San Diego, CA
Volunteer Spotlight: George, Devangna, & Robin – Alzheimer's San Diego
Our volunteers can be involved in one or more programs like ALZ Companions, VITALZ, social activities, and events like Walk4ALZ. Learn about these three volunteers who offer their time in different capacities and for different purposes, but all in the spirit of lending a hand to people impacted by dementia in San Diego.
Alzheimer’s San Diego Volunteer Backgrounds
George Arlantico has been an event volunteer for Alzheimer’s San Diego at our yearly fall fundraiser Walk4ALZ since 2014. Raised as a San Diegan, George enjoys all the city has to offer, including exploring new or hidden gems and food spots. He has worked in higher education and vocational training for the large part of his career and has seen the incredible impact that can be made to an underserved population.
Devangna Paul is originally from New Delhi, India and is one of our organization’s beloved international volunteers! Devangna is a VITALZ volunteer, making scheduled calls to individuals who live at home alone who have some form of memory loss. She currently resides in Ghaziabad, India, and has recently graduated with a Master’s degree in biochemistry. She then trained as a research assistant, specializing in neurodegeneration. In her free time, Devangna enjoys crocheting, taking long walks, reading mystery novels, and volunteering.
Robin Harris volunteers with Alzheimer’s San Diego as a staff and event photographer as well as hosting our Mindful Photography social activity classes, which is a program specifically for care partners to teach and allow for reflection through the world of photography. A native of San Diego and married with two teenagers, Robin has worked as a graphic designer, image editor, and photographer for over 20 years after having graduated from SDSU with her Bachelor’s degree in graphic design. Robin loves to sing, visit art museums, listen to music, play pickle ball, and spend time with her family and friends.
Volunteer Insights
With so many great organizations to volunteer for, why should folks volunteer at Alzheimer’s San Diego?
Devangna: Alzheimer’s San Diego offers a unique opportunity to directly impact the lives of individuals and families affected by Alzheimer’s disease. The flexibility in scheduling and remote working hours are a bonus. For international volunteers like myself, Alzheimer’s San Diego has made helping the community even more accessible. The organization provides comprehensive support services and resources and by volunteering here, individuals can contribute to enhancing the quality of life for those in need.
George: Alzheimer’s San Diego helps so many people in our local area and knowing that every dollar donated to the organization stays in San Diego to help with support and research is a great comfort. This allows them to make the biggest impact on our community.
How does volunteering for Alzheimer’s San Diego make an impact on your life?
Robin: I have been with Alzheimer’s San Diego for nine years and it truly has changed my life for the better. Not just as a photographer, but as a human being. When I lost my dad to this disease I really didn’t know how to deal with all I was feeling. I suppressed my emotions for many years until I felt the need to reach out to Alzheimer’s San Diego and see what I could do to help. I learned over the years that it’s not just about taking the photos, but more so about connecting with who I was capturing. When I would ask questions like, “How did you two meet?” their expressions would always change in a lovely way and then they would share their meaningful stories with me. As the stories grew, so did my compassion and empathy for those I shared time with and I can’t imagine my life without being a part of this beautiful organization.
Devangna: Volunteering for Alzheimer’s San Diego has had a profound impact on my life by fostering a greater sense of compassion, understanding, and community involvement. I truly appreciate the valuable experiences that have enhanced my personal growth. Now, I better understand the sense of gratitude that comes from socialization, and how life is not about the destination we reach but the journey itself and the people who accompanied us along the way.
Can you describe one meaningful experience you’ve had with volunteering at Alzheimer’s San Diego? How did that experience make an impression on you?
Robin: I have had so many meaningful experiences working with Alzheimer’s San Diego, but one that sticks out in my mind was the time I photographed Corey and Tom. Tom had Alzheimer’s and when we were taking photos I asked the couple if they would kiss. Afterwards Corey said, “Thank you Robin, you took me back to our wedding day.” It was at that moment that I knew I was meant to be doing this work and there would be nothing more purposeful to me in this lifetime.
