we've found ways to keep our spirits up, the general state of things in the USA is unsettling. Black Lives Matter protests haven't stopped in some cities and often there's been rioting along with peaceful marches. In Portland there's been ongoing unrest, a situation not easy to solve and complicated over the weekend by a caravan of Trump supporters which resulted in a fatal shooting. Since mid-August Kenosha, Wisconsin, has been wracked by demonstrations. A Black man, due to illegal drug involvement, was shot 7 times by police and is now hospitalized. Trump's erratic actions and words keep us on edge too.

We're worried about the elections and the likelihood of corruption from the Trump camp.

I so badly want this pandemic to be behind us. I want to feel free to go to stores and visit friends at their homes and entertain people properly at our home. I want to go downtown and mingle with crowds, shop at farmer's market, have a Happy Hour drink, stroll through the Funk Zone, dine at a packed restaurant.

We've had some cool weather the past few days, which I liked. Made my morning runs more pleasurable. Our weekend morning beach walks were joyful in the fog. Coal Oil Point on one morning, and More Mesa Bluffs the next where we walked farther than ever before, all the way to the many steps that led down to the delightful beach. We headed east and found ourselves at Hope Ranch Beach where people were appearing in growing numbers. Climbing up the long, long stairway on our return gave us quite a workout! We were ready to pig out on crepes filled with sweet, juicy strawberries and rhubarb.

All of August, despite the pandemic, we were blessed with summer's bounty. In our CSA weekly box we've been getting exquisite tomatoes (heirlooms and other), juicy melons, bell peppers, strawberries and other luscious vegetables. I pop over to Lane Farms stand every Saturday for their delicious sweetcorn and whatever else looks good and easy to grab. I've also been popping into Sprouts once a week for peaches (at their peak now), blueberries, grapes, and figs. We've made peach cobblers and a peach tart so our splendid meals have been ending with scrumptious peach dessert every evening for a while.

Covid Diary August 2020

August 5

Overshadowing pandemic news today is the August 4 Beirut explosion of ammonium nitrate which was stored in a warehouse at the port. Massive destruction of the port area and numerous city buildings. 135 deaths and over 4000 injured. Heartwrenching.

Daryl and I have added tutoring sessions to our daily routines. Cayden and Shrayen, South African nephews who've been out of school since March, are falling behind in their math so we've been working with them via Skype. They seem to love it and are motivated and eager to please.

Covid numbers in South Africa are finally trending downward. 

California is showing improvement too, with new daily cases finally below 10,000. 

August 7

Due to computer glitches at the state level California's new daily case numbers this first week of August have been underreported, showing a 14 day average of 8436. Most frustrating. We are warned the number is higher. It's been over a week since the problem was noticed and amazingly it hasn't yet been fixed. Governor Newsom has been silent on the issue. We do know that the deaths are at a 14 day average of 130. Hospitalizations and ICU admissions have declined too after surging from June to the end of July. The new hotspot in the state is Kern County.

South Africa has leveled off at around 8,000 new daily cases and 300 daily deaths.

Everyday we hear about flare-ups in various parts of the world. It's clear that the Covid situation will continue to ebb and flow. 

My morning runs at Stow Park have been a blissful way to start my day. I'm thrilled to have found a successful way to get my daily exercise. These signs are posted at the park:

The shade from these redwoods, oaks and pines make it possible to enjoy my run. Smells, sounds and sights are all delightful enhancements to the experience.

August 11

Woke up to a foggy morning again. Most of July and this first third of August have started out with fog which lingers until midday to early afternoon. We welcome this. Reduces fire danger, keeps temps down. I'm able to go running on the beach, which I find immensely uplifting.

After breakfast I tutored Shrayen via Skype. I'm teaching him fractions, which is all new to him. My heart goes out to these kids who haven't been in a classroom since March. Though the school sends lesson assignments via email, it doesn't quite help them with absorbing new concepts. 

Russia headlined today with their announcement of an approved vaccine. Their new "Sputnik" moment is how they want it perceived. But the rushed process with no Phase 3 clinical trials is greeted with condemnation in the US.

Worldometers shows more than 20 million identified cases in the world with a quarter of those in the USA. India, at 3rd place, had the most number of new cases yesterday, followed by Brazil. New case numbers for the USA and California now showing a downward trend. We may be making progress in California but a technical glitch with the state's recording data systems have been showing underreported totals for the past 2 weeks. However, deaths and hospitalizations have declined and that's good news. Nationwide, deaths are declining too.

In South Africa, the trends look good too, with declining new daily cases and deaths.

I predict the same messiness we've endured the past 5 months for the next 5 months. Even countries with strong, ethical leadership can't control random hotspots. New Zealand, after 102 successive days of no new local cases, reported a small cluster identified in Auckland. Jacinda Ardern took immediate action, issuing lockdown until the matter was resolved.

China continues to have success, snuffing out hotspots, and able to resume somewhat normal economic activity. On Worldometers 30 countries show more total Covid cases than China.

Despite Covid gloom I'm anticipating reasons for optimism. The elections may go well. Vaccines may show success. The nightmare will end.

August 12

Kamala Harris! The news flashed on my computer screen yesterday afternoon and though I'd been wishing for Susan Rice to be the VP pick, I teared up. A woman with my mother's name could be in the White House in 5 months! My Sydney brother sent me an excited message as soon as he heard the news - early morning as he was getting up.

Good to have this bit of excitement overshadow Covid news. 

