News Briefs 8-25-2022

Written by Theresa-Marie Wilson

Theresa-Maria Wilson has been a journalist covering the North Coast and South County area for over 20 years. She is also the founder of Cat Noir CC and is currently working on a novel.

August 26, 2022

Siren Test This Saturday

There is no need to panic when warning sirens blast this Saturday.

PG&E will conduct their annual San Luis Obispo County Early Warning System siren test on August 27 at 12 p.m. and again at 12:30 p.m.

During the test, no action is required on the part of residents, but should you hear the sirens at other times, tune to a local radio or television station for important emergency information. If at sea, tune to Marine Channel 16.

New Executive Director at SLO Hillel

The Board of Directors of San Luis Obispo Hillel named a new executive director serving Cal Poly State University and Cuesta College.

Lauren Bandari, who has worked in Jewish organizations, arts and corporate entities, and in scholarly publishing, officially started on August 1, succeeding Rabbi Micah Hyman, who served as Hillel’s professional leader for 2 years and remains in the community.  

Lauren was selected after a selection process with governing board and student board leaders. She joins SLO Hillel after twelve years as the executive director of San Luis Obispo’s Jewish Community Center-Federation of San Luis Obispo, where she still serves on its board of directors. During her tenure, she instituted the SLO Jewish Film Festival, JCC’s Camp Shoreshim, Cal Poly’s Jewish Festival of Learning, and the Jewish Family Services of SLO. Lauren’s professional background also includes corporate roles in executive administration at Harley Davidson Motor Company, Sotheby’s, Inc, and at academic presses of University of Chicago and University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Lauren earned her bachelor’s degree in history from University of Wisconsin-Madison with a focus on Jewish studies, along with a master’s in public administration with a focus on nonprofit management from University of Illinois-Chicago.  

“At each step of my career I’ve had an eye towards connecting with my own Jewish journey that set me on my path,” Lauren said. “At the same time, my career in nonprofit administration helped me realize the magical work of lifting up the voices and spirits of the students who will lead our future. I am so excited to roll up my sleeves and get to work.”

In addition, Lidar Eini will join SLO Hillel as the new Jewish Agency Israel Fellow starting in mid-August.  Lidar is excited to serve as Cal Poly’s Israeli emissary, get to know the area, and engage with the student body and faculty. 

Lidar, 24, is from Ness Ziona, Israel and served in the IDF in the Intelligence Forces. After his military service, he worked two summers at the Jewish summer camp URJ Eisner Camp in Massachusetts. He completed a bachelor’s degree in education and Jewish studies at Haifa University. 

First Monkeypox Case in SLO County

The first case of monkeypox was identified in a San Luis Obispo County resident on August 15 following an uptick in cases globally and in California. SLO County Public health says the risk to the general public from this virus remains low, as the virus is usually spread through prolonged, close physical contact.

“This case of monkeypox was diagnosed thanks to the prompt action of the individual and their health care provider,” said Dr. Penny Borenstein, county health officer, in a news release. “Monkeypox spreads through prolonged, close physical contact with someone who has symptoms or with contaminated materials like clothes or bedding. It does not spread easily through the air or through brief contact like walking by someone on the street. Anyone who has an unusual rash and is concerned about monkeypox should contact their healthcare provider for an evaluation.”

Monkeypox is a disease caused by the monkeypox virus, a relative of the smallpox virus. Monkeypox often causes flu-like symptoms (such as chills, fever, and swollen lymph nodes) followed by a rash or sores, which can look like pimples, blisters, or an ingrown hair. It spreads primarily through close, often skin-to-skin contact with people who have monkeypox symptoms such as rash and sores or, less commonly, with unwashed materials used by someone with monkeypox symptoms. 

A vaccine can provide protection against monkeypox, but vaccine supply is currently very limited. 

For more information about monkeypox and to sign up to receive updates (including vaccine updates), go to slocounty.ca.gov/monkeypox. Public Health phone assistance is available at (805) 781-5500 Monday – Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

Cambria Rotary Welcomes Teachers and Staff 

The new school year has started and the Cambria Rotary Club decided to showed  local teachers and staff how much they appreciate them for all they do for students. 

Club members recently gathered at Coast Unon High School cafeteria on a Sunday to  prep breakfast. There was ham to be chopped, potatoes and fruit to cut and dozens upon dozens of eggs to crack and scramble.  

The next day they gathered again, just after sunrise, to work on final preparations before serving faculty and staff a big breakfast to start the day right.

“The hard work is always worth it when the staff shows up with smiles on their faces,” said  Rotary Club member Sue Robison. “We know how hard they work all year, so it is our pleasure to  do this annual breakfast as our way of saying ‘thank you.’”

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