George: Everything has been amazing! I love being part of the Walk4ALZ event and seeing all of the volunteers so willing to donate their time and efforts to a great cause. It’s great to listen to them share their stories that motivate them.
What is your favorite part of volunteering with Alzheimer’s San Diego?
Devangna: My favorite part of volunteering are the meaningful connections I get to establish with the clients. Being able to provide support and comfort while witnessing the positive impact it has on their lives brings me immense fulfillment.
What motivates you when working with our clients?
Robin: I’m motivated by giving back to my community with my photography. Whether I am capturing the joy that takes place in the social activities, documenting the educational programs and fundraisers, or highlighting a person or family that has been touched by this disease, I am moved beyond words on how photos can impact so many in such a meaningful way. I am blessed everyday to have this opportunity to support Alzheimer’s San Diego.
What has been your biggest takeaway from your experiences volunteering with Alzheimer’s San Diego?
George: Volunteering with Alzheimer’s San Diego was intended to be a one time thing, until I understood the number of people that were affected and the level of support the organization can provide. I have learned so much about Alzheimer’s and dementia and how it effects not only the individuals, but the caregivers and families as well.
If you’d like to volunteer or intern at Alzheimer’s San Diego, contact our Volunteer Specialist, Lindsey Proctor, at lproctor@alzsd.org or visit our volunteer page.
By Lindsey Proctor & Braulio Ambriz
RECOMMENDED: Volunteer Spotlight: Dissecting Dementia Research
PACIFIC BEACH (CNS) – Two San Diego police officers who were on foot in a Pacific Beach intersection were struck tonight by a car operated by a wrong-way driver who was believed intoxicated.
The crash occurred at 8:25 p.m. Saturday in the intersection of Thomas Avenue and Mission Boulevard, San Diego Police Department Officer Anthony Carrosco told City News Service.
The suspect’s Honda Civic was eastbound in westbound lanes when it struck the on-duty officers, Carrosco said. It was unclear what the officers were doing in the roadway.
One officer suffered non-life-threatening injuries and was taken by ambulance to a trauma center, he said. The other officer was not injured.
The man driving the Honda was arrested for suspicion of felony DUI, Carrosco said. The man’s name and age were not immediately released.
The intersection was closed for the investigation, he said.
Copyright 2025, City News Service, Inc.
Sez Me …
We should have known better. I’m an idiot for not guessing that making sense out of the College Football Playoffs would be about as pleasurable as getting a colonoscopy with a rusted rake left out in the snow.
As far back as I can remember — and those of us over 50 know this Unsocial Media’s Generation’s memory goes back a week — I’ve been shouting from the rooftops that we must have a college football playoff.
(Although I will admit to not spending much time on rooftops lately, now that TV antennas have gone the way of the carburetor.)
A four-team tournament was a good start, but obviously not large enough. When it went to 12, it appeared to be the ideal number. Those who bitched over not making the final four now were going to get a chance to prove themselves on the field of play.
The big deal today is Notre Dame being left out of the top 12, with James Madison and Tulane getting in because the system allows conference champions. Notre Dame is independent, thus no conference — in football only.
This is a real shame.
As you know, I’m no fan of the Irish. Up to this minute, they’ve been privileged beyond belief. Both ND and Miami finished with 10-2 records, but the Irish lost to the Hurricanes in the opener, and by the time the selection committee made its final list, it took head-to-head into account. Which is the way it should be, when both teams finish with the same records.
Pouting Notre Dame athletic director Pete Bevacqua, whose school has chosen not to appear in a menial (for them) bowl game, says few schools ever have had a more successful run than ND.
The programs the Irish beat in that 10-game span had an overall record of 55-65. Historic.
Despite all that, ND was one of the few teams that seemed capable of winning the national title. It certainly belonged in over Alabama, but the SEC has special powers.
The Irish will be in it soon enough. I suspect the tournament will balloon to 16 teams. The problem now is that with NIL and rampant portal transferring, we have parity as we’ve never had it before. And that’s not a good thing. It will be much harder for the James Madisons of the world to make it.
But this isn’t basketball. It doesn’t deserve to be in.