August 14

Awoke to a hot morning, but morning run in Stow Park went well thanks to the shade of the many towering trees. A sizzling spell is upon us through the weekend. Summer at its peak keeps my spirits. Balmy evenings, lots of daylight, bountiful produce, especially the tomatoes - heirlooms in our CSA box this week - welcome distractions from Covid. For dinner last night we started with slices of cantaloupe, which came in our produce box. Juicy, sweet, absolutely at its prime it reminded us of summer vacations in Europe. For mains we had plant based "turkey" cutlets and roasted carrots, zucchini and mini bell peppers. We opened up an Amarone to accompany this meal - and it matched splendidly.

The mood this week got a great big boost from Biden's VP pick, Kamala Harris. The more liberal left made some noises that their preference, Stacy Abrams, was ignored, but they're showing excitement too. I see now that Susan Rice - my preference - may not have generated the same excitement since she isn't as colorful and dynamic as Harris. In fact, everyone was sending links to each other of videos showing Kamala Harris showcasing her Tamil heritage. The Democrats have a strong ticket and if they don't get elected, this could only mean a deep dsyfunctionality that has to be addressed.

Covid News: Total identified cases in the USA has reached 5,400,000 with roughly 55,000 daily new cases. I'm not expecting this number to change since new states experience spikes as other states bring their numbers down. Daily deaths hover around 1,200. In California our 14 day average of new daily cases is now 7,700. Still too high. The past few weeks have been the deadliest since the outbreak. On 08/04 there were 202 deaths. Our 14 day average death toll is currently 136. In Santa Barbara County we had 75 new cases on 08/13.

This, I predict, is the new normal.

South Africa has bent the curve, reporting between 2,500 and 4,000 new daily cases. Daily deaths between 200 and 300 are higher than they've ever been. The country will lift most of its pandemic restrictions from August 17, 5 months after lockdown was imposed. Though this may result in a new wave of infections, the government is under pressure to balance harm to the economy versus Covid's impact. Same story all over the globe.

August 19

The Democratic National Convention which kicked off on August 17 dominates the news. A nice break from Covid coverage. The all virtual event is impressive in organization and creativity. The opening featured kids from every state singing the national anthem in the most heartwarming voices. Michelle Obama gave a stirring, impassioned speech on Day 1. Jill Biden assured us of her sincerity and compassion in a well delivered speech from an empty classroom at a school where she had taught. The convention has fueled hope and excitement. It looks likely that in November we'll be breathing sighs of relief.

In California an apocalyptic scenario from raging fires across the state, triggered by storm activity, has forced many people out of their homes. A ridge of high pressure moved into the state a week ago causing lighting, intense heat, and high humidity. We're wilting. Demand on energy has translated to rolling blackouts. 

It's six months since California's lockdown. The partially opened economy keeps us going. Grocery stores are stocked, restaurants are operating with expanded outdoor seating, and busy roads and people out and about give the illusion of normalcy. The state's Covid numbers aren't good though. The 14 day average of new daily cases is 8,089 and daily deaths 132. We're slowly bending the curve. Santa Barbara county numbers are trending downward as well. I would breathe a sigh of relief except that I know as soon as our numbers are low enough to be removed from the Governor's watchlist, we're going to open up schools and higher risk businesses and this will inevitably put us at greater risk of increased infections.

Nationwide the numbers are declining - daily case numbers hover below 50,000 - but we're also learning that testing has decreased. So, again, we're robbed of optimism.

South Africa has fully opened its economy since Monday, August 17. Tutoring Cayden and Shrayen may end next week when they return to school. The message given to South Africans is that they have just past their peak. Warmer weather is on its way and may help keep new daily cases low. The government is taking its chances out of pressure to resuscitate their fragile economy. Perhaps they will reach a stable, manageable situation until therapeutics are available. Also, the country's death rate appears lower than western countries, but there are rumors of inaccuracy. The African continent as a whole is showing relatively low cases and deaths. Not sure what the explanation is.

Covid epicenter still in Latin America (staggering daily increases) and the USA.

Europe's numbers are creeping up. Australia is showing improvement. China and most of Asia have modeled how to deal with a highly transmissible lethal virus.

I yearn for the freedom of normal life.

Covid in California

Covid Diary (July 22-31, 2020)

July 22

California now leads the USA in recorded Covid cases in the USA. Total today is 415,000 with 7,890 deaths. New York state's total deaths is 32,600 - a higher death rate, but also testing for the coronavirus back in the spring was dire.

Trump, on July 21, acknowledging in a newly resumed Covid press briefing that at close to 70,000 daily new cases in the nation and 1000 daily deaths, the country has a problem. Duh! He actually promoted the use of masks. Reluctantly. Obviously coached by an advisor.

The progress on vaccine candidates is in the news. Published results of a Phase 1 trial of the Jenner Institute out of Oxford University showed success, giving the world hope. Phase 3 of their trial is in progress in South Africa, Brazil and the UK. Two other candidates out of the US, led by the NIH and sponsored by Operation Warp Speed is about to go into Phase 3 trials too.

It's looking increasingly likely that we're mid Pandemic and by December things may look up.

Meanwhile, it's high summer. Daily morning fog this month has made my morning runs blissful. The evenings, with daylight lingering, have been gorgeous. After dinner I either do garden chores or we go for a walk in our neighborhood, looping around Holiday Hill Road. I've been buying delicious sweetcorn, tomatoes and strawberries from Lane Farms where it's easy to feel safe from Covid. The freedom to do food shopping is such a thrill. Something I've always taken for granted. In pandemic times we've been staying away from our favorite grocery stores like Trader Joe's. I popped into Sprouts at 7:00 in the morning when practically no customers were around. I loved cruising through the aisles and grabbing a selection of items we'd been deprived of.

In our CSA box we've been getting exquisite plump, sweet blackberries. Their strawberries and melons are divine too. Can't complain really.

We saw the comet Neowise from our garden this evening. Due to streetlights we had to use binoculars which enabled us a decent view of this rare astronomic event. Visible just this week, it appears below the Big Dipper.

