SAN DIEGO
Though the smiles were not readily apparent because of face coverings over mouths and noses, locals and visitors alike couldn’t hide their appreciation at being able to spend a sunny, warm Christmas Day in San Diego doing some of their favorite outdoor activities.
After all, the nation remains in the clutches of a pandemic that has crippled economies, closed restaurants, theme parks and theaters, sickened more than 18 million people and killed hundreds of thousands more.
So leaving the isolation of their homes where they have been sequestered on and off since March was a welcome gift.
Tom Lowe (center) points at the view while standing next to his girlfriend Kari and her daughter Luella Cota at Mt. Helix Park in San Diego on December 25, 2020.
TEMA Depends on Touring Pros to Get PPE Delivered Talking with three folks whoâve gone from making touring shows possible to helping get TEMAâs PPE where itâs needed Tweet
Lexi Johnson and Craig PorterPhoto: Eric England
If you work in a school, hospital or nursing home, you may have received a mask, gloves, hospital gowns or COVID-19 test kits from the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency. If so, thereâs a good chance your supplies were packaged and shipped by someone who, before the pandemic, was responsible for you being able to enjoy a concert.
Out-of-work production managers, merchandising experts and other touring professionals have found work shipping out personal protective equipment, and the gig is a win-win: It gets vital supplies where they need to go, and helps some of the hardest-hit music industry folk pay their bills while the coronavirus keeps live music in suspended animation.