The Dukes lost 28-14 to Louisville, their only power conference opponent (and not a good one). And they’re a three-touchdown underdog to Oregon in the tournament. Notre Dame and Oregon would be close.
But that’s just too damn bad. …
Indiana’s Curt Cignetti is the most dour head football coach at any level I’ve seen. You can sit this guy down in front of “Blazing Saddles” and he’s watching “Camille.” …
Curt isn’t winning the national title, but he’s done a helluva job at Bob Knight’s school. Come to think of it, he’s Bob without the chair. …
The Eagles’ Nick Sirianni, who is leaning at the tape as the worst head coach to win a Super Bowl, worked all week with the Philly offense. Jalen Hurts had a 31.2 passer rating vs. the NFL Team That Used To Be Here on Monday night. Smokey Gaines, where are you? That’s 31.2 more than a dead man. …
Daiyan Henley tackling Tony Jefferson after his overtime pick vs. the Eagles was wise. But because it was OT, even if Jefferson had fumbled it away and Philly recovered, the game would have been over. No extra possessions allowed in OT. …
Philip Rivers, 44, who last played football in 2020, should stay as far away from the NFL as humanly possible, perhaps have another child. Alas, he can’t help himself. …
Philip has been signed by the Colts, moving his Hall of Fame eligibility up five more years — which could mean a few more kids. …
But he’s going to play. Probably Sunday. You know that. …
In fact, I’m certain Philip eventually will become the first great-grandfather to play in The League. …
Philip has to be in better shape than Justin Herbert, no? …
Jim Harbaugh is right. Herbert is a superhero. …
Patrick Mahomes is a great quarterback. But he is a lousy quarterback under pressure. Always has been. Except there’s more pressure now. Still, if the Judases give him time to throw Sunday, adios J’s. …
With that offensive line protecting Herbert the way Sarajevo cops guarded Archduke Franz Ferdinand, it remains a wonder the Judases can win a game. But it’s December, when defense matters. …
Told you. Joe Burrow is Andrew Luck waiting to happen. …
The only games the NFL should play on Christmas Day are the ones the athletes and coaches bought for the kids to open. …
Todd Bowles, we know you can cuss. Try coaching better before driving the bus over your players. …
Bill Johnston, for 39 years publicist for the NFL Team That Used To Be Here, and serving for the last nine with the Padres, is retiring. He learned from the best, Rick Smith, a bulldog, and Bill had that attitude as he battled relentlessly beside wife Ramona through her two-decade battle with Huntington’s Disease. One of the finest men I’ve known. …
Sherrone Moore has been fired as Michigan’s football coach because of an inappropriate relationship with a staff member. Sherrone then lost it and got thrown in stir for stalking and home invasion. Lane Kiffin still has time to change his mind and go to Ann Arbor. …
The Michigan job is near the top. Great history. Unlimited resources. …
USC’s Makai Lemon was the best receiver I saw all year. So he won the Biletnikoff Award. Amazing. Others agreed with me. …
The Padres have signed reliever Daison Acosta. Now there’s one with some teeth. …
The Padres and Diamondbacks will meet in Mexico City April 25 and 26? Why? Plenty of Mexican food here, and Richardson’s in Phoenix is the best Mexican in America. OK, international games are stupid. …
Now in his second year in the Fox booth, Tom Brady is getting better as he tries to earn all of that 10-year, $375 million salary. It’s what happens when Bill Belichick tells him what to say. …
Happens every week. During Steelers-Ravens, the officials screwed the Ravens into Fort McHenry. …
Officials finally got something right. They called 19 accepted penalties on the pathetic Falcons Thursday night vs. the Bucs. Atlanta still won. …
Hey, Bicycle Mayor and His Ham & Eggers: Have you taken a ride south on Kettner toward the I-5 South onramp, featuring the Rick Schloss bump? Hope you have four-wheel drive. What a disgrace. Welcome to San Diego, rental car users. …
Jeff Kent was a good baseball player. I never considered him a Hall of Famer. Still don’t. …
Army-Navy. Fastest game. As though Randy Jones were pitching. …
I was at the 1990 World Cup in Italy, which, I believe, makes me eligible for the FIFA Peace Prize. …
How can whistles be that clean?