July 23

Covid cases today: Worldwide 15,500,000; USA 4,125,000; Brazil 2,200,000; India 1,300,000 and South Africa (in 5th place) 400,000. California has exceeded 400,000 cases, recording a record 12, 800 cases yesterday. USA daily deaths now around 1,100 and in California daily deaths close to 150.

Distressingly, our state's numbers are just not budging. The positivity rate is at a hopeful 7.5%.

Outside the disastrous USA, Latin America, the Middle East, South Asia and South Africa continue with explosive new daily cases.

Dr. Fauci, the nation's leading expert in Infectious diseases, our Cassandra, has not been invited to Trump's press briefings, since his honest assessments clash with politics. However, it's heartening to see that media outlets give Dr. Fauci plenty of air time and his voice is heard daily, far more than Trump's thankfully.

July 27

California's 14 day average of identified Covid cases is 9,400. Average number of deaths is 95. In the past week the state recorded its highest daily death tolls and hospitalizations. Testing has ramped up in the state. Hoping desperately for better news in August.

South Africa has also broken daily records for new infections, hospitalizations and deaths. They've discovered a mistake in their numbers which they attempted to correct resulting in a frightening spike of over 572 deaths on one of the days. Last week's daily death toll hovered between 200 and 300.

Big News Items:

The debate on opening schools. Epidemiologists are divided. Knowledge about infections and transmissibility among kids is vague, inconclusive. It seems that every decision is the wrong decision. Dr. Fauci says to base school openings on local Covid situation. South Africa's president announced a 4 week closure of public schools in anticipation of a peak in their Covid numbers.

Congress is debating another stimulus package since $600 weekly unemployment payments are about to expire. The Democrats are requesting a continuation of these payments until January of 2021 and Republicans are opposed to it.

Good news on the therapeutics front. Moderna has begun Phase 3 trials of its vaccine candidate.

Dr. David Ho, brother of our dentist, is hopeful about a new treatment he is working on which uses neutralizing antibodies. His research has just been published in the journal Nature.

The beach has become a favorite place for entertainment. Last week I took advantage of the combination of low tide and fog and did my morning run from Goleta Beach to Campus Point and back. I saw dolphins every time. On our weekend beach walks we saw a cluster of seals close to the Bacara Resort. Simply delightful.

July 31

Covid numbers for this last day of July: USA 4,6 million and 155,000 deaths; California 485,000 and 8,900 deaths. Santa Barbara County recorded 105 new cases on July 30. In the past week new daily cases in the country plateaued at an eye watering average of 68,000 and California's 14 day average stands at 9,200. Daily deaths have broken records, the 14 day average at 112, and on this last day of July 219 deaths reported, the highest ever since the outbreak. Daily death toll in Florida and Texas higher than California, spiking to above 200 and 300. The graph for the USA shows an upward trend though we haven't reached April death numbers yet.

South Africa, holding on to 5th place on Worldometers, appears to have peaked at 13,000 daily cases, though the daily count continues to hover around that peak. Half a million identified cases. Volatile situation there.

Distressing situation in Australia with an outbreak in Victoria, leading to a lockdown in Melbourne. But all week the daily count rose and new cases found in New South Wales and Queensland too.

In Europe there are flare ups in Spain and France. Vacations in Spain went pear shaped. Amazes me that people foolishly make travel plans knowing that a Covid hotspot to emerge anywhere at any time.

Other News: President Obama delivered the eulogy at the funeral service for Congressman John Lewis, a prominent civil rights activist and advocate for Black issues. The morning of July 30 was dedicated to this event taking place at the Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta. I watched Obama's moving speech in real time, knowing that it would be something special. While praising Lewis's achievements, in his famously thoughtful way Obama wove in the Civil Rights chapter with today's Black Lives Matter protests. He pointed to defective societal practices and politics that mar progress.

Biden's VP pick will be announced within a week. I found out today that my favorite, Susan Rice, has a son who is a Republican MAGA nut. Don't know what to make of that. Another contender, Congresswoman Karen Bass, has risen to the top. We'll soon know ...

Dr. Fauci, the nation's Cassandra, testified to Congress this morning on the continuing dire Covid situation and what we need to do. He's so skilled at delivering facts, diplomatically pointing out missteps and what needs to change, and keeping things positive with his reassurances that a successful vaccine is on the horizon.

Hope keeps us going ...

Covid in California (July 2020)

July 1

A bleak start to the month in California where coronavirus cases are skyrocketing. Today we hit an all time high of over 9000 new cases identified in a day. The death toll today was 105, a high previously recorded back in April. The mood here is gloomy. Today Governor Newsom ordered closures of indoor gathering places that have only just opened in the past 1 to 3 weeks. Indoor dining, movie theaters, and museums have to close in 19 counties including Santa Barbara. Doesn't surprise me at all. A sensible decision, but it's a head scratcher that they were even allowed to open up.

July 3

The Covid situation in our area is now the worst it's ever been. Yesterday Santa Barbara county recorded 372 new cases. That's an explosive increase from a week ago. California recorded a shocking 9,352 new cases for July 2 and the USA recorded around 59,000 new cases. Higher than anything seen since the start of the outbreak. Amazing how loosening restrictions led to reckless behavior. Our county beaches will be closed to non exercise use this 4th of July weekend to prevent Ventura and LA folks flocking here.

While I'm not surprised at the surge it's nevertheless a downer. And since the situation feels far more overwhelming than ever before I can't predict when we'll return to a stable situation of low, manageable Covid numbers. 

