Posts in 2020 in Review
The Last Wave of Bioluminescence

After nearly a month of lighting up shores from Baja California to Santa Cruz, the bioluminescent waves have faded. The phenomenon, which drew national media attention, entertained thousands of people eager to see the rare spectacle despite California’s beaches being closed due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. Along several beaches, some local police gave up trying to enforce beach closures due to the large crowds.

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A Check in the Mail for Students in Need

CARES ACT, $12 million emergency relief money for Santa Monica College, will distribute $6 million to students affected by the pandemic and the rest for institutional support. Primarily pell grant students qualify, while undocumented and international students are left out. Administration sends out surveys necessary to determine if a student qualifies. Students can reapply for financial aid if income has been affected due to COVID-19.

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California's Steps to Reopen Amid COVID-19

California’s four steps to reopen include the retail industry and manufacturing, while gyms, hair and nail salons will follow later. Offices that are able to work virtually, will continue to do so in an attempt of maintaining social distancing. Fourth step is the end of "Safe at Home" measures, while people fear for their financial situation during this process.

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SMC Now Using Proctorio, an Online Monitoring Tool

On March 19, Santa Monica College (SMC) faculty received an email with the subject line “Proctorio -- test proctoring software now available” from Interim Dean of Instructional Services, Jason Beardsley. The email explained that an online software known as Proctorio had become available to all SMC faculty that use Canvas, in an effort to “enhance academic integrity by monitoring each student’s behavior during an exam.”

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Your Quarantine is Not Like Ours

While the world is thrown into chaos, America is in crisis, and everyday citizens are affected by the Covid-19 virus in some way or another, celebrities have beamed onto our screens to tell us to “stay positive” and “we’re all in this together." But as they remind us to stay indoors and give us their personal opinions on the matter, many find their attention focused on something else entirely.

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How to Stay Mentally Healthy in Quarantine

COVID-19 has escalated more and more over the last few weeks, with more than 500,000 cases in the US and 1.6 million cases worldwide. Everyone is told to stay at home and practice social distancing to avoid spreading the virus. As we are moving into the fourth week of quarantine, people are probably beginning to feel the effects of isolation on their mental health.

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Dine-In at Home and Order Takeout

With closure of dine-in restaurants throughout California, the demand for takeout services has increased. Third party ordering platforms such as "Grubhub," "Postmates," and "DoorDash" have quickly grown in popularity due to current circumstances. Major food delivery apps have assisted owners during this transition to help generate income and keep business afloat.

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Safer at Home Extended, Easter Weekend Closures and Economic "Whiplash"

Half a million of Americans are now infected with COVID-19 and fatalities numbers surpassed every other country. Los Angeles extended measures till May 15 and Santa Monica Closed beaches and markets amid Easter weekend. Free testing in LA comes with priorities. Food and ventilator donations due to the pandemic’s financial crisis.

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