San Diego, CA
San Diego State Edge Plans to Enter Transfer Portal After Rob Aurich Takes Nebraska Job
Nebraska’s defensive line overhaul under new defensive coordinator Rob Aurich is already appearing to create potential landing spots for veteran defenders across the country.
Less than a week after news broke that Aurich would be Nebraska’s next defensive coordinator, San Diego State junior and former three-star edge August Salvati announced his intentions to enter the transfer portal when it opens in January.
While it instantly creates a potential connection between the soon-to-be senior and his former coach, Salvati becomes a name to watch for a Nebraska program that is believed to be taking an aggressive approach to shoring up both lines of scrimmage over the offseason.
For the veteran defender, the move comes after his most productive collegiate season to date. With that in mind, here’s everything you need to know about the Clearwater, FL native
In 2025, Salvati totaled six tackles, 3.5 sacks, and one interception during the regular season while helping Aurich boast the nation’s No. 7 total defense for the year. His snap count was modest, but the production still stands, as Salvati’s sack total would instantly become a team-high on Nebraska’s squad during the same timeframe.
To put in the context the stark contrast between the Husker’s and Aztec’s ability to affect the passer, Salvati’s 3.5 sacks raked fifth highest on his team this fall. Three other San Diego State defenders totaled more than 6.5 sacks alone.
With that in mind, Salvati’s role under Aurich in the Golden State was situational, and he appears to be looking to parlay his success this year into a more impactful one in 2026. For a Nebraska program that needs all the help they can get, the veteran defender likely becomes attractive to Matt Rhule’s staff.
Salvati’s career mirrors that of many players in the modern era of college football. Out of high school, the 6-foot-3, 245-pound defender took his talents to Kilgore College in Texas. There, his first season of collegiate ball became a resounding success. Salvati totaled 29 tackles, 7.0 sacks, and a fumble recovery on his way to earning SWJCFC honors.
He then transferred to Florida Atlantic in 2024. In his lone season in Boca Raton, Salvati appeared in one game without recording any stats. After the season, that is where his timeline connects him to Aurich. Entering the transfer portal around this time last year, the, at the time, junior moved across the country to join Aurich’s Aztec squad, and the rest is history.
Under Aurich, San Diego State took a tremendous jump. In a season that saw the Aztecs go 9-3, Aurich oversaw a defense that allowed just 266.7 yards per game while holding opponents to 12.6 points on average.
His group slashed its yardage allowed by more than 154 yards per game en route to shutting out three different opponents on the year. The Aztecs also excelled in the area that Nebraska’s defense struggled in this fall. The Huskers totaled 19 sacks in 12 regular-season games, compared to the Aztecs’ 32. San Diego State also recorded the best red zone defense in all of college football, whereas Nebraska was slotted second-to-last.
On paper, the hire appears to be one in which Rhule struck gold. Every stop that Aurich has been, his teams have improved, and players have developed into all-conference level athletes. That’s yet another area the Huskers have struggled at in recent years. But from Aurich’s addition and impending announcements regarding Nebraska’s defensive line coaching position, the Huskers seem to be attempting to turn the page in that regard.
Whether Salvati does indeed end up in Lincoln next fall, or is just another name potentially linked to the Huskers’ program, Nebraska’s defense seems to be in good hands moving forward. Aurich has repeatedly proved himself to be resourceful and now has the resources needed to make an even bigger jump. Believe it or not, the Huskers are significantly more aligned in the NIL and revenue-sharing era of college football than any of their new defensive coordinator’s previous stops.
While that doesn’t mean the Huskers now have an unlimited budget, it does mean Aurich will not be limited while making additions over the coming months. He’s shown he can turn role players into NFL Draft picks, and now he’ll be asked to do the same at Nebraska.
For now, Aurich gets himself adjusted to Lincoln, but before you know it, he’ll be adding his first wave of reinforcements to his squad. The transfer portal opening date is just under three weeks away; expect more news to be had as soon as it hits.
More From Nebraska On SI
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