July 7

A return to hot, summery weather. Today's Covid news is grim in California. The month of June saw steep rises of new cases, with twice as many infections as May. Hospitalizations have spiked, but haven't reached capacity. Death toll yesterday (July 6) was 111. The 14 day rolling average of daily deaths hasn't changed much from May numbers. Theories are as follows: New infections mainly among younger adults; new treatments have become standard; the expected lag between identification and death. The concern is that infections could transmit to the older population in the next weeks. Not a time for optimism. Florida, Texas and Arizona have reached critical levels, overwhelming medical resources. Fear of running out of ICU beds.

July 10

"A harrowing week for California," I heard Laxmi Singh on NPR say on my drive back home from Goleta Beach where I had just gone on a half hour run. The endorphin boost prevented a collapse into depression from the bleak Covid situation. On July 7 the new daily case number was a record 11,697. Daily death tolls have now surpassed the April peak. On July 8 there were 149 deaths and 140 on the 9th.

On my drive to and from the beach the roads were as busy as pre-Covid times. The locals are back at their jobs and businesses and this could only spell continued Covid growth. Another lockdown may not happen though the atmosphere appears volatile. Hospital beds and ICU units are likely to dictate what happens in California.

South Africa's new daily infections are now above 10,000, has moved to 13th place on Worldometers, and their daily death toll is now over a 100. Still a comparatively low death rate. Africa, on the whole, is showing low infections and deaths. Not sure if it's to do with corruption or something else, like the BCG vaccine given to all newborns. Apart from Brazil, the country with 2nd highest number of recorded Covid cases, Latin American countries show a declining trend.

July 13

Governor Newsom has ordered a roll back of restrictions. Personal care services, gyms and churches have to close in 30 counties. I welcome this and desperately hope to see a decline in Covid cases. I fear that pandemic fatigue may not result in the strict adherence of safety measures as we'd seen in the spring. We'll have to see if Los Angeles can accomplish what New York did in April.

California is now in 2nd place with total Covid cases in the country. Daily new cases in the state between 7000 and 8000, slightly lower, and we're hoping we've reached a plateau. Our county has seen a 50% increase in total cases in the past 2 weeks. Florida is reporting largest number of new daily infections, reaching 15000 yesterday, the highest of any state since the start of the pandemic. Some cities in Florida have exceeded hospital ICU unit capacity. Daily deaths in Florida in double digits, but predicted to spike in the coming weeks. California's daily death toll fell below 100 in the past few days. Nationwide the graph of deaths had depicted a downward trend until a few days ago, when it began going upwards.

Anxiety levels definitely up. The best medicine available now is Remdesivir and last week there was concern of hospitals running out. Trump fueling anxiety too. Demanding schools open up and threatening to not allow international students in the country if universities don't have in person classes.

Trump also using ugly tactics to discredit Dr. Fauci, the leading infectious disease epidemiologist in the country. This imbecilic refusal to address a crisis is jaw dropping.

Back in May, before Memorial Day weekend, I wondered if the worst was over. Now I wonder if the worst is yet to come.

Something uplifting was the 5 mile beach walk on Saturday morning at low tide from Coal Oil Point to Bacara Beach. On the way back we saw a big pod of frolicking dolphins. Absorbed the magic of it for about 10 minutes.

July 16

The Covid situation now seemingly out of control in the USA. Yesterday 71,000 new cases recorded and 1000 deaths. In California, statewide new infections have seemingly reached a plateau, hovering around 10,000 cases. In Santa Barbara County we had 184 new cases 2 days ago, then 89 yesterday, a day later. Daily counts misleading due to testing delays. State testing centers suddenly became overextended resulting in shortages of kits and delays in results. This scenario replicated statewide and nationwide. Truly distressing. I've lost hope in obtaining any control over this without therapeutics. Too many uncontrollable factors at play.

July 20

Exactly 4 months since California went into lockdown. Since Memorial Day weekend counties around the state began a phased opening up which instantly led to scary results. Now retail has opened up, but personal services in much of the state had to shut down again.

California has plateaued at roughly 9,500 new cases in the past week, with daily deaths close to 100. In Santa Barbara County there've been about 100 new daily cases. Numbers are high but showing a promising trend.

Masks have been mandated statewide. Schools will not be open for in person instruction this fall until the county improves their Covid situation and gets removed from the governor's watchlist.

South Africa has had a shocking two months of explosive increase in Covid cases. With 364,000 total cases, they are now 5th in the world, adding about 13,000 new cases each day. Current total death is 5,000. Comparatively low, and ranked 22nd, but their daily toll has now risen above 100.

I find it so disheartening that we blew our opportunity to get this pandemic under control in the USA. Really underscores the importance of a competent leader. At this point when I look at the story of Covid so far, here's how I can summarize it:

Phase 1 It started in January with Wuhan in lockdown and the WHO announcing a world health disaster. In February as Covid increasingly became daily news, panic shopping set in. Toilet paper flew off the shelves for reasons nobody knows. Everyone began hoarding long shelf life food - rice, pasta, canned foods, flour, yeast, etc. Supermarket shelves emptied out.

 

Phase 2 In mid March Italy's crisis kicked off Europe's lockdowns, followed weeks later by lockdowns in the USA and then the rest of the world was in some form of quarantine. In April pretty much the entire global economy ground to a halt, except for China which was awakening from its slumber. Home made bread photos appeared on social media. Mitigation appeared successful when World Covid numbers began a decline as did the daily death toll. 

Phase 3 In mid May people emerged from their hibernation. Some countries (New Zealand, Australia) had achieved success and could safely resume normal life while employing suppression strategies. Europe and the East Coast of the USA stuck to expert advice and opened up safely, cautiously. The rest of the USA, goaded by Trump the infant, opened up too soon. Dr. Fauci's Cassandra warnings fell on deaf ears, even in California. By early June the mistake was impossible to deny by the graph shifting its curve. Deaths continued to decline and then by early July the curve bent upwards. About 1000 daily deaths currently. At April/May peak we were seeing about 2,500 daily deaths.

