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

Here are the 9 San Diego County communities that set or tied heat records

Published

1 hour ago

March 1, 2026

Press Room

Here are the 9 San Diego County communities that set or tied heat records

San Diego County is known for having wet, cold weather in February. But it had numerous hot spells this year. And when the month ended on Saturday a high pressure system produced heat that broke or tied temperature records in nine communities from the desert to the sea, the National Weather Service said.

The most notable temperature occurred in Borrego Springs, which reached 99, five degrees higher than the previous record for Feb. 28, set in 1986. The 99 reading is also the highest temperature ever recorded in Borrego in February.

Escondido reached 95, tying a record set in 1901.

El Cajon reached 92, three degrees higher than the record set in 2009.

Ramona topped out at 88, five degrees higher than the record set in 2009.

Alpine hit 88, four degrees higher the record set in 1986.

Campo reached 87, four degrees higher than the record set in 1999.

Vista hit 86, four degrees higher than the record set in 2020.

Chula Vista reached 84, one degree higher than the record set in 2020.

Lake Cuyamaca rose to 76, four degrees higher than the record set in 1986.

Forecasters say the weather is not likely to broadly produce new highs on Sunday. Cooler air is moving to the coast, and on Monday, San Diego’s high will only reach 67, a degree above normal.

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San Diego, CA

Francis Parker captures Open Division girls basketball title

Published

13 hours ago

March 1, 2026

Press Room

Francis Parker captures Open Division girls basketball title

OCEANSIDE — The Frontwave Arena scoreboard showed 23 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter. Up 16, Francis Parker’s win over Westview High School for the CIF San Diego Section Open Division girls basketball championship was secure.

“No, no, no!” Parker head coach Courtney Clements screamed to freshman guard Jordan Brown, telling her there was no need to score.

So Brown walked the ball up the floor, from the backcourt, across midcourt, a 1,000-watt smile etched across her face.

With no Wolverines defending her, Brown dribbled from side to side across the logo. Then, a fraction of a moment before the final buzzer sounded, Brown flung the basketball high toward the rafters, then was engulfed by teammates.

The job was complete. Parker’s first Open Division title in program history was secure, the final reading 66-50 on Saturday night.

Of those final seconds, said Brown, who scored 23 points. “It was a surreal moment, knowing we worked for this all year long. It’s amazing.”

One reason it was amazing was because the top-seeded Lancers (21-7) were a decided favorite, but were stressed by the sixth-seeded Wolverines (20-9). Led by UC Santa Barbara-bound senior guard Sarah Heyn (18 points in the first half), Westview led 35-28 early in the third quarter.

“I just knew I had to do whatever it took to win,” said Brown. “Whether that was defense or offense. I just wanted to win, period.”

Sparked by its defense, Parker closed the quarter on a 14-0 run. Westview’s final 11 possessions of the quarter ended with five missed shots and six turnovers.

Still, the game wasn’t over. Heyn cut the deficit to 48-44 with just over six minutes to play on a bucket. But with 5:47 to play, Heyn was whistled for her fifth foul on a reach-in.

“Knowing their best player fouled out, we sealed the win,” said Brown.

As for Heyn, who finished with 23 points, she sat on the bench and pulled her jersey over her eyes, hiding tears.

Clements’ thoughts when Heyn fouled out? “I hope we can put this game away now.”

Francis Parker High’s Jordan Brown shoots against Westview High during the CIF Open Division championship at Frontwave Arena in Oceanside on Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026. Francis Parker defeated Westview 66-50. (Kristian Carreon / The San Diego Union-Tribune)

That the Lancers did, outscoring Westview 18-6 down the stretch.

The Lancers’ players and coach were effusive in their praise for Heyn, a four-year starter.

“She’s a great player,” said Brown.

“She played phenomenally,” said Clements. “She played the way you would think a senior would play in a championship game. She played desperately. She played every possession like it was the last 20 seconds of the game. She was extremely impressive. (Heyn buried five 3s, missing only once from deep.) She should be proud of herself.”

Clements was proud of her team for another reason. After blowing out two-time reigning Open Division champion Mission Hills by 26 in the semis, some thought Parker might cruise in the title game.

“I figured it was going to be a fight, and it was,” said Clements. “It was good that our girls had to come together, had to stick together. That’s what this is all about, developing character via the sport of basketball. When the kids face adversity, they have to make a decision. Who do they want to be? They showed the best version of themselves. That’s what I want to remember from a game like this.”

Francis Parker’s primary color is brown, which is fitting for the girls basketball team. They are led not only by the freshman Jordan Brown, but also junior Brieana Brown, a strong, aggressive and athletic 5-foot-11 wing.

Brieana Brown scored 25 points and yanked down a team-best eight rebounds.

About the team in brown being led by the Browns (who are not related), Jordan Brown said: “It’s super cool. I love Bri and our story. So many people think we’re related, that we’re siblings. In reality, we’re not, but we play like it.”

Francis Parker High's Brieana Brown shoots against Westview during the CIF Open Division championship at Frontwave Arena in Oceanside on Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026. Francis Parker defeated Westview 66-50. (Kristian Carreon / The San Diego Union-Tribune) — Francis Parker High’s Brieana Brown shoots against Westview during the CIF Open Division championship at Frontwave Arena in Oceanside on Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026. Francis Parker defeated Westview 66-50. (Kristian Carreon / The San Diego Union-Tribune)

Francis Parker and Westview both will advance to the Southern California Regionals.

Earlier in the season, Clements — who was dressed in all black for the championship game — confessed she wasn’t crazy about Parker’s primary color. Her mood shifted Saturday night.

“Brown’s doing well for me now,” she said.

Asked if Lancers’ Brown squared tandem represents the best one-two girls basketball punch in the San Diego Section, Clements gave the questioner a “What do you think?” smirk.

“That,” said the coach of the Open Division champions, “is a no-brainer.”

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