San Diego, CA

Volunteer Spotlight: George, Devangna, & Robin – Alzheimer's San Diego

Published

2 years ago

February 26, 2024

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

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San Diego, CA

Four suspects jailed in beating death of 59-year-old man in Linda Vista

Published

2 hours ago

December 12, 2025

Press Room

Four suspects jailed in beating death of 59-year-old man in Linda Vista

A San Diego Police cruiser. Photo by Chris Stone

Four suspects were behind bars Friday for allegedly beating a man to death two months ago during a fight at Linda Vista Park.

Arrested Wednesday on suspicion of murder in connection with the violent death of 59-year-old Ruben Rimorin were Juan Garcia Alavez, 21, Juan Manuel Lopez, 26, Brian Reyes, 20, and Franklin Joseph Tuell, 21, according to the San Diego Police Department.

Rimorin was found gravely injured about 3:45 a.m. Oct. 18 on a sidewalk in the 6800 block of Osler Street, just west of the park, SDPD Lt. Chris Tivanian said. Paramedics tried in vain to revive the victim before pronouncing him dead at the scene.

It remains unclear what sparked the deadly fight.

The suspects were being held at San Diego Central Jail without bail pending arraignment, scheduled for Friday afternoon.

–City News Service

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San Diego, CA

Coastal Commission ruling opens door to development of National City waterfront

Published

14 hours ago

December 12, 2025

Press Room

Coastal Commission ruling opens door to development of National City waterfront

National City’s Pepper Park can soon expand in size by nearly 50%, thanks to a ruling this week by the California Coastal Commission to approve the National City Balanced Plan.

The approval of the plan at the CCC’s Wednesday meeting, developed by the Port of San Diego, means that not only will the popular park have the ability to increase in size, big changes are coming for commercial, recreation and maritime uses on the National City bayfront.

“We are grateful to the California Coastal Commission for its support of the National City Balanced Plan,” said Danielle Moore, chair of the Board of Port Commissioners. “The progress we have made has been anchored in tireless collaboration with the community, business leaders and, of course, the city of National City. It’s about bringing more recreational opportunities to the bayfront while also streamlining and strengthening maritime operations, and we are eager to bring these projects to life.”

Other components of the balanced plan include:

Realigning Marina Way to serve as the buffer area between commercial recreation and maritime uses
The closure of Tidelands Avenue between Bay Marina Drive and West 32nd Street, and West 28th Street between Tidelands Avenue and Quay Avenue, around six acres, to increase terminal efficiency by eliminating redundancies
The development of a recreational vehicle park, tent sites, cabins and the “ultimate development of up to two hotels with up to 365 rooms, as well as dry boat storage,” a port statement read
A connector rail project to connect the existing rail and loop track located on the National City Marine Terminal to additional rail car storage spots at the existing Burlington Northern Santa Fe National City Yard east of the National Distribution Center

The Board of Port Commissioners must accept the CCC’s certification, then the port and city can begin the process of completing the above projects.

“I am proud of the work we have done to help create a lasting legacy for National City, the Port of San Diego, and the entire region,” said Port Commissioner GilAnthony Ungab. “Nearly a decade in the making, this plan balances the interests of the community and many other stakeholders, addresses public access, maritime, and recreation uses, and expands waterfront access in my community.”

The National City Bayfront is 273 acres of waterfront land and 167 acres of water, and includes the National City Marine Terminal, Pepper Park, Pier 32 Marina, the Aquatic Center and pieces of public art.

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San Diego, CA

Gloria announces effort to add more townhomes, cottages to San Diego neighborhoods

Published

1 day ago

December 11, 2025

Press Room

Gloria announces effort to add more townhomes, cottages to San Diego neighborhoods

Mayor Todd Gloria announced an initiative Wednesday intended to expand housing options in neighborhoods by integrating small-scale residences such as townhomes, rowhomes and cottages into an area’s existing character.

The Neighborhood Homes for All of Us initiative is also intended to support community land trusts — nonprofit organizations that acquire land to create permanent affordable housing.

“Since Day 1 of my administration, I have been focused on building more homes that San Diegans can actually afford — and getting them built faster,” Gloria said at a news conference Wednesday. “‘Neighborhood Homes for All of Us’ is the latest piece of that puzzle. This innovative program will break down the barriers that have gotten in the way of building the type of housing that I believe is ideal for young families and first-time homebuyers for whom the dream of homeownership has long felt out of reach.”

Around 80% of land zoned for housing in the city is restricted to single-family homes, which continue to increase in price, Gloria said. And a significant portion of new housing being built consists of apartment buildings with primarily studio and one-bedroom units, leaving working-class families fewer and fewer options for homes.

Neighborhood Homes for All of Us is intended to increase the housing supply and allow community land trusts to keep housing affordable in disadvantaged communities for low- to middle-income families.

“San Diego is an incredible place to raise a family, and more families need the opportunity to do that in San Diego’s existing, highly desirable single-family neighborhoods where their kids can learn and play in a great community,” City Planning Director Heidi Vonblum said. “But today, that comes at a price that is out of reach for too many. Integrating more options for families requires careful and thoughtful planning, with input from existing and future community members across the city, to ensure these new home opportunities for San Diego’s families are built in ways that best enhance and benefit San Diego’s amazing neighborhoods.”

The initiative will roll out in two phases. In the first phase, beginning this week and continuing through next summer, San Diegans can help determine what the neighborhoods can look like. The public will be able to see renderings showing small-scale neighborhood homes within San Diego’s existing communities, along with new regulations that “provide a clear pathway for building these homes,” according to a statement from Gloria’s office.

Phase 1 will also include an open house and ways for the community to provide feedback and concerns.

Phase 2, scheduled for the second half of 2026, will be for city staff to develop regulations allowing for the building of more neighborhood homes in a way informed by the public feedback.

The initiative is partly funded through a Regional Early Action Planning grant from the San Diego Association of Governments.

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