Now we're in a new phase, with just as much uncertainty as early spring. I'm no longer holding my breath. I realize the world will continue to be chaotic for at least another 6 months. I suspect we don't need to hoard toilet paper and stock up on non perishables anymore. There's some chance people will wake up and adhere to safety measures so that we can live with fewer restrictions. Maybe we're in mid pandemic at this point.

The good news is that therapeutics are looking increasingly promising. Current treatments are already effective in reducing hospitalizations and deaths. Vaccine candidates have shown success in early trials and a few have progressed to Phase 3. It looks increasingly likely that in a few months we'll have more and better treatment options and by January 2021 there'll be a successful vaccine.

I'm amazed I still have my sanity 4 months later. For the most part my mood is good and I'm able to keep occupied with activities I enjoy. But I so miss the freedom to pop into stores and meet up with friends in a more relaxed way. We've had friends over for socially distanced evening meals and drinks. Summer temperatures have been pleasant and face to face communication with people dear to us has been wonderful. In early July we packed a lunch and joined Judy and Andy on their shady deck looking out to mature oaks. Over a full bodied aged French wine from their cellar, we covered all the current topics as well as the opera that the Met has been making available for free on their website. Judy served an incredible home made berry sorbet infused in a basil syrup. 

Robin and Eje came over for dessert and wine one evening. I made a French Apple Tart, an annual indulgence using our home grown apples. Nancy and Rich joined us for drinks and apple cobbler on another evening. Susan and Bob came over with their own meal and drinks. Petar and Anna returned from their cabin near the Tetons and invited us over for drinks on their deck. Premi and Sri have been regulars for shared dinner every Sunday evening. We're so grateful to have such caring friends that we're able to actually interact with in these strange times.

Summer bounty has been a welcome mood booster too. Corn and heirloom tomatoes from Lane Farms, and peaches, plump blackberries, honey sweet strawberries in our Givens Farms CSA box compensate for our inability to shop at weekend farmer's markets.

A week ago we were jolted by the news that Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is again on chemotherapy due to cancer spots found in her liver. This 87 year old woman has caused us a lot of stress in the last 3 years with her health issues. Why didn't she retire under Obama? It's a mystery. Fingers crossed she'll pull through for another 6 months.

Covid in California June 2020

Covid Diary

June 30, 2020

Covid Cases: Worldwide 10,500,000 and 510,000 deaths; USA 2,700,000 and 130,000 deaths; California 224,000 and 6,000 deaths; Santa Barbara County 2,900 and 29 deaths; South Africa 144, 260 and 2,529 deaths. New daily Covid cases in the USA now over 40,000, the highest since the start of the pandemic. Disturbing trends since Memorial Day weekend when economies started opening up. Flattened curves switched to steep climbs especially in Texas, Florida, Arizona and our state, California. Arizona has returned to a lockdown today.

The high anxiety levels we experienced in March have returned. The news now headlines with the almost out of control Covid situation. 

Especially frustrating since we were making progress. The graph of daily deaths shows an April 21 peak of 2,700 deaths, then a downward slide since Memorial Day. If only the states heeded Dr. Fauci's advice to continue with lockdown for a little longer we might have attained a similar success to Europe. The consequences of impatience is upon us. 

 In California the 14 day rolling average of new cases is 4,513. But numbers exploded this past week to above 6,000 a day. Deaths - 14 day rolling average is 58. These spiking numbers are beginning to impact hospitals and by mid July the death toll I'm sure will be worse than April numbers. Damn!

Why has California failed despite an early lockdown? Los Angeles continues to see around 2,500 new cases a day. Santa Barbara County after initial success, now sees between 40 and 100 new infections. Some reasons have to do with pandemic fatigue. Graduation parties, friends meeting up at bars and family celebrations have likely led to increased case numbers. Bottom line: we opened up our economy too soon. Americans don't have the discipline to follow the example of successful countries. The lack of logic and insistence on reckless behavior is most disheartening.

Thankfully, face coverings are now a statewide requirement. Newsom has asked 8 counties to close their bars and slow down re-openings. Nationwide the message for mask wearing is finally gaining strength and becoming the norm. 

However, I fear a messy up and down battle until therapeutics become available. And that could be 6 months in the future.

Now for some positive updates.

Daryl about to give a speech to graduating Creative Studies students. A virtual ceremony done via Zoom

Rich birdlife in our area and everyday we see something cute. Here's a California quail and the other family members are nearby, hidden.

Watched this hawk from our living room window

We're drowning in fruit harvest. In addition to the impossible apple crop this year, our apricot tree has blessed us with a generous load of flavorful honey sweet fruit. Our Santa Rosa plum tree has faithfully obliged us again though not like last year when we hauled a huge amount to the food bank. This year I delivered two boxes of apples to the food bank and left a bag of apples at the doorstep of various friends.

We made 6 apple pies for the freezer and I froze baked, sliced apples in ziplock bags too. 

Our home grown fruit - so rewarding and so delicious

All our apricots were ready to eat at the same time. So I stewed some which we blended and used as a topping on our Sunday morning scones. And I made my favorite dessert - apricot tart - which we'll pig out on over a few days.

Apricot tart - short crust pastry, then a frangipane layer topped with juicy apricots 

We have a new stove - an updated version of our old GE Profile. I love it. It's more powerful, has cast iron grates over a stainless steel surface and is outfitted with 21st century features such as WIFI enabled controls.

Dinner of French Onion Soup and salad

We've been getting giant sized onions, sweet and crisp, in our weekly farm box. Of course I had to make one of our absolute favorite dishes - French Onion Soup. Caramelized onions simmered in broth, topped with toasted sourdough bread and Gruyere cheese. Heavenly! A mood booster during pandemic times! Of course the wine, Pinot Noir, is local.

Weekend beach walks - fresh, cool air, delightful sounds of crashing waves, and tranquil atmosphere is an unbeatable way to start the day. In the first half of June summer heat was upon us, but then the fog rolled in, and the second half of June was so much more pleasurable. 

We often walk over five miles from Campus Point to Bacara and back, on soft sand, compact enough to provide a comfortable cushion, visual delights abound. 

Aren't you a beauty?

We don't often see seals so this was a treat. He was with his mates and family, but he gave us the best pose!

We always see Snowy egrets, sand pipers, plovers and Great blue herons. From time to time a pod of dolphins get us excited.

Cormorants on Bacara Beach

Weekend dinner with friends have been blissful. In early June Premi, Sri, Bruce and Janette joined us on our patio where we set out 3 tables for each couple to allow for physical distancing.

Physically distanced dinner party

We gorged on Premi's mushroom empanadas, Janette's falafel, a hefty spring salad and sautéed zucchini strips. Daryl's still warm apple pie and ice cream rounded off the meal. We had plenty to talk about with the news cycle as intense as it has been all of 2020.

Premi and Sri have been coming over every Sunday evening for a shared meal and an opportunity to chat with someone other than our spouse.

Bookclub has also helped keep my spirits up. Zoom has enabled this activity. The new group that Robin invited me to join discussed Unorthodox by Deborah Feldman. I found the book boring, simplistic, with too much detail given about mundane activities. Surprisingly, everyone else was far more enthusiastic. Most had consumed the audio version, which would have been a better option and more productive use of my time. I'm beginning to think this group isn't going to work for me. Our tastes are so different. They hated Elizabeth Gilbert's City of Girls which I loved. They couldn't see its literary merit. But they loved this month's pick which I was lukewarm about. Luckily out next pick is Chimimanda's Americanuh which I've already read and which I deem an important contribution to literature.

On June 25 my regular book group met in person for the first time since pandemic restrictions. It's midsummer so we were able to spread out in Linda's back garden. What a delightful feeling it was to have face to face conversations, share a meal together, sip wine, and just indulge our gregarious needs. We discussed Bill Bryson's The Appalachian Trail. The book was written a while ago, and we all enjoyed his humorous accounts of backpacking tribulations. Inserting history, environmental problems and culture added muscle, though we cringed at pre Me-too era observations.

Morning Runs

We've been waking up to a dense marine layer every day for the second half of June. We welcome it since it lowers fire danger and protects me from the sun, keeping me cool on my morning run. A foggy week of low tide enabled me to go on beach runs from Goleta Beach to Campus Point and back. What an invigorating experience! Pure air, the sound of gulls and surf and the sight of water, shore birds, and tide pool creatures. 

A flock of pelicans seek breakfast

So glad for this alternative to gym exercise during this difficult time. After 30 minutes of running I do stretches on the beach facing the ocean. It's magical. My other place to run, Stow Park, is peaceful and shady and a good alternative on hot, sunny mornings.

Other June News

June 2 marked 8 consecutive days of protests since the George Floyd killing. It turned into an international movement. 

Trump deployed the military to control protests - the government against civilians. Such extreme measures  historically were only done a few times in the past when there was consensus from Congress. More scandalous was his callous photo op event. On June 1 while he praised himself for a few minutes in the Rose Garden, peaceful protestors in Lafayette Park across from the White House were violently cleared away by law enforcement using tear gas, flash bang grenades and pepper bullets. The goal was to clear the way for Trump to walk across the White House lawn, escorted by close associates, to a church. There, he held a bible and had photos taken for the press.

The Black Lives Matter marches and demonstrations crescendoed and peaked on the day of George Floyd's funeral service which took place on Monday, June 8 in Houston. Large crowds marched in protest of police brutality everywhere, including here in Santa Barbara. At the Dolphin fountain everyone knelt for 8 and a half minutes, the length of time a policeman pressed his knee on Floyd's neck.

Then, on Friday evening, June 12, another incident re-ignited the protests. Police shot and killed a black man who was found asleep, drunk in his car at a Wendy's parking lot in Atlanta, Georgia. The shooting occurred when the man was running away after grabbing a taser. Protestors showed anger but set fire to that Wendy. 

Disconcerting incidents. We find ourselves in a destabilized environment.  

June 19, Juneteenth, the holiday to celebrate the end of slavery, has gained attention this year. Used to be a regional celebration, bur after Trump had planned a rally in Tulsa for this date there was backlash. 

Trump's rally in Tulsa on June 20 flopped. Zoomers took to Tik tok, an online platform, to encourage ticket purchases for the event and not show up. They are claiming credit for the unpacked stadium. Attendees were required to sign a Covid waiver form to prevent lawsuits, but there are no requirements to adhere to safety precautions such as face coverings.

And one last item - this year for the first time Santa Barbara did not have a Solstice Parade. Usually the biggest downtown event where participants spend months planning their costumes and the whole town turns festive. Yet another Covid casualty.

When are we going to have normal again?

Covid in California - Part 5

More Bleakness

May 2020

May ends on a despairing note. Protestors took to the streets in cities all over the country. First there was rioting and looting in major US cities transforming shuttered, ghostlike centers into battlegrounds. Blacks venting years of suppressed anger countered by law enforcement. The catalyst, the brutal death of George Floyd earlier this week.

Honoring the brutal death of George Floyd

Suffocation by the force of a policeman's knee against Floyd's neck. An incident triggered by Floyd paying for cigarettes with a counterfeit $20 bill. A series of other, recent racist events -the bird watcher at Central Park, the trial preparation for the February Ahmaud Arbery shooting incident, the Breonna Taylor shooting - had already set the scene. Over the weekend, anger was channelled into peaceful protests that swelled and spread around the nation and world. Large gatherings marched in solidarity, waving banners. Curfews had to be imposed, but these were violated in places when some protestors switched to destructive behavior. Police deployed tear gas and rubber bullets and made arrests. And all of this while Covid 19 hit East Coast Blacks harder than any other ethnic group. When the person holding the highest office in the country is unable to reach out and show compassion, and in fact, does the opposite - it leaves us more frustrated, sombre. Not what we need in the midst of a pandemic.

Covid 19 numbers on this last day of May:

Identified cases: Worldwide 6.2 million; USA 1.8 million; California 100,000; South Africa 30,000; UK 275,000; Australia 7,195

Brazil has zoomed up to half million cases, Russia 400,000

I'm concerned to see that LA is the new epicenter in the USA. Nationwide numbers are going up, but the East Coast continues on a promising trend.

But we did have a memorable start to the day. Early morning we assembled breakfast makings and drove up San Marcos Pass and headed to La Cumbre Peak. Cloud cover and fog obscured the normally sensational view of ocean and islands. At the peak there was a group of youngsters having breakfast outside tents they'd slept in the night before. There was also a notice that a permit was necessary to use a gas stove.

Why do pancakes taste better when cooked in the wilderness?

So we drove down the road a bit and pulled into a spot away from notices and set up the portable stove. The setting of valley and mountain views, wildflower scents and nature sounds boosted the enjoyment of our coffee and pancakes stuffed with berries. Didn't do much walking today. But yesterday morning we had walked 5 miles on a long stretch of beach before breakfast.

Great Blue Heron ignores us as we stroll from Coal Oil Point to the Bacara Beach and back

Journal entries for the last ten days of May:

May 21

Exciting day! For the first time since March 14 I shopped inside stores. Stepping into Sprouts and Costco, I experienced the strange world we're now living in! The stores have adapted remarkably. Wider aisles, taped paths to direct customer traffic, mandatory face masks, plexiglass shields to protect workers at the check-out counters. Twenty years ago when Costco first opened up in town we derided its bigness and absurd volume of commodities. Who buys such huge amounts, we used to wonder. Well, today I  was grateful for exactly that. I careened through empty aisles dodge-'em car style, avoiding people, to stock up for the next few months: Toilet paper (Guilty!!), paper towels, soap, laundry detergent, oils, and wine. Astonishingly, the shelves were well stocked, unlike my last expedition back in early March. I avoided the popular aisles so didn't get everything I'd intended.

California is entering Phase 2 of lockdown. Restaurants can allow dine in, and other retail will soon open up. With our county numbers low we are bracing for reckless behavior. Cheering local news is that State Street will have some traffic free blocks to allow restaurants to spread out tables on the sidewalk, European style. Us locals have long dreamed of this.
California is by no means out of the woods. On Worldometers our graph shows eye popping daily increases in new cases and daily deaths, mainly in LA county. The state is now trending more poorly than New York.

At the start of the lockdown, on March 19, we didn't know what to expect 2 months in the future. China's locked down cities were beginning to open up. Their new case numbers and daily deaths had dwindled to double digits. We assumed that our situation wasn't and wouldn't be as bad as theirs! Ha! Well, in California, even with the earliest lockdown in the nation, and a relatively strict one (though not as strictly enforced as China, Italy or Spain), our state is showing a range of results. Some counties, like ours, never reached seriously high numbers and we appear to have suppressed the spread. The Bay Area avoided a New York catastrophe. The metropolitan areas of Southern California, LA especially, after initial success in flattening the curve, are seeing spikes. I'm sure theories abound to explain this. Trouble is, our area is an easy drive up from LA and once we open up we're going to attract visitors and risk a new wave.
We're just going to have to continue 'sheltering in place' for a while longer.

Globally, Covid now has a strong foothold in Latin America. That's where the largest number of new cases are appearing. Brazil's numbers are soaring and it's now in 3rd place, below the USA and Russia. The top 3 countries all have reckless, right wing leaders, more interested in power than in following the science to protect their nations.

May 22

It's the start of the Memorial Day weekend. Some excitement is in the air, but nothing at all like usual.

Dr. Fauci on NPR with hopeful vaccine news. Moderna has seen promising results in the first phase of their human trials. There is a good chance that by January the general public may have access to a successful vaccine.

Meanwhile, we now understand that our daily lives will continue in this modified form until then.
I feel less anxious now than 2 months ago due to knowing so much more. Back in March we had questions. What was the extent of our community spread? Would we be subjected to the crisis situation we saw in Wuhan and then Italy? Would our local governments and health care providers prevail despite a leadership void at the national level? How would we cope in isolation? How long would it go on for? In March Chinese cities were beginning to open up. They had seen remarkable success in just 2 months. Would we follow the same path? Surely our situation was less serious and would end sooner??
And now we have the answers and this makes it easier to face the months ahead.
In March, little was known about the virus and the disease it caused. Now, 5 months after the coronavirus had begun its global path of tyranny scientists have unravelled a load of information. And each day we learn something new. Sometimes the news is hopeful. Like the fact that the virus doesn't mutate much and when it does its behavior is similar to early strands. This bodes well for a vaccine. Distressing news, like the new inflammatory condition seen in kids, brings us down.

Today, I went to Trader Joe's for the first time in ten weeks. Our community has low identified cases, but we are about to loosen up and enter Phase 2. I seized the opportunity realizing it may be months in the future before I may be able to do it again. Back in early March when Covid craziness hit I did some serious shopping with the hope of stocking up for a while. But empty shelves thwarted my efforts. I was pleasantly surprised to see a fully stocked store again. Everything I wanted was available and with spring in full swing I found cherries and apricots too. What a joy to glide through the aisles and select old favorites. Reassuring too was the Covid friendly shopping experience. Limiting the number of people entering the store and people waiting in line have to stand on red painted spots spaced 6 feet apart. Face coverings were mandatory.

Waiting in line to enter Trader Joe's, standing on a marked spot for physical distancing

Carts cleaned up with disinfectant by an employee. Aisles wider and with only a few people inside it wasn't hard to maintain comfortable distance from shoppers.

May 25 Memorial Day

There was a distinct holiday weekend atmosphere around us despite our confinement. State Street awoke from its 3 month slumber, in a new incarnation. Traffic free, with cafes and restaurants using the sidewalks to spread out their tables, enabling physical distancing. We had no intention to bow to curiosity and join the eager crowd out there hungry for distraction, especially with the fine, summer weather.
No complaints about our weekend though. It's so remarkable that despite the lockdown we can access fun activities.
Our 3 day weekend started on Friday evening with an after dinner stroll to our friends' home on La Goleta Road. Anna and Petar opened up a chilled Sauvignon Blanc, each couple at their own table on their spacious deck for distance and ease of mind. The breathtaking view of oak forest and mountains guaranteed a good time. As did warm spring temps and lively conversation.

We awoke at sunrise on Saturday morning and headed into the backcountry where we did a two mile hike on the Fremont Ridge Trail. Blissfully cool temperatures and lots of shade made it a lot of fun. It was the threat of a caffeine headache that got us to turn back for the uphill trudge to the car. But the endorphins lingered through the day. Daryl spent much of the day painting the exterior trim of our house which involved climbing up our tallest ladders. To prevent an adrenalin rush I hid inside and found distraction in Louise Erdrich's The Night Watchman.

It was low tide when we stepped on a peaceful beach early Sunday morning. From UCSB campus we strolled on soft sand, admiring shells and sea creatures on our way toward Coal Oil Point. Fresh, briny air, the cries of seagulls, pelicans in flight, plovers hopping about, a loan egret, rock pools, and the sound of crashing waves.
The shade of the cliff wall protected me from a sun that was strengthening by the second. Another perfect start to the day.

Our friends Premi and Sri joined us on our patio for dinner. It's so good to have face to face interactions with friends during this time when we're mostly isolated. I made a quiche, delicious it was too with fresh basil, red onions, yellow zucchini and roasted bell pepper. They had spent the afternoon cruising State Street and had bought marzipan filled Kringle from Andersen's Bakery for our dessert. Sinfully scrumptious!

It's 4 months since Wuhan was locked down due to the coronavirus and 3 months since Italy made history by being the first nation to go into a strict lockdown. Today, Wuhan and other Chinese cities have succeeded in the battle, reporting few daily new cases. Italy, Spain, Germany and France are opening up with increasing confidence. True for much of Asia. Not South Asia though. Covid 19 cases are exploding in India and its neighbors. Latin America, especially Brazil, is the new hot spot. The USA is still number one in total cases and in daily new cases which average around 20,000. Politics and a leadership void at the federal level will continue to mar our progress. Each region shows unique trends. New York continues on its trend of fewer new cases. California, which appeared promising back in April with a flattened curve, is now seeing frightening surges in LA county and metropolitan Southern California. Mystifying. How is the virus spreading after a 2 month lockdown? Who are the vectors?

The Bay Area in California, Washington State and Oregon continue to show success, reporting small new daily cases.

In South Africa, Cyril Ramaphosa has announced a transition to Phase 3 of their lockdown starting on June1. This would mean most of the economy will open up. Still no tobacco products though! Their curve went from flat to vertical. After initial success certain regions, especially the Western Cape, are exploding in Covid cases. However, the government has spent the lockdown period to beef up hospitals and resources. They believe that the expected surge would not overwhelm their facilities.

New Zealand's success in defeating the virus has won everyone's admiration. Interestingly, as they open up, they too will continue with prevention strategies such as physical distancing.

May 29

An intense news cycle related to racist acts. An incident in Central Park, NYC, shocked me. A birdwatcher, a black man, Harvard graduate in communications, politely asked a white woman to leash her dog. When she reacted by calling 911, the birdwatcher filmed her. The recording, posted by his sister on YouTube got millions of hits as everyone watched in horror how an initially innocuous encounter could escalate into a disaster. This time it was the white woman who suffered job loss, pet loss, and disgrace.

A bigger story took place in Minneapolis where a police officer was video-ed when he pressed his knee against a black man's neck and choked him to death. George Floyd's brutal final moments sparked riots on a major scale where buildings, including a police precinct, were set on fire.

Another story is a battle between Trump and Twitter. His incendiary messages have been tagged with fact checking links and warnings. Where will this go?

Two things lifted up my spirits today. I went for a run on the beach at low tide, starting at Goleta Beach, all the way past Campus Point, then back again. Fog kept the temperature cool enough to enjoy vigorous exercise. Taking in the sounds of surf, birdsong and gulping in salty air, I was thoroughly energized.
In the evening I met with my book club over Zoom. We discussed The Night Watchman by Louise Erdrich. It wasn't a story that grabbed me, but the effort was worth it. Such finely honed prose and skilled characterization by a writer focused on the issues of Native Americans of the Northwest. This story was loosely based on the author's grandfather's life and role in rebelling against an unfair law to do with land rights and ownership passed in the late 1950's. I loved the excuse to interact with buddies, to see their faces, hear their voices. So comforting. We're lucky to be living at a time when technology has made isolation so doable.

Zoom Bookclub

What does June hold for us? How bad will things get in Latin America? What about India and South Africa? Will Australia and New Zealand continue to be safe from Covid? And what will we see in California? We're on an upward trend currently with daily new cases, but our medical resources aren't overloaded and our total deaths